Marriage & Family Therapy
Debbie Glander MFT (License #50636)
Just as every element in a flower arrangement, every part of ourselves, no matter how small, contributes to the beauty of the whole. Each piece, though seemingly unimportant, is essential; without them, the arrangement would be incomplete.
Welcome
The decision to start therapy is an important one and you are taking a brave step by exploring your resources. I believe that understanding our past can help us grow in the present and that we are all capable of change!
Shame, trauma, perfectionism, anxiety and emotional neglect can disrupt our ability to enjoy and be present in our lives and our relationships. I focus on helping clients learn why we respond in unproductive ways, why old patterns are hard to change and how many of our defenses are automatic trauma responses.
Helping clients understand the power of pause and how to integrate this into our lives is one of the most rewarding experiences in my practice. I believe the space between being activated and responding is where much of our healing from trauma happens.
Learning that we all have an innate essence of worthiness and belonging is one of the most powerful gifts we can give ourselves on our journey of healing. It is such an honor to be on this path with my clients!
Specialties
Spiritual Abuse
Whether you were born in a high control group or joined one as an adult, the experience of leaving is painful and confusing. We will work together on validating your experience and patiently walk through the healing process.
Shame Resiliency
“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”
– Brene Brown. We will work together on recognizing how shame shows up in our bodies and develop shame resilience skills.
Eating Disorders
Initially many people develop eating disorders as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions and environments. We will work together to explore what some of the core triggers have been and find more adaptive ways to express personal, emotional and relational boundaries.
Sexual Trauma
It’s important to note that the recovery process differs for everyone, and there is no “right” way to recover from sexual trauma. Understanding common sexual trauma responses, working with the shame and guilt many victims experience and recognizing other possible triggers will be a part of the healing journey.
Substance Abuse
Many folks feel extreme shame and guilt when they continue using a substance despite experiencing negative consequences. Understanding the underlying causes of chronic use (substances can very) helping clients learn coping strategies and recognizing their unique triggers would be goals in our work together.
Anxiety
Anxiety manifests itself in many different ways and varies in severity with each person. Anxiety can occur when core emotions are triggered or internal conflicts go unresolved. Learning about how emotions work in the mind and body can help us get relief and possibly heal our anxiety.
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light”
Dr. Brené Brown
The Daring Way™
Marriage & Family Therapy 