“I am an optimistic & curious person who focuses on possibility. Through a DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) lens, there are always other possible ways or choices, even when we feel like we don’t have a choice.”
—Deb Sommer, MA, LMHC
Deb’s Areas of Focus
Deb offers both in-person and online therapy in Washington.
- Anxiety and OCD
- Depression
- LGBTQIA+ (life, identity and coming out, using the informed consent model)
- Emotional Dysregulation
- Parent Coaching and Support
About Deb
Deb Sommer is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who joined OptimalLife Wellness in 2018. Deb specializes in working with teens (and their families) and adults who are struggling with mood issues, such as depression, anxiety, and those healing from trauma. She also works closely with the LGBTQIA+ community to address queer/gender identity and coming out issues.
Deb is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which can help people learn how to work with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that are connected with problems in day-to-day life and increased suffering. Adult clients who are engaged in DBT are expected to attend a DBT Skills group, to attend weekly 1:1 therapy, and to engage in phone coaching to address problem behaviors. Teen clients who are engaged in DBT are expected to do the same, and their caregiver(s)/guardian(s)/parent(s) are expected to join the family/caregivers/loved ones DBT Skills group. Deb provides referrals to these groups. In addition, Deb is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and the Nurtured Heart Approach.
Prior to being a therapist, Deb spent 20 years working in the Tech industry. She has the personal experience of being burned out, stressed out, and raising a neurodiverse family while working. These experiences have contributed to Deb’s interests in helping herself and others to find more meaning in their lives. Deb master’s degree in Counseling Psychology helps to address her interests in using a mind-body approach..
Deb believes that therapy is not “one size fits all.” She is invested in respecting clients and helping them to work in their own time and in their own way. As a result, her approach to therapy might vary based on effectiveness with or feedback from clients.
Outside of work, Deb enjoys hiking, walking, and playing with her dogs. She believes that nature is a way to connect back to self.
Training & Education
Deb received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Bastyr University in 2016.