Hello! My name is Debbie Grace Lugtu. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have my master's degree in counseling. I graduated from Palo Alto University in 2020 with Counseling Honor Society.
Speciality:
I specialize working with adults who have anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, and family conflicts.
Approach to therapy:
I create a safe space for my clients using a compassionate, warm, client-led and strength-based approach.
My ideal client is reflective as I ask questions to deep dive and help them gain insight on any underlying issues and themes in their life.
In the first sessions, I highly focus on rapport building and listening to your narrative/story using compassionate lens. Throughout our work, I use an attachment-based lens to work together to identify any underlying issues. I use narrative therapy to work with you to re-author your story in combination with a self-compassion and self-acceptance approach. Alongside, I teach coping skills such as Mindfulness and CBT.
I’ll be honored to work alongside you as your therapist!
Languages spoken:
English and understand Tagalog
Experiences:
I have 5 years of experience. I worked for the county with clients who have trauma history, anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorders, ADHD and other diagnoses; worked with veterans, at a school, and at a non-profit organization.
Before being a therapist, I worked as a family advocate giving education on the whole family well-being and resources they need to families. I have some experience working as a behavior technician with clients who have autism spectrum disorder. I’ve volunteered at Child Life at the hospital with patients who are terminally ill. I’ve taught English to children internationally through a virtual platform.
Hobbies:
I love nature — I am a big fan of the outdoors. I am a very curious person, love to learn and read. I like to write and admire art.
I am currently accepting new clients through Telehealth with private pay and insurance. Click on the Headway link below to directly book a session with me. If you don’t see your insurance on Headway, I accept other insurance through Rula. I accept private pay if you don’t want to go through insurance.
I offer a free 15 minute consultation if you’d like more information. Feel free to reach out to me via phone, message or email.
📞 (949)732-0074
📧 dlugtucounseling@gmail.com