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DS Portrait of Dr. Debra Sandler

Dr. Debra Sandler

Compassionate clinician offering practical, evidence-informed care

LCSW Florida

Experience
39 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Explore online therapy options

About Debra

Dr. Debra Sandler brings almost four decades of clinical experience to work with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, eating and sleeping struggles, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem issues, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other life transitions.

Background and approach

She concentrates on practical strategies that help clients manage feelings, improve communication, and build healthier patterns across personal and work relationships. Her approach is warm and down-to-earth; she listens attentively, helps clients clarify goals, and collaborates on concrete plans for change.

Trained at the University of Pennsylvania (master's) and Nova Southeastern University (doctorate), she has maintained a long independent practice career and draws on a range of evidence-informed methods including cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, attachment-focused work, client-centered principles, and elements of dialectical behavior therapy. Dr.

Sandler holds LCSW licensure and practices from Florida, offering services to international clients as well.

How therapeutic approaches fit into online care

Dr. Sandler commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in her online work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and learning concrete skills to change them, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and many day-to-day stressors. ACT emphasizes clarifying personal values and building willingness to experience difficult emotions while taking meaningful action, which helps with chronic distress and life changes.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. She works with clients to explore which methods align with their goals, preferences, and circumstances, and adjusts strategies as the work progresses so therapy stays relevant to what the client wants to achieve.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, continue care when travel or relocation occurs, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable for addressing emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dr. Sandler address?
She works with a broad set of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family problems, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping concerns, parenting, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
What is her general therapeutic style?
The style is laid-back and client-centered, emphasizing active listening, collaborative goal-setting, and practical strategies to manage emotions and improve communication.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 39 years of professional experience, including more than thirty years in independent practice following advanced graduate training.
What credentials and location information are on file?
She is licensed as an LCSW with registrations FL LCSW SW23130 and NJ LCSW 44SC00188400 and practices from Florida.
In which languages can sessions be conducted and are international clients seen?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available for online work?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and preferences.
How are costs and billing handled?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

39+ years

Licensed

New Jersey, Florida

Languages

English