Debra R. Bryson, LCSW & CPC
I’m Debra. It’s nice to meet you.
It seems like I’ve been in the helping profession my entire life, even before choosing counseling and coaching as my career path.
Even as a kid, others sought me out to talk about things going on in their lives and I would offer advice or words of encouragement. Later, in college, I gravitated toward classes involving human behavior in the fields of psychology, sociology, and political science.
After graduating college and working a few years, I knew I wanted to pursue a graduate degree and advanced training so that I could devote my life to serving clients to make the changes in their lives they most desired — and I’ve never looked back.
My clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, friendly, engaging, and non-judgmental. I’ve also been told I’m direct, professional, respectful, practical, interactive, and goal- and results-oriented. My work spans decades alongside individuals, couples, children, teens, families, and groups in a variety of multi-cultural settings in both the U.S. and Asia. I also work with coaching clients in the U.S. and internationally.
This brings us to today. I’m so happy you’re here and look forward to helping you Take Charge Of Change.
I’m Debra. It’s nice to meet you.
Debra R. Bryson, LCSW & CPC
It seems like I’ve been in the helping profession my entire life, even before choosing counseling and coaching as my career path.
Even as a kid, others sought me out to talk about things going on in their lives and I would offer advice or words of encouragement. Later, in college, I gravitated toward classes involving human behavior in the fields of psychology, sociology, and political science.
After graduating college and working a few years, I knew I wanted to pursue a graduate degree and advanced training so that I could devote my life to serving clients to make the changes in their lives they most desired — and I’ve never looked back.
My clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, friendly, engaging, and non-judgmental. I’ve also been told I’m direct, professional, respectful, practical, interactive, and goal- and results-oriented. My work spans decades alongside individuals, couples, children, teens, families, and groups in a variety of multi-cultural settings in both the U.S. and Asia. I also work with coaching clients in the U.S. and internationally.
This brings us to today. I’m so happy you’re here and look forward to helping you Take Charge Of Change.
What you won’t hear in my office is criticism or judgment.
Credentials
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), TX & VA
CPC (Certified Professional Coach)
EMDR Certified (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
MSW (Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work), Advanced Standing & Specializing in Mental Health Counseling
BS (Bachelor of Science in Social Work & Minor in Public Administration), Summa Cum Laude
Professional Affiliations
EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association), Member
Empire Who’s Who Among Social Workers and Executives and Professionals in Mental Health, Honored Member
ICF (International Coaching Federation), Member
NASW (National Association of Social Workers), Member
The Net Connection (Professionals in Mental Health in Williamson County), Member & former Board Member
WILCO Women’s Group (Williamson County Professional Women in Mental Health), Member
Published Works
A Portable Identity: A Guide to Taking Charge of Change During International Relocation, Co-Author, (coming in 2023)
A Portable Identity: A Woman’s Guide to Maintaining a Sense of Self While Moving Overseas, Co-Author, (2005, 2003); (e-book 2013)
Realities of Foreign Service Life, Contributing Author, Volume 2 (2007)
Kind words from a client.
“Debra is the best therapist I have had (and I've had a few in the past 30 years, since I moved from one location to another numerous times). Debra somehow has this amazing capability to balance the conversation - with overall genuine compassion and care - between listening, asking, sharing helpful information and giving practical advice. She is an expert in helping people in times of transition, which is invaluable for people who struggle with change. As if that is not impressive enough, Debra continuously keeps developing her knowledge, expertise and arsenal of therapy approaches. She is committed to learning from the best so that her clients, in return, get the best from her.
Therapist-client relationships is a subjective experience; therefore, all I can say is that my experience has been all those things that I mentioned, and Debra is always there for me with all her heart and expertise. I can't think of anything else I could ask for that I don't already get from her and for that I am eternally grateful!”
— Y.L.
Additional testimonials here.
We’re hard enough on ourselves with the negative and self-defeating voices in our own heads. The last thing we need is to hear or feel the same thing from the person we have hired to help us.
Some of the best work that comes out of my office is when a client shares a regret or mistake, a deeply held fear or worry, or something they’ve never shared with anyone.
Sometimes this even includes, “Debra, I didn’t want to come today.” This level of honesty and ‘getting real’ often means we are getting close to some core issues.
Working collaboratively brings about an opportunity for my clients to break through these challenges or barriers, resulting in forward momentum, and often, a life-changing transformation.
Let’s Take Charge Of Change, together.