Deborah Sterling , LCSW

Deborah Sterling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California. She earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino with an emphasis on child welfare, and she has deep roots in work with children and families involved in foster care. Deborah worked over 20 years supporting children and families in the foster care system and has also provided therapeutic services to teens and adults.

Her clinical approach is supportive and informed by Cognitive Behavioral Theory, and she uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, including traditional talk therapy. Deborah draws on skills developed through years in child welfare to address practical needs alongside emotional concerns.

She has a broad range of experience with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Child Development, Adolescents, Family Therapy, and Individual Therapy. Deborah applies her training and background to help clients and families navigate transitions, manage symptoms, and build stronger relationships, with an emphasis on compassionate, strengths-based support.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Therapy with Deborah Sterling

Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client’s experiences and goals guide the work. This approach helps people build self-awareness, strengthen self-esteem, and make choices that align with their values.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps clients identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns and learn practical strategies to change them. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and other mood-related concerns because it emphasizes skills that can be practiced between sessions.

Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on clients’ strengths and small, achievable changes that move them toward their goals. It is useful when people want focused, goal-directed work to address specific problems or life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Deborah works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Licensed professionals can adapt these approaches to online formats so the work remains focused and client-centered.

Online therapy offers flexible options - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - so clients can choose what works best for their schedule and comfort. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from home, during breaks, or while managing busy family and work commitments.