"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."
~ Dr. Carl Rogers (1902 – 1987)
You are the Client
and We are a Team
Counseling is a collaborative process where a trusted relationship between client and counselor is foundational to positive outcomes. After a thorough intake, I work with you to crystallize your goals and develop a step-by-step plan to achieve them.
I am integrative in my approach, incorporating evidence-based techniques that best suit your needs, values, culture and goals. Most importantly, I strive to create an environment for you that is conducive to active exploration, change, and growth.
My personal philosophy:
"Empathy supports sharing.
Compassion encourages acceptance..
Behavioral experimentation facilitates change."
- Deborah Dennis, 2023.
North-American
Qualifications
Master of Arts (MA)
Counseling Psychology, Yorkville University, Canada
Canadian Licenses
Registered Psychotherapist, Reg # 11755
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, Canada
Certified Canadian Counsellor
Canadian Counseling Psychology Association,
Reg # 11241768
Additional North American Certifications
Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider
Certified Dialectical Behavioural Therapist
Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional
ACT Beginner Certification, Dr. Russ Harris
EFT Certification with Dr. Sue Johnson
Esther Perel Couples Therapy Approach, Master Class
Gottman Couples Therapy Leader
Narcissistic Abuse Certification, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis
The Mind Body Connection, Dr. Basel van der Kolk
Languages
Native English, Fluent German, Advanced French
Notice/Disclaimer
Deborah Dennis is licensed in Canada as a “Registered Psychotherapist” (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) and as a “Canadian Certified Counsellor” (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association). She also holds additional North American certifications and is recognized by U.S. health insurance providers.
These professional designations are valid in Canada but are not equivalent to the protected professional titles “Psychotherapeut/in” or “Heilpraktiker/in für Psychotherapie” in Germany.
Her work in Germany is limited to professional counseling, couple’s and relationship counseling, and support in personal, professional, and interpersonal matters. She does not provide diagnoses or treatment of mental disorders within the meaning of German healthcare law, specifically the Heilpraktikergesetz(HeilprG) or Psychotherapeutengesetz (PsychThG).
About me
I bring professional maturity and competence to my counseling practice. After an international business and communications consulting career that started in Toronto, Canada, and took me to Paris, Budapest, Frankfurt, London, Stuttgart and New York, my search for deeper meaning led me to shift my focus to helping individuals, couples, and families thrive.
Further to receiving an M.A. in Counseling Psychology in Canada, I completed an internship at East to West with Valerie Lang, MA, LPC. I love the values, serentiy, and commaradie in our practice, and have made East to West my professional base.
I live in the Stuttgart area with my partner Manfred. My two bilingual daughters live at opposite ends of Germany and we are proud of being life-long learners.