Debra Sarno, LCSW
New York · 30 years in practice
Debra Sarno is a licensed clinical social worker in New York who combines practical talk therapy with hypnotherapy and mindfulness tools.
License and registration
- LCSW, New York
- 028988 · expires March 2026
- NPI
- 1194878496 · national provider identifier
- Years in practice
- 30
- Languages
- English
Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.
About Debra
Debra Sarno is a licensed clinical social worker in New York who combines practical talk therapy with hypnotherapy and mindfulness tools. She draws on three decades of clinical experience to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. Debra focuses on clear goals and realistic steps so clients can see change over time.
Her background includes work in clinics, hospitals, and schools, giving her a broad view of common life and health challenges.
Background and approach
She uses client-centered methods to listen and tailor sessions to each person’s needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Debra also uses solution-focused techniques to set short-term, achievable goals that move people forward quickly.
Mindfulness practices are woven into sessions to build calm and present-moment awareness. Hypnotherapy is offered as an additional tool to support relaxation and deeper access to motivation and habit change. Sessions are practical and goal-oriented.
Debra helps with parenting strain, communication problems, workplace stress, chronic illness coping, mood concerns, and relationship and intimacy-related issues. She also addresses caregiver stress, blended family dynamics, and end-of-life concerns. Clients can expect straightforward conversation, homework when helpful, and an emphasis on small steps that make daily life easier.
The approach aims to boost coping skills, improve mood, and increase clarity about next steps.
Focus areas and approaches
Everything Debra lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Grief
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Coping with life changes
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Coaching
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Dependent personality
- Divorce and separation
- Family problems
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
Approaches Debra names
- Hypnotherapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.
Online support
How therapy approaches translate to online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person seeking help. Online sessions use that approach to shape each conversation around personal goals and immediate concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors; in remote sessions this often includes short between-session exercises and clear action steps to practice during the week.Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide whether to emphasize CBT, mindfulness practices, solution-focused steps, or hypnotherapy as a supportive tool during sessions.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls let people read facial cues and use guided exercises. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief check-ins, homework review, or when a shorter exchange fits into a busy day. These options make it easier to fit therapy into real life and keep momentum between meetings.
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Questions people ask
What concerns does Debra help with?
She works with people facing stress, anxiety, grief, parenting strain, self-esteem issues, life changes, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns, anger, career stress, mood disorders including depression and bipolar, ADHD, and related issues.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is client-centered and practical. Sessions focus on listening, setting clear goals, and using CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused methods, and hypnotherapy as tools.
How much experience does she have?
Debra brings 30 years of professional experience working in clinics, hospitals, and schools to her therapeutic work.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in New York and practices from New York.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be held by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Debra?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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