LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER · CERTIFIED BY REDLINE RESCUE IN FLORIDA

Debbie Yost

Art Therapist for Grief, Identity & Reconnection IN RHODE ISLAND & FLORIDA

Pronouns: She/Her

Licensure: LCSW

Location: Rhode Island & Florida

Languages: English

Accepting New Clients: Yes

Sliding Scale: Yes

Insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Carelon, Harvard, Medicaid, NHP, Optum, Tufts, UHC

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About Debbie

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a broad background in behavioral health, including medical, correctional, and community-based settings. As someone who identifies as a femme lesbian and has deep roots in the LGBTQ+ community, I’m passionate about supporting people from all walks of life—especially those whose identities or experiences may have been marginalized or misunderstood.

I have extensive experience working with LGBT+ couples, and I honor the unique strengths and challenges that come with navigating relationships at the intersections of culture, identity, and lived experience. My practice is committed to affirming and celebrating diverse backgrounds, relationship structures, and family systems.

My work centers on helping individuals and couples move through life’s transitions, whether you’re a first responder, navigating a major change, or facing challenges like depression, anxiety, alternative relationships, body image concerns, or codependency. I welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and relationship constellations.

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and grounded in compassion, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family systems, person-centered care, holistic methods, and creative modalities like art and music therapy. I strive to honor each person’s and couple’s unique story and strengths.

I hold a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Central Florida and have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2006, a Qualified Supervisor for MSW Interns since 2018, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

Above all, I believe in creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive space where you can show up as your full self. Healing happens in connection—and I’m here to walk alongside you as you explore, heal, and grow.

If you’re ready, let’s connect and create meaningful change together.

Specialties

  • ADHD

  • Autism Spectrum

  • Anxiety

  • Bipolar Patterns

  • Depression

  • Chronic Illness

  • Divorce and Relationship Transitions

  • Race-Related Stress

  • Trauma

  • Immigrant and Refugee Experiences

  • Interfaith Relationships

  • LGBTQ+ Issues

  • Military and Veteran Care

  • Political Stress

  • Religious and Spiritual Concerns

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • Social Anxiety

Areas of Focus

  • Black Liberation

  • Decolonization and Decoloniality

  • Disability Justice

  • Ecological

  • Climate, and Animal Justice

  • Military and Veteran Support

  • Sex-Positive Care

  • Sex Worker–Affirming Practice

  • Spiritual Healing Practices

  • Spiritual and Religious Trauma and Healing

  • Indigenous-Informed Talking Circles

Modalities

  • Narrative

  • CBT

  • Solution-focused

  • Spiritual healing

  • Strength based

  • Motivational interviewing

Lived Identity
and Experience

  • Multicultural Background

  • Chronic Illness

  • Latinx Identity

  • LGBTQ+ Identity

  • Fat Person

  • Woman

Why I Do This Work

“I believe healing happens when people are seen and heard for who they truly are. My work is guided by the deep knowing that identity, culture, and lived experience matter. I am here to help people feel safe enough to explore the parts of themselves that may have been silenced, and to hold space where their truth can finally take root.”

- Debbie Yost

My Approach in Practice

I offer a space where you can bring your full self without judgment or pressure. You are not required to have the right words or a clear direction. We can begin by noticing what is happening in your body and emotions in the moment and move from there.

I often draw from Internal Family Systems to explore the parts of you that may be in conflict or carrying old burdens. I may also incorporate CBT and family systems to help us make sense of how your past and present are connected. Art, music, and creative expression can become powerful tools when emotions feel too overwhelming or difficult to articulate. When things feel too fast or too much, grounding and breathing exercises can help regulate your nervous system and bring a sense of steadiness.

My role is to support your process with care, structure, and curiosity, while holding space for whatever emerges. I want this to be a space where you feel supported enough to be vulnerable and empowered enough to grow.

What Clients Often Come to Me For

Clients often reach out when they are:

Going through grief
or loss

Want space to process without rushing themselves or their feelings.

Exploring gender identity or queerness

Seeking support that affirms who they are while holding the complexity of their experiences.

Feeling stuck in familiar relational patterns

Hoping to understand what drives them, and how to move toward more intentional ways of connecting.

Living with the aftermath of trauma or childhood experiences

Needing support to feel safe in their body and relationships again.

Longing to feel more grounded and connected

Unsure how to slow down or listen to what their body is telling them.

A sprig of eucalyptus leaves with round, pale green leaves on a transparent background.

The focus is on building a steady, trusting relationship that can hold all parts of your story with
care and curiosity.

SCHEDULE WITH DEBBIE NOW