Debbie Yost
Clinical Therapist & Art Therapist
Pronouns: She/her
Licensure: Therapist
Location: Florida
Language: English
Fee:
Sliding Scale: Available
Insurance:
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Specialties:
Anxiety, Depression & Stress
Grief & Life Transitions
Self-Esteem & Coping Skills
Addiction & Substance Use
Gender Identity & Women’s Issues
Domestic Abuse & Violence
ABOUT ME
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in behavioral health, spanning medical, correctional, and community-based settings. I have identified as a femme lesbian and have remained deeply connected to the LGBTQ+ community. My passion lies in helping individuals navigate life’s transitions, particularly first responders and those facing change-of-life issues, depression, anxiety, alternative relationships, body dysmorphic disorder, and codependency.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family systems, person-centered techniques, holistic therapy, and creative modalities such as art and music therapy.
I earned both my Master of Social Work (1996) and Bachelor of Social Work (1994) from the University of Central Florida. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2006, a Qualified Supervisor for MSW Interns since 2018, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
I believe in fostering healing through a compassionate, inclusive, and evidence-based approach. Whether working with first responders or those facing personal struggles, my goal is to create a safe, affirming space for growth and transformation.
Let’s work together to create meaningful change.
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.
-
Art Therapy, Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT),Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical Behavior (DBT), Eclectic, Energy Psychology, Existential, Family / Marital, Imago, Humanistic, Integrative, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural, Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors, Trauma Focused
-
Individual,Couples, Group, Family, Children (2 - 11 yrs), Adolescent (11 - 17 yrs), College Students, Young Adults (18-35), Adults (35-45), Middle Adults (45-65), Older, Adults (65+), Immigration/ Acculturation, New Parents, Parents, Life Coaching, Poly/Kink/Sex, BIPoC, LGBTQ+, Activists, Medical Professionals, Educators
-
You can expect our time together to feel grounded and collaborative. I often begin with gentle curiosity, exploring what brings you in and what support might look like for you right now. Sometimes the work focuses on helping you understand patterns in your relationships, other times it may be about creating space for grief, anger, or stuckness that has not had room to breathe.
I draw from my background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, family systems, and creative healing modalities. If you're someone who connects through music or art, we can incorporate those into our work. If you're navigating trauma or stress, we might slow down and use grounding practices to help your nervous system settle before diving deeper.
-
I bring a calm and grounded presence into the therapy space. Clients often tell me they feel seen and supported, even when they’re sharing something they’ve never said out loud before. I lean into a compassionate, collaborative approach that blends structure with creativity. I may draw from CBT and family systems work, or invite you to use music, imagery, or reflection as tools to connect with your own wisdom. I am here to walk alongside you with care and honesty as you explore what matters most.
How We Can Work Together
Clients often reach out when they are:
Going through grief or loss and want space to process without rushing themselves or their feelings.
Exploring gender identity or queerness and seeking support that affirms who they are while holding the complexity of their experiences.
Feeling stuck in familiar relational patterns and 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 and needing support to feel safe in their body and relationships again.
Longing to feel more grounded and connected but unsure how to slow down or listen to what their body is telling them.
The focus is on building a steady, trusting relationship that can hold all parts of your story with care and curiosity.
