Debbie Yost
Pronouns: She/her
Licensure: Therapist
Location: Florida
Language: English
Sliding Scale: Available
Insurance: BCBS, United, Tufts, Neighborhood Health Plan, Aetna, Cigna, United Student Health Resources and Medicaid
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
Clinical Therapist & Art Therapist
ABOUT ME
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.
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.
How We Can Work Together
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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
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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
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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.
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.
