Debra Pintel Steiner, LCSW

Debra Pintel Steiner is a retired social worker who brings a decade of clinical experience to her current practice in California. She previously worked with Alameda County Child Protective Services, where she provided family counseling to households involved in the child welfare system and supported caregivers navigating complex family dynamics.

Her background also includes individual therapy for adults managing mental health concerns alongside chronic physical health issues. Today she focuses on offering individual therapy for adults coping with depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges, drawing on years of experience working with families and individuals in stressful circumstances.

Debra aims to build a trusting therapeutic relationship that encourages clients to express emotions and concerns openly. Through that collaborative connection she helps people explore different perspectives on their lives and begin to make meaningful changes.

She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a professional designation for social workers who provide clinical therapy and support to adults and families.

Approaches including client-centered and trauma-focused online therapy

Debra uses client-centered therapy to prioritize the therapeutic relationship and the client’s own goals. This approach emphasizes listening, empathy, and collaboration so adults can explore their feelings and make choices that feel right for them.

Mindfulness therapy in her practice introduces simple awareness and grounding techniques that help reduce reactivity to stress and support emotional regulation. These practices can be useful for people managing anxiety, depression, and everyday stressors.

Trauma-focused therapy is used when past hurt or abuse affects current functioning. This approach aims to address the ways traumatic experiences shape thoughts, emotions, and relationships, helping clients move toward greater stability and well-being.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Debra works collaboratively with each person to identify the methods that best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for people with busy schedules or mobility limits. These formats make it possible to maintain consistent care, access support from home, and fit therapy into everyday life while working with licensed professionals and therapists.