Deborah Schnitzer , LCSW

New York | Online sessions in New York | English | Book with Deborah »

Practical, respectful therapy for life and relationships

Details

Name	Deborah Schnitzer
Credentials	LCSW
Based in	New York
Licensed in	New York
Session format	Online
Languages	English
Years in practice	21

About Deborah

Deborah Schnitzer is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 21 years of experience helping people navigate relationship struggles, parenting challenges, trauma, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. She sees each person as the expert on their life and focuses on practical skills that can be used between sessions. Deborah approaches therapy with respect, honesty, and no judgment.

Her sessions are down-to-earth and collaborative. She offers concrete tools and teaches ways to manage stress, mood shifts, and difficult emotions.

Background and approach

People come to her for help with intimacy issues, communication problems, low self-esteem, and career-related stress among other concerns. Deborah draws on narrative ideas alongside attachment-based and client-centered approaches. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques and DBT strategies when they fit the client’s goals.

The work often includes talking through patterns, trying new ways of responding, and practicing small changes that add up over time. She has taught at the graduate and undergraduate level, which shapes her clear, organized style. That background also informs how she explains tools and homework in simple terms.

Deborah values watching small shifts lead to bigger change over weeks and months. Sessions can include skill coaching, story work about relationships and identity, and grounding tools for trauma or intense emotions. She welcomes people who want a practical partner in their growth and healing journey, and who prefer a respectful, straightforward therapist.

What this therapist works with

Her listing names Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse among the things Deborah works with, alongside the areas below.

Approaches listed

Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
Attachment-Based Therapy: Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Somatic Therapy: Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Deborah among the ways she works.
Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Deborah directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.

Narrative Therapy in this listing

Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.

If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Deborah directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.

Online session options

Approaches that guide online sessions

Deborah commonly uses narrative approaches to help people reframe personal stories and see new possibilities in relationships and identity. Narrative work focuses on how life stories shape feelings and behavior and helps people create alternative, more helpful narratives.

She also draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early and current relationship patterns affect trust, closeness, and emotional needs. This approach is useful for intimacy issues, communication problems, and attachment-related worries. Client-centered work is part of her practice too, which means sessions are paced around the person's concerns and momentum, with the therapist listening closely and reflecting what matters most to the client.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. Deborah will collaborate with each person to choose which methods fit their goals and comfort level, and she may blend approaches as needs change. She talks through options and checks in regularly so the plan feels practical and relevant.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited travel options. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or camera use is a concern, and live chat or text messaging can be useful for quick check-ins or ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent during life changes.

Common questions about this listing

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She helps people with relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, parenting, anxiety, depression, grief, stress, anger, self-esteem, and career strain among other concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is practical and collaborative. She treats people with respect, offers honest feedback, and teaches tools to use between sessions.

What is her professional background?

She has worked as a counselor for over 21 years and has experience teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, licensed in New York and practices from New York.

Which languages and international services are supported?

Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Contacting this therapist

Sessions with Deborah are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Deborah where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.

Book with Deborah »

Or see other therapists in New York »

This is a partner link. We will earn a commission if you sign up through it, at no cost to you. It does not change what you pay or the order of the listings.