About

Hello there! My name is Debbie Llera, and I am a Licensed Marriage, Family, Child Therapist in the State of California. Collectively I possess over 25 years’ experience as a helping professional, with almost seven as a therapist.
The first thing I want you to know--You are not alone in your journey. You are reaching out your hand for help and assistance, and I am in awe of you and admire your courage and commitment toward a happier life.

My Background / Experience
Throughout my career, I have dedicated my life’s work as a helping professional for individuals from all walks of life and who experience challenges they are not quite sure they can solve. My passion as a therapist emphasizes assisting and walking with my clients toward happiness, contentment, and success.
I have worked with clients from nearly all age groups beginning at age six and extending to the elderly. I have extensive experience working with and treating individuals who have experienced complex trauma, abuse, and neglect including severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents in residential treatment. I have provided treatment to clients experiencing Posttraumatic Stress / Acute Stress, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar and Related Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Learning and Processing Disorders, Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Neurocognitive Disorders, Grief and Loss, Stage of Life Issues, Eating Disorders, and many issues with individuals experiencing Relationship Problems.
I also have extensive experience working in group and private practice and work with individuals, families, couples, and groups. I have extensive experience collaborating with Child, Family Services, Family Court Systems, and the Educational / School Systems. As a passionate advocate for my clients, I thoroughly believe that fully understanding the life of each individual creates a strong framework in which I can help.

From a therapeutic approach, I utilize evidence-based, and strengths-based approaches as well as understand that each client is unique. For that reason, I approach each client collaboratively and customize his/her treatment based on symptom relief, his/her inherent coping skills, and reasonable goals in which the client can successfully achieve.
I believe the primary focus in therapy strongly involves establishing a strong rapport and therapeutic alliance with each individual, family or couple through unconditional positive regard, warmth, empathy, and compassion. Not only do I provide therapeutic services for the clients, I focus on meeting the clients where they are emotionally. I provide stability, consistency, and an unconditional, safe environment.

Fun Things About Me
Currently, my dog, Annabeth (and me too) is certified as a Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs International. Anna comes to work with me and provides emotional support for clients who need a little extra love, hugs, and warmth.
My family and I thoroughly enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, and traveling to the nearest mountain range or trail we can find. We are currently training to hike the John Muir Trail, which is 221 miles in 2021. We live in a lovely country home with lots of critters, including our two great trail horses, four dogs, one cat, and many chickens.