PROFILE

Debra Kresch, LCSW, LMFT, BCD

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Nationally Certified Master Addictions Counselor

Board Certified Diplomate

Debra Kresch provides individual, couple and family counseling with offices in Encinitas

and northern Carlsbad to best serve clients throughout North Coastal San Diego. Skilled in

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic method, solution-focused

brief therapy (SFBT), mindfulness techniques, and couple therapy, she tailors treatment

to meet each client's individual needs/requests. She is an interactive therapist who provides

support and feedback to effectively address life challenges.

Debra received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan, graduating with

distinction. She earned her graduate degree from Smith College in Massachusetts.

Clinical internships were completed at Einstein University Hospital in New York and Mount

Vernon Center for Community Mental Health in Virginia. She worked extensively counseling

people in diversified settings - including medical hospitals, non-profit counseling agencies,

chemical dependency programs, behavioral health programs - before opening up her private

practice doors, full time.

As a consultant to agencies, Debra conducts workshops on topics such as: changing

destructive behaviors, cognitive behavioral therapy, reducing stress in the workplace,

anger management on the job, coping with transitions, depression and the elderly,

and coping with illness. A credentialed California Community Colleges instructor, she

teaches classes on assertiveness training, anger management, personal development,

and stress reduction. She also provides clinical supervision for MFT, LCSW, PhD interns

and chemical dependency specialists.

In her current private practice settings, Debra offers counseling for a broad range of

emotional and behavioral concerns. She serves people of all ages and stages in life.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Depression and mood irritability

• Attention Deficit Disorders (ADHD)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors (OCD)

• Anxiety and Panic Disorders

• Couple & Relationship Conflicts

• Loss and Grief

• Trichotillomania

• Addictive Behaviors

• Eating Disorders

• Stress Reduction

• Coping with pain or illness

• Infertility

• Life Transitions

• Issues of Aging

• Anger Management

• Stress Reduction

• Adolescent and child issues

• Parenting

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Area Director, Family Service Association of San Diego County

• Supervisor Psychosocial Services, Sharp Cabrillo Hospital

• Psychiatric Consultant, Community Care for Adults

• Psychiatric Social Worker, Tri City Medical Center Behavioral Health

• Diabetes Counselor, Sharp Diabetes Treatment Center

• Stroke Rehabilitation Counselor, Sharp Rehabilitation Program

• Employee Assistance Program Counselor, Sharp Health Care

• Family Counselor, Family Service Association of San Diego County

• Instructor, California Community Colleges

PAST AFFILIATIONS / CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS

• American Diabetes Association Professional Member

• Alzheimer's Association Professional Member

• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Member

• Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders Professional Member

• County Wide Biomedical Ethics Committee Member

• Leadership 2000 Alumnus

• National Association of Social Workers Member

• National Association of Forensic Counselors Member

• National Board of Addiction Examiners Member

• North Coast Directors Council Member

• Society for Clinical Social Work Fellow

• Smith College School of Social Work Alumni Association Member

• Smith College School of Social Work, San Diego Chapter Continuing Education Chairperson

• Tourette Syndrome Association Professional Member

• University of Michigan Alumni Association Member

AWARDS / HONORS

• PacifiCare Lambert Award Winner 2002 and 2003 for superior therapeutic outcomes

• National Health Reform Task Force Invitee 1993 - One of forty mental health providers to testify

• Women Helping Women Honoree 1992 - San Dieguito Soroptimist International