Deborah Mouw, LMHC , CAP

Hello, my name is Deborah Mouw, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I am a trauma-informed therapist passionate about helping you discover and explore issues that may be holding you back from your long-term healing and recovery process. I work with individuals, couples, and families from adolescence through older adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, trauma, family or relationship conflict, and other issues. I use a variety of treatment modalities, from traditional talk therapy to experiential and somatic approaches. My goal is to help you find a proper method that works best for you in promoting healing and growth. Growth can be painful and takes time, but it is always worthwhile. If you are ready to begin (or continue) working towards positive changes in your life, I will honor the opportunity to work with you in a safe, judgment-free environment.
What led me to become a therapist
I have always felt led to work with people. Before becoming a therapist, I worked for many years as a teacher specializing in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) in the public school system. Then after battling with some of my own personal adversities, I began my journey to becoming a mental health therapist. I started as a CAP and recently finished my master’s degree in mental health counseling. What I love most about being a therapist is collaborating with individuals to help them reach their goals. Part of being a therapist is being a supportive sounding board to help one come to their own “ah ha” moments. Once an individual gains that perspective, they have a 20-20 vision to help see what patterns may be sabotaging the goals they have for their life. Walking this journey with my clients to help them achieve those “light bulb moments” is a big part of why I love what I do as a therapist.
What I want for you during our sessions:
I believe the alliance between therapist and client is sacred, and finding the right fit is imperative to your journey of personal growth. It takes courage to seek help, and I pledge to meet your courage with support. I aim to help you feel encouraged and safe to explore whatever you need emotionally, spiritually, behaviorally, and mentally in therapy, knowing I will go there with you. I specialize in coming from a creative, curious, and holistic perspective, and I honor your journey. I aspire for you to feel safe to be vulnerable. I will guide you in addressing problematic areas such as blocks/barriers, including shame, past trauma, and negative messages to help you heal and grow. I genuinely desire for you to find and live your best life. We can do this together and strive for empowerment to seek positive change in your life.
My professional background
I have a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in art education from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Nova University, and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. In 2016 I earned my Certified Addictions Counselor Certificate (CACII) , and in 2018, my Certified Addictions Professional ( CAP) license. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Since 2014, I have worked in various clinical settings, including detox, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient settings, and private practice focused on substance abuse, eating disorders, process addictions, and mental health disorders. I am an active member of a local psychodrama group that meets five times yearly for clinical training.
Quote: “You can’t rush your healing; darkness has its teachings, love is never leaving…..” Trevor Hall