DEBRA POLoDNA, M.A.
Counseling, RMHCI
INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY, COUPLES THERAPIST, EMDR
EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Trauma Informed Care
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
ABOUT Debra
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the
lights.” - Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004).
While external circumstances may be difficult, our inner attitude, faith, and actions can light a
path forward. Even during life’s most challenging times, happiness can still be found, but it requires an intentional shift in perspective. Debbie’s desire is to assist you with turning the lights on by helping you discover your power to find the light in the darkness, to assist change in your mindset, and by focusing on the good, even when things seem bleak.
Debbie holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. With a passion for helping individuals navigate personal challenges, she is dedicated to providing supportive, empathetic care in a client-centered environment.
As part of her work at Tree of Life Counseling Center and Foundation, Debbie works with clients facing a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Drawing from evidenced-based practices like EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), CBT, Trauma Informed and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Debbie tailors her therapeutic approaches to meet the individual needs of each client. She is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions and foster personal growth.
In addition to her clinical work, Debbie is passionate about continuing education and professional development, staying current on the latest research and best practices in mental health counseling. She is excited to always keep growing as a practitioner and a Christian while making a
meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families.
*Mon - Friday Appointments, Saturdays by appt, Group & Individual
Common Areas of Focus
Trauma & Emotional Health
Trauma • PTSD • Anxiety • Depression • Couples Stress • Women's Issues • Grief & Loss
Marriage & Relationships
Marital Communication • Marital Discord • Divorce & Separation • Female Sexual Brokenness • Family Conflict • Premarital Counseling
Adolescents & Family Support
Teen Counseling • Parent–Teen Conflict • Behavioral Concerns • College Age • Career Concerns • Special Needs (teen & adult)
Spiritual & Identity Concerns
Spiritual Issues • Christian Counseling Integration • Faith & Mental Health • Self-Worth & Co-dependency
Professional Background
Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accreditation
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Trauma Informed Care Training
Education
&
Graduate Training
University of Central Florida, Bachelors of Science- Early Childhood Education
Palm Beach Atlantic University, MA In Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Additional Certifications
&
Credentials
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• PREPARE/ENRICH Certified (Couples)
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy + (REBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Advanced Specialty Training
EMDR:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, commonly known as EMDR, is a mental health therapy method. EMDR treats mental health conditions that happen because of memories from traumatic events in your past. It’s best known for its role in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its use is expanding to include treatment of many other conditions.
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a mental health treatment technique. This method involves moving your eyes a specific way while you process traumatic memories. EMDR’s goal is to help you heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. Compared to other therapy methods, EMDR is relatively new. The first clinical trial investigating EMDR was in 1989. Most clinical trials since EMDR’s development show this technique is effective and can help a person faster than many other methods.
Who needs to have EMDR therapy?
EMDR can help people with a wide range of mental health conditions. Adolescents, teenagers and adults of all ages can benefit from this treatment. Some healthcare providers also specialize in EMDR for children.
Why is this treatment used?
EMDR therapy doesn’t require talking in detail about a distressing issue. EMDR instead focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts or behaviors that result from a distressing experience (trauma). This allows your brain to resume a natural healing process. While many people use the words “mind” and “brain” when referring to the same thing, they’re actually different. Your brain is an organ of your body. Your mind is the collection of thoughts, memories, beliefs and experiences that make you who you are.
The way your mind works relies on the structure of your brain. That structure involves networks of communicating brain cells across many different areas. That’s especially the case with sections that involve your memories and senses. That networking makes it faster and easier for those areas to work together. That’s why your senses — sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feels — can bring back strong memories.
Integrative & Evidence-Based Approaches
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Spiritual Integration in Clinical Practice
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy