Dr. Debra Sandler, LCSW

New Jersey · 39 years in practice

Dr. Debra Sandler helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, and relationship or intimacy concerns.

License and registration

LCSW, New Jersey: 44SC00188400 · expires August 2026
LCSW, Florida: SW23130 · expires March 2027
NPI: 1770646846 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 39
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About Debra

Dr. Debra Sandler helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, and relationship or intimacy concerns. She also supports those coping with parenting strains, sleep and eating problems, career questions, ADHD, and major life changes.

She is Dr. Debra Sandler, LCSW and brings a calm, approachable style to sessions. Her way of working is relaxed and practical.

She listens first, then helps people make a simple plan. She teaches skills for handling strong feelings like anger, shame, and impulsivity.

Background and approach

She also focuses on improving communication and managing conflict at home or work. She uses several therapy approaches and tailors them to what a person needs. That can include Emotionally-Focused Therapy to look at feelings and connections, cognitive behavioral tools to change unhelpful thinking, and acceptance-based practices to live with difficult emotions.

Conversations are aimed at clear steps people can try between sessions. Dr. Sandler earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

She has worked in independent practice for over thirty years and has 39 years of overall experience as a clinician. Her credential is LCSW and she holds licenses in Florida and New Jersey. Sessions are offered in English and she sees clients in Florida as well as international clients online.

She focuses on making therapy straightforward and usable for daily life. Many people appreciate her steady, down-to-earth approach when life feels overwhelming.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Debra lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Depression
Trauma and abuse
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Eating disorders
Sleeping disorders
Parenting issues
Anger management
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Coaching
ADHD
Attachment issues
Body image
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Divorce and separation
Drug and alcohol addiction
Eating and food-related issues
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Personality disorders
Phobias
Postpartum depression
Post-traumatic stress
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexuality
Smoking / vaping cessation
Social anxiety and phobia
Trichotillomania
Women's issues
Workplace issues

Approaches Debra names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

Therapy approaches that translate well online

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on identifying and working with core emotions and how those feelings affect close relationships. It helps people notice patterns in how they respond to others and try new ways of connecting. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches practical skills to notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then commit to values-based actions that improve daily life. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at early relationship patterns and how they shape current bonds and emotional reactions, which can be useful for addressing connection and trust issues.

Choosing a therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with a person about their goals and preferences, then suggest methods that fit. Over a few sessions the plan can be adjusted so the work stays useful and relevant to the client’s needs.

Online formats offer flexibility and practical benefits. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual cues matter. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a quieter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging let people share shorter updates, ask quick questions, or fit therapy into a busy day. These options make it easier to keep momentum and use therapy when life is full.

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Questions people ask

What concerns does she address?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting strain, ADHD, bipolar concerns, trauma and related challenges.

How would she describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is laid back and practical. She listens first, then helps people make a clear plan and practices skills together.

What is her background and experience?

She has 39 years of clinical experience and has worked in independent practice for over thirty years. She earned a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with licenses in Florida and New Jersey, and is based in Florida.

In which languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English and she also accepts international clients for online work.

Which session formats are available?

Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and preferences.

How is cost handled?

Session cost varies with location and therapist availability; services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin?

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

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