Professional Background of Debra Sloss, MFT — Santa Cruz Therapist
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT #38982) with more than 25 years of combined experience in the counseling and education fields. Currently I work with adolescents, college students, adults, couples and parents of young children in my private practice in Santa Cruz, California. In addition to private practice, for more than 10 years I worked as a Clinical Supervisor at Family Service Agency of the Central Coast for the General Counseling Program. And additionally, supervised for the First Step Program specializing in the treatment of children through to adulthood and their families. People often ask me, “Do you have any direct experience or genuine understanding of my challenges?” Being in a more than 25 year committed relationship and raising three children enables me to be sensitive and attentive to the complex challenges facing couples, parents and families.
Education & Experience In 1997, I received a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University with an additional Specialization in Expressive Art Therapy. For interested clients, I provide Art Therapy that can act as a direct line to the unconscious and serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, self-discovery and healing. Additionally I’m trained and able to use a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family/Marital, Developmental Psychology, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative/Postmodern, Jungian Symbolism, Humanistic/Existential Approaches and Solution Focused Brief Therapies. My professional counseling experience began in 1995 and has included working with individuals, teenagers, couples and families, leading therapy groups, women’s groups and teaching parent groups in agency, public schools and private practice settings.
Areas of Advanced Study & Training
- Certified Specialization in Expressive Art Therapy
- Childhood & Adolescent Development
- Developmental Theories & Therapy Approaches
- Internal Family Systems (IFS – Level I & II)
- Couples Therapy & Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO – Basic & Advanced)
- LGBTQ+ Issues
- Trauma, Depression & Anxiety
- Narrative, Solution-Focused & Postmodern Therapies
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral
- Jungian Symbolism
- Mindfulness and Yoga Practices
Professional Associations
- California Association of Marriage Family Therapists (CAMFT)
- Santa Cruz Chapter of California Association of Marriage Family Therapists
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County – Volunteer Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Presenter (2016-present)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy National Certification and Accreditation Association Member (DBTNCAA)
- Clinical Supervisor for Family Service Agency of the Central Coast (2007-2018)
- Parenting Educator for Family Health Education Center (2000-2001)
- Special Programs Consultant for Santa Cruz County Office of Education (1987-1990)
