Debra Milinsky, MSW, LCSW

Every journey begins with a single step…

I am a Couple and Family Psychotherapist, in general practice in Berkeley and Vallejo working with individuals, couples, and all kinds of families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and sexual and gender identities. I can help you with any personal concerns, relationship problems such as couple and family conflicts, mother and daughter relationships; loss and grief; sexual trauma and bullying during childhood, adolescence and adulthood; and help resolving work pressures, fears and frustrations.

Each person requires a specific therapeutic relationship that fits your unique needs and comfort levels. My approach is pragmatic and collaborative, listening empathically to learn from you what works best. Together we create a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental environment where we talk about and resolve your problems and concerns.

Proceeding at your pace, we explore your thoughts and feelings about what is going well and what is not. We listen to dreams and longings, mindful of obstacles and interference from self-defeating habits, attitudes and relationships. This opens the door for better choices, acceptance and balance in your life.

Special interests and expertise

My areas of specialization include: couple therapy and marriage counseling; family therapy; mother and daughter relationships, the effects of substance abuse and co-dependency on self-esteem and family life: sexual abuse, trauma and PTSD; and individual, couple and family work with patients managing bi-polar depression.

In addition to my private psychotherapy practice, I have worked extensively with adults, adolescents and children in a variety of agency, hospital and community settings, providing a safe haven for clients to explore responses to:

  • Anxiety, fear and stress
  • Depression and mood
  • Emotional, physical and sexual trauma
  • Loss, grief and remorse
  • Shame, guilt and self-esteem
  • Sexuality concerns
  • Anger management and assertiveness skills
  • Individual and family therapy for bi-polar and eating disorders

Professional activities and interests include: Past-President of the Association of Family Therapists (1986-88); guest on KISS-FM radio show, Childhood Matters, answering listener questions about family violence and domestic abuse; group psychotherapy and presentations to professional and community groups about parenting; couple communication; divorce and step-parenting, incest and sexual trauma.

I have graduate degrees in: Clinical Social Work from the University of Michigan, MSW, 1975; Clinical Psychology from the University of San Francisco, MA, 1978. I hold a Clinical Social Work license in good standing  to practice psychotherapy in California, LCS7158, 1979.

My patients are always my best teachers. Our work together is a vibrant gift that continually enriches and deepens my understanding and appreciation of our shared humanity.

Click below for my LinkedIn profile.