Hi, I’m Debbie. Nice to meet you!

If you’ve found your way here, it stands to reason you’re currently navigating your way through trauma, addiction, or loss, or other mental health issues.

I’ve dealt with some of this myself… Particularly loss and the grief that follows.

And after many years of working with clients, I’ve learned an important lesson: while everyone’s circumstances are different, many of the feelings—the emotions, the struggles—are the same.

I opened Crossroads Counseling & Psychotherapy for this very reason—to use all the lessons I’ve learned and be able to meet every individual client exactly where they are.

Because while our experiences may share common threads with someone else’s, we need unique and individualized therapeutic approaches in order to heal.

Deborah Kourgelis, LCSW, LCADC, Therapist for trauma, addiction, grief and loss in New York and New Jersey

Teamwork is a key component of therapy.

I wish I could tell you there’s an easy way to “just feel better.” I wish there were a magic wand I could wave to put you on the path to healing.

But it’s just not that simple.

It does mean, though, that when you show up for therapy, there’s no expectation for you to be in any particular frame of mind. You don’t have to force yourself into a “positive mindset” or prove to me you’ve improved since our last session.

I’m happy to meet you exactly where you are—because you and I will work together.

We’re a team.

I’m here to guide—not direct.

Building trust is an exceptionally important piece of therapy work, and your comfort in our sessions and in our ability to connect is my highest priority.

I’m here to guide you and facilitate your journey toward:

  • A higher level of day-to-day functioning;
  • More confident decision-making;
  • Less stress, anxiety, and depression;
  • Increased feelings of empowerment and ownership over your choices; and
  • Movement in the direction of your goals.

Ultimately, you will be the one to decide on your own best path. I aim to provide you with a safe, respectful, compassionate, encouraging, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your options.

Woman standing at a crossroads trying to choose a path. Work with therapist Deborah Kourgelis to find guidance on your journey.

How We’ll Work Together

Let me tell you what I think will make our time together most successful:

  1. I’ll help you to understand the therapeutic process every step of the way. I never want you to feel like you’re being pushed to a particular answer or feeling. We must both show up to your sessions as our honest and authentic selves, focused on our work together.
  2. Your sessions won’t include lectures, advice, or the expectation that we’ll solve things in a few meetings. We’ll prioritize working collaboratively toward figuring out what the best path is for you, individually.
  3. We’ll value each other’s time and maintain good boundaries. This will help us work together in the kind of safe, supportive, and productive environment that will help you develop the coping skills you need to thrive in your daily life.

Your optimal functioning is the goal of every therapy session, and we’ll use a variety of approaches to get you there.

About My Journey

I began my journey in Human Resources, and my favorite part of the job was actually helping employees tackle the various challenges they faced within the workplace. This is where I learned I’m a helper and caretaker by nature.

I moved into mental health after a significant loss in my own life taught me the power of support groups and being around others who “understand” you. While helping clients addicted to alcohol and substances, I realized that grief, loss, and trauma are a part of many people’s journey. I began providing individual and family counseling and facilitating both psychotherapy and educational groups.

I have extensive experience working with clients navigating grief, loss, trauma, and addiction. The loss in my own life resulted in a special interest in helping clients seeking therapy for pregnancy loss or the death of a child at any age.

Two paths crossing - learn about Deborah Kourgelis' journey

Qualifications & Experience

Anchor by the ocean for support and guidance from Deborah Kourgelis
I am a Certified Grief Educator

While I always want you focused on the work we do together and the ways in which we can individualize your experience, I think it’s important to share my past experiences and the qualifications I have to be your guide on your journey:

“Change the way you see things, and the things you see will change.”

~ Wayne Dyer

Telehealth Therapy in New Jersey, New York & Florida

I am currently conducting sessions via telehealth! This means that our work together is not limited by geography.

If you are a resident of New York, New Jersey or Florida please get in touch with me.

Ready to work together?