Therapy for Gifted and High-Achieving Students
A space to grow your social and emotional world.
Does This Sound Like You?
Therapy with me is a place to think these things through with someone who gets it.
“I do well, so people assume I have it all figured out. I'd like a space where I don't have to.”
“I'm used to being the best at things. I'm curious who I am beyond what I achieve.”
“College applications have me thinking about who I am and who I want to become.”
“I'm good at a lot of things. I want to find out which ones are really mine.”
“I like figuring things out on my own. I'm learning that support can be part of that.”
Your child is doing well and has big ambitions, and you want to support who they're becoming.
They say everything's fine, and you sense there's more they'd like to talk through.
You want them to have a place to think out loud that isn't home or school.
How I Help
Therapy with me is a collaborative conversation. A safe space for you to process out loud the things you don't get to process with anyone else. We talk about what's going on in your life and who you're becoming, and I pay attention to what keeps coming up: what matters to you, where the expectations come from, what you wish someone understood.
Students spend years building their academic and professional worlds. Therapy gives the same attention to your social and emotional one. It's deep, reflective work on how you think, feel, and relate, so you can grow into a more balanced, well-rounded, and whole person.
Purpose, Calling, and Career
Part of growing up is deciding what you want to build. Together we explore career and vocational questions: what you're drawn to, where your natural talent meets what you love, and what you want your work to mean.
We also look at what motivates you from the inside, and how to build the commitment that keeps that motivation alive, so the path you choose is one you can stay with for the long run.
What you're drawn to, and why.
Where your natural talent meets what you love.
What motivates you from the inside, beyond grades and praise.
How to build commitment that lasts.
How to Get Started
Book a Consultation
Pick a time online. A parent or guardian is welcome to join.
We Talk About What You Want
No pressure. Ask me anything about how I work.
Schedule Your First Session
Only if it feels like the right fit.
About Me
Hi, I'm Deborah. I grew up in South Florida with Brazilian immigrant parents, raised by my mom, and I spoke Portuguese before I spoke English. I was taught that education was the way to a stable life, so I know how much meaning a student can attach to doing well.
Growing up between two cultures taught me what it's like to belong to more than one place, and that belonging to yourself comes first. In college I studied languages, studied abroad, and helped start a student group that connected international and local students.
I became a therapist because I love being around curious people who are learning about themselves, and I love the moment someone finds words for something they've felt for years.
M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy, Nova Southeastern University. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), Washington [license #]. Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, Florida (IMT4111). Supervised by [supervisor name and credentials].
Fees and Insurance
The cost, in one place, before you ever call.
Flexible Scheduling
Student life moves with school, activities, and exams, so I tend to your schedule. Therapy can also move with your season of life.
Questions You Might Have
What happens in the first session?
We get to know each other. I'll ask what brought you here, what a typical week looks like, what's going well, and what you'd like more of. You can ask me anything. There's no right way to do it.
Is what I say private?
Mostly, yes. At the start I'll explain exactly what stays between us. The exceptions are safety: if I'm worried you or someone else could be hurt, I may need to bring in other people. Your parents or guardians get general updates, not the details of what you say, unless we agree otherwise.
Do I Need a Reason to Start?
No. Many students I work with are doing well by every outside measure and want support with growing, deciding, and understanding themselves. You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis. Wanting more clarity, balance, or room to think is enough.
Do you help with college essays or applications?
I'm a therapist, not a college admissions coach, so I don't edit essays or build school lists. I can help with the big questions that come up around applying, like what you want, why, and how you feel about the process.
Can we meet online? What if it's not a good fit?
Yes. All sessions are by secure video, for students in Washington and Florida. If we're not a good fit, I'll tell you and help you find someone who is.