Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims, LPC

Experienced licensed counselor guiding meaningful change

20 years experience
Relationship and family focus
Trauma-informed approach

About Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims

Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims brings more than 20 years of clinical counseling experience to her work, offering thoughtful, evidence-informed care to people navigating a wide range of life challenges. She holds advanced academic degrees including a PhD in Psychology, a Master of Science in Counseling, a Master of Arts in Behavioral Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology - credentials that reflect extensive graduate training in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention. Dr. Harris-Sims is also licensed as a Professional Counselor - LPC - by the Washington, DC Board of Health and holds national certification as an NCC, a Nationally Certified Counselor recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Throughout her career she has worked in diverse clinical settings, helping people manage depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting difficulties, career transitions, personality-related challenges, military-related stressors, caregiver strain, and the aftermath of trauma and emotional abuse. Her practice emphasizes practical, solution-oriented work grounded in research, with attention to each person s unique history and strengths.

Her therapeutic stance is attentive and genuine, blending cognitive-behavioral techniques with humanistic supports and solution-focused strategies to promote measurable change and personal growth. Dr. Harris-Sims aims to create a space for honest communication and mutual respect while guiding clients toward greater emotional balance and renewed purpose. She frames therapy as a collaborative process focused on restoring well-being and fostering resilience.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Depression Coping with life changes

Also Specializes In

Stress, Anxiety Addictions LGBT Grief Intimacy-related issues Eating disorders Sleeping disorders Parenting issues Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coaching

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims have?

Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims has 20 years of clinical counseling experience.

Is Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims a licensed therapist?

Yes. Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims holds the LPC credential. License details include SC LPC 8822 and DC LPC PRC14149.

In which languages does Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims provide therapy?

Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims provides therapy in English.

Where is Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims located?

Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims is located in the District of Columbia.

How can I work with Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims as my therapist?

You can work with Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims work with international clients?

Yes, Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Could remote sessions suit your needs?

Many people question whether remote counseling can really help, and for common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions. Licensed professionals and therapists can adapt methods used in face-to-face care to work well in virtual formats, allowing clients to pursue meaningful progress without needing to travel to an office.

One of the clearest advantages of online therapy is flexibility. Individuals can connect in the way that fits their routines and comfort level - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging - which often makes it easier to keep appointments and maintain momentum in treatment. Therapists are available to tailor the approach to each person s preferences and goals, and clients may switch therapists if they feel another fit would better support their needs.

For those weighing options, online therapy offers a practical, accessible route to professional support, and many people find it a helpful way to address everyday mental health and relationship concerns while balancing work, family, and other commitments.

Ready to start therapy with Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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