Debra Lawlor, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Treating Adults & Adolescents
203-536-0553
Background
EDUCATION
B.A. Connecticut College 1991
Major: Sociology Based Human Relations Minor: Dance
M.S.W. Boston College Graduate School for Social Work 1994
Concentration: Forensic Social Work
LCSW Connecticut - 1996 to Present
License #004041CT
Professional Training
Level 1 & 2 EMDR
EMDR Certified
APPROACH
As a former dancer, I have ongoing interest in the body/mind connection. How does the experience of emotional pain, depression or anxiety transfer to our bodies? How do our bodies hold onto pain and traumatic memories? It is my belief that our bodies speak to us through pain, tension and at times, illness. Getting in tune with our bodies can often provide clues to our pain and assist in the therapeutic process. My approach to therapy is eclectic and integrative. I utilized psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches combined with elements of mindfulness, schema-focused therapy and EMDR.
EXPERIENCE
I have been a LCSW for over 20 years, treating adolescents, adults and the elderly. My expertise includes the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting difficulties and trauma.
I completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) in Forensic Social Work at Boston College Graduate School for Social Work in 1994. During my internships, I worked with mentally ill incarcerated males within prison mental health systems. My post-graduate employment focused on treating adolescent boys in a locked Intensive Residential Treatment Program (IRTP) providing individual, group and family therapy. In subsequent years, I provided clinical consultation, psychoeducation and crisis intervention training to a statewide outreach and tracking program for at-risk youth. I have provided community-based services, case management and individual therapy as a psychiatric social worker within a hospital setting. Additionally, I have worked in nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide supportive counseling to the elderly and their families. Most recently, I have been working in an Emergency Department doing assessments/evaluations to determine whether or not an individual needs acute psychiatric hospitalization. Additionally, within a hospital setting, I work with addiction patients to help coordinate aftercare and outpatient treatment.