Debbie Portner, M.A., LPCC-S

Together, we can find hope in the journey towards healing. I will help you discover your personal strengths and nurture your relationships in order to encourage you to live life to its fullest.

Education and Credentials

LPCC-S: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, State of Ohio (E-4228-SUPV) with Supervision Credentials
M.A.: Master of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Ashland Theological Seminary
B.A.: Bachelor of Arts in Bio-Psychology, The College of Wooster

Special Training: Certified EMDR Therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing),  TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Board Certified Telebehavioral Health Professional, Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider

Professional and Community Involvement

I have been active in my community through volunteer groups, professional organizations and church. I have been involved in leadership positions and have experience facilitating groups. I have served my community as a Board member of the Ashland Christian Health Center. I was also involved in church leadership. I am a member of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce. I volunteer whenever possible with sexual assault awareness, suicide prevention, public speaking and teaching classes about mental health issues and healthy workplace awareness. I am passionate about health and wellness and I enjoy running and working out. My clinical experience of over twenty years is with young children, adolescents and adults in individual, marriage, family and group counseling settings. Professionally, I am a member of the Ohio Counselors Association and EMDRIA and I am committed to learn and grow in the field of professional counseling. As a mother of three young adults and in a marriage of over 30 years, I have both personal and professional experience working with marriages and families.

Why I love being a counselor

Falling down is an accident. Getting back up is a choice. I am passionate about working with trauma and helping empower victims to gain the strength to become true survivors. I love helping people find the courage they need to learn and grow from life’s greatest challenges. Years ago; after a family crisis, I went to counseling to try to put the pieces back together. It was such a healing experience that I was determined to become a counselor to help others find peace after a trauma or crisis. It has been a blessing and an honor to encourage, offer hope and help navigate the journey toward healing. I will help you discover your personal strengths and resources to encourage you to live life to the fullest. I believe we can never let a stumble in the road be the end of the journey. No matter how bad you feel: Get up, dress up, show up and never give up.