Deborah Bauer

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 26 years of experience in clinical social work and more than four decades in the mental health field. I began my career in the mid-1980s with Women Against Rape in Collingswood, NJ, where I worked on the Rape Crisis Hotline, providing support and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault. This early experience solidified my commitment to helping those in need and shaped my empathetic and client-centered approach to therapy. After serving in both client-facing and directorial roles with the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg from 1991 to 1997 and providing family-centered therapeutic services at Catholic Charities in Lebanon from 1997 to 1999, I joined the Children’s Resource Center of Central Pennsylvania. During my time there from 1999 to 2008, I specialized in providing care for children and adolescents, addressing issues of abuse and trauma. In 1999, I began serving clients in private practice, offering individualized therapy and counseling services to a diverse clientele, including children, adolescents, adults, and families. Alongside my practice, I spent over twenty years teaching at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), where I instructed courses under the umbrella of Human Services, covering topics such as skills and methods, ethics, and human behavior. In addition to my teaching, I’ve supervised AA, BA, and MA level students, as well as pre-licensure staff. Watching my clients become healthier and more empowered and seeing them begin to live their lives to the fullest, brings me great satisfaction. Training and mentoring the next generation of clinicians has been equally rewarding, knowing their work will positively impact countless lives. I received my BA in Psychology and Sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice from Duquesne University in 1980 and my master’s in social work from Temple University in 1998. My specialized skills include work with Post Traumatic Stress, Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety and Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Trauma Therapy, Grief Counseling, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I have also earned additional certifications in Play Therapy, Trauma-Informed Clinical Care, Critical Incident Stress Management, LGBTQ+ issues, Family Therapy, and Clinical Supervision. Currently, I operate my private practice at Thrive Counseling, Consulting, Training and Wellness, LLC located at 205 Grandview Ave, Suite 404, Camp Hill, PA. My extensive experience includes providing individualized therapy and counseling services to a diverse clientele, including children, adolescents, adults, and families. My therapy philosophy centers on a client-centered and holistic approach. I believe in the intrinsic potential of each individual to achieve personal growth and mental well-being. My practice is grounded in the principles of bio-psychosocial perspectives, focusing on the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and treating mental health issues. I specialize in various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed care. I work to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop effective coping strategies. I am dedicated to helping my clients navigate life's challenges and achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, I provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to meet each client's unique needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can contact Thrive Counseling at (717) 425-0326.