Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Deborah
Debbie de la Riva is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Prior to providing therapy, Debbie served in various non-profit organizations designed to help individuals overcome adversity through education, support, and identifying resources. Debbie is passionate about helping people discover the underlying issues keeping them feeling stuck and finding ways for people to reclaim their peace and happiness. She does this by creating a safe space, collaborating with clients on mutual goals, and helping them to identify more empowering ways of coping with adversity. She utilizes a short-term, cognitive behavior approach to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal issues, and chronic stress.
Debbie received her Master's Degree at the University of Houston in 1991. Initially, she worked as a stress management therapist in an in-patient setting teaching clients about biofeedback and relaxation techniques. After she had a child with special needs, she put her time and focus on learning about the psychosocial aspects of living with a chronic medical condition and is a nationally recognized public speaker on the subject.
Everybody needs time to pause and think about their life. Therapy is that place where you can reflect on what you have been through and how it is impacting your current life, plus make new decisions. Debbie will be able to create that safe space where you can heal from the past, navigate your present, and create your future. Make an appointment with her and begin your journey to the happiness and peace you deserve.

"As a person with lived experience of emotional adversity, I believe everyone has the capability of positive change."
Get to know Deborah
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I decided to become a counselor because I know the healing that can take place when a person has a safe space, feels heard and understood and is guided by another person that has their best interest in mind.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I work best with adults going through common challenges such as depression, anxiety, and grief.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am excited to work with anyone going through a difficult season in their life. However, I am very effective with someone who has experienced or is experiencing trauma.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I wish clients knew that therapy is not a scary nor unpredictable process. It is actually straightforward. It is a place where you can be authentic without worry of judgement, look at what is working and what is not working in their life and find better ways to navigate life's problems.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I chose to work with Thriveworks because they are approaching mental health care with the clients in mind. The therapist are available when a client wants to begin counseling, they can be seen in the office or online and they offer affordable coverage. It is very apparent Thriveworks has been proactive at removing many of the obstacles keeping people from counseling.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by human resilience. Whether it is client who has overcome enormous adversity or people I am aware of that have thrived despite the odds. These individuals provide hope and inspire my belief that recovery is possible for everyone.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
During our first session, a client can expect that I will listen to why they are seeking therapy and what they are expecting to get out of it. I will give a brief description of some important points about the counseling process and introduce the idea of an assessment form so as I can be aware of important aspects of their life.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
The first session is all about creating the type of relationship where a client feels safe, answering questions about what is involved with therapy and becoming clear on what is creating their emotional pain.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
I would like clients to know that I have lived experience with mental health challenges and believe that navigating my adversity can serve as a roadmap for someone else.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I love anything that has to do with nature! I watch nature shows in the evenings and enjoy hiking and mountain biking. I also love being with my adult children and jump at any chance they give me.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
Being authentic and kind is what defines me. I live by a motto: "As long as I am being true to myself while respecting others, I am doing a good job at being a human."
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 4 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Houston-University Park
- Graduating degree
- Masters of Education Counseling
