Deborah Kirkland, LPC-S

Hello, I’m Deborah Kirkland, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor based in Nacogdoches, Texas. I specialize in working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and late-diagnosed autism and ADHD.

As someone who is both autistic and ADHD (AuDHD), I bring not only clinical expertise but lived experience to this work. I was diagnosed with autism in my mid-40s and later with ADHD, after years of being described as shy and highly introverted. Like many of the clients I work with, I understand firsthand the impact of masking, burnout, and the long process of making sense of yourself later in life. This perspective allows me to offer therapy that is both deeply validating and practically effective.

My approach is collaborative, structured when needed, and always tailored to your goals. I integrate evidence-based treatments including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support meaningful, lasting change. Whether we are processing trauma or building skills to manage overwhelm, our work will be grounded in your values, strengths, and real-life context.

I have extensive experience supporting individuals healing from trauma, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, as well as adults managing anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. My background includes advanced training in clinical mental health counseling, along with academic work in history, English, and education from Stephen F. Austin State University—foundations that continue to inform how I listen for patterns, meaning, and personal narrative in the therapy process.

Therapy is not just my profession—it is work I believe in deeply, shaped by both training and personal experience. I aim to create a space that is clear, grounded, and genuinely supportive, where you can better understand yourself and move toward a life that feels more manageable and aligned.

As a private-pay practice, I offer a level of flexibility, privacy, and individualized care that allows us to focus fully on your needs—without the constraints of insurance requirements.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy hiking in the Ozark Mountains, reading, and spending time in nature —spaces that reinforce the importance of slowing down and reconnecting, something many of my clients are learning to do as well.

If you’re ready to begin your own process of growth and understanding, I invite you to reach out or learn more about how we might work together.