Meet Debra Tomlinson, CSW, at Gold Counseling in St. George, UT

From an early age, Debra knew she wanted to be in a service position that involved learning about people’s stories. Initially, she pursued psychology, drawn to understanding human thoughts and behaviors. However, as she progressed in her studies, she realized that her mind naturally recognized patterns in people’s lives and how their environments shaped them. This realization led her to shift her focus to social work, where she could explore these connections more deeply. Social work resonated with her because it not only emphasized individual healing but also considered the broader social and environmental factors that impact well-being. Through this profession, she found a way to combine therapy with a holistic understanding of people’s lived experiences, allowing her to provide meaningful support that goes beyond just the individual to the systems around them.

Debra’s experience has primarily focused on providing support to individuals facing complex mental health challenges. She has worked in substance use treatment, helping individuals navigate recovery and build healthier coping strategies. Additionally, she has provided individual therapy to those dealing with sexual trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, and depression, among other concerns. She is especially passionate about working with individuals who have experienced deep emotional pain, helping them find resilience and healing. By creating a supportive and understanding environment, she aim’s to empower clients to process their experiences, develop self-awareness, and build meaningful connections in their lives. Debra is passionate about helping individuals in diverse settings and from all walks of life. She has received training in supporting individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, sexuality, and addiction. She is dedicated to approaching her work with compassion, understanding, and curiosity, qualities that will continue to shape her journey in the service of others.

Some fun facts about her include growing up in the Chicago area, always having peanut butter in her pantry, and having once given coach bus tours in Alaska. Her career has brought her out west, and she is grateful for the opportunity to live in an area that allows her to fully immerse herself in her hobbies. She loves running, going to the gym, hiking, and going on walks. Having recently moved to St. George, she is excited to get into cycling. Above all, she cherishes spending time with family and close friends, as those relationships are very important to her.

When I was 20, I served the people of Brazil for a short period of time. I had always loved learning about people’s stories; strangers would share deep things with me, and my friends always said I should be getting paid for listening to their problems, haha, but something clicked in Brazil for me when I knew I wanted to be a therapist. Giving space for people to explore their past and figure out how they want their present and future to be now.

In Brazil, there was a family that I met where their daughter was put in a mental hospital for her outbursts and depressive episodes. Something felt off about it to me, and as I learned more about the girl’s family and got to know the girl personally, her environment and home life were not safe or uplifting. Instead of parents apologizing and recognizing what they were doing to the girl, they made it all her fault and sent her away. That, for me, was very impactful, as I saw someone innocent get blamed and excluded for the behaviors of others. Then, I couldn’t do anything about it, but now I can.