Debra Polodna, RMHCI Winter Park Office
Debra Polodna is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) in the state of Florida. She works exclusively with clients in private practice at Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching and Counseling's Winter Park counseling office.
Who Debra Works With & Debra's Approach
Debra has a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change. Her approach is shaped by both lived experience and professional training, allowing her to bring compassion, understanding, and authenticity to her work with each client. She provides supportive, empathetic, and client-centered care to those experiencing anxiety, addiction, codependency, grief, perfectionism, low self-esteem, trauma, and major life transitions.
Her work with couples using the Gottman Method, as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy, helps couples navigate infidelity, rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional and physical intimacy, whether they are married, cohabitating, or dating.
Debra incorporates the mission of Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling by using an integrative approach to counseling. She draws from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs and goals. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their emotions, build resilience, foster personal growth, and thrive.
Clinical Background
Debra is a native Central Floridian who earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University, with a concentration in Marriage and Families. Her clinical experience includes supporting individuals facing addiction, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and unhealthy coping patterns, while helping build resilience and strengthen their connections with others. Debra creates a warm, trusting, and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to overcome challenges, discover their inner strength, and truly thrive!
What to Expect at Your First Session
Complete Paperwork Online
Fill out your intake forms electronically before your session, quick and easy.
Introductions & Goal Setting
Get to know your therapist and share your goals for therapy.
Personalized Therapy Plan
Your therapist will create a plan tailored to your needs, including session frequency.
Supportive, Warm Environment
Begin working immediately in a safe, welcoming space where you feel valued and understood.
Ready to begin your path toward healing? We’re here to support you.
Feeling heard and understood is an important part of therapy, but meaningful growth comes from applying what you learn along the way. At Orlando Thrive Therapy, our goal is to equip you with practical tools, healthy coping strategies, and new perspectives that help you create lasting positive change. Personal growth can take effort, but with the right guidance and support, it’s absolutely possible, and we see it happen every day.
Meet Your Thrive Therapist
Get matched with a Thrive therapist who understands your goals.
Begin Your Path to Thriving
Start your first session and begin building the tools, clarity, and confidence to create meaningful, lasting change.
Start Your Journey Toward Thriving
Connect with a compassionate Orlando therapist and take the first step toward healing, clarity, and lasting emotional well-being.