Her initial education

Deborah Anicama grew up in the

Chicagoland area where she completed

her bachelor of science degree in

Exceptional Education at Western

Illinois University in Macomb, IL, in

1976. After graduation, she relocated to

Southern Florida and began working at

Broward County School System as an

exceptional education teacher working

with elementary and later middle school students, ranging from special needs and mentally handicapped to gifted students. Seven years later, she became a behavioral specialist working with emotionally disturbed children, then an exceptional student education specialist managing programs within schools. During this time, Deborah acquired much experience working with students' families and the school's psychological team.

Building a strong foundation

In 1994, Ms. Anicama decided to

complete her master's degree at Florida

Atlantic University in Boca Raton in

counselor education, focusing on guidance counseling. However, she decided to go the extra mile to pursue requirements for mental health. After 21 years of working with the Broward Schools, she resigned to complete her training and a three-year internship for mental health. Acquiring licensure in 2001, she worked in a private practice with Michael D. Lukens, PhD., PA and Associates and also volunteered

as a therapist for a center for Group

Counseling. In 2005, Dr. Lukens moved

from the area and Deborah took the leap

of faith to begin her own practice as a

psychotherapist, family counselor, and life coach. She has since learned the art of hypnotherapy and is a Certified

Clinical Hypnotherapist.