DEBORAH ATKINS

Deborah Atkins, MTF, is Clinical Family Recovery Consultant for The Lighthouse Sober Living and the Recovery 365 coaching programs. A marriage and family therapist in Fairfield County for more than 17 years, Deborah recognizes addiction and dysfunction as part of a larger—and often desperate—call for change. She identifies negative thoughts, long-held beliefs and unhealthy patterns of relating within the context of a clients’ work, marriage and family. 

As consultant to The Lighthouse, Deborah shares her expertise in family system dynamics to help coaches and staff develop individualized support for residents and their families. By challenging ineffective and destructive habits and behaviors, she helps our team to uncover latent strengths and develop new strategies that can hold the key to lasting sobriety and transformation. 

Deborah received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Fairfield University and has worked in both agency and private settings with individuals, couples and families. She has also worked in the local judicial system with court-mandated clients addressing chronic substance abuse and anger management disorders. 

Deborah advises allied professionals on the subtle nuances of systemic organization, helping corporate teams and educators as an adjunct facilitator and mediator. Her warmth, compassion, intuition, optimism and commitment to collaboration provide our residents and their families guided strategies for long-term recovery and deeper, more meaningful family relationships. Her systemic approach also brings to light valuable insights into resident and staff relationships to ensure The Lighthouse family provides the most nurturing, healthy and productive environment for our clients’ recovery and wellness journeys.