I can't say enough positive things about my experience with Dr. Hensling. I went in feeling a bit lost, unsure of what my next steps in life would be. She helped me navigate and understand my wants and needs. She's very relatable and to the point. I've been to other Psychologists and most of the time they're just a feelings sharing session. Not with Dr. Hensling. She allows you to share your feelings and thoughts and makes sense of them. She is very honest and upfront, and doesn't sugarcoat which is exactly what people need when they're feeling lost or unsure. I always look forward to seeing her! Thank you for all the help and clarity you've provided me. I'm so grateful to have found her!! read more

Meeting with each of us separately before coming together as a couple was brilliant. Dr. Hensling took the time to understand our individual backgrounds, expectations, disappointments, and what we wanted our partner to understand but may have struggled to express. I believe those individual sessions played a major role in both of us leaving our first joint session feeling hopeful. We walked away with a clearer understanding of how our issues developed, practical tools to address them, and insight into how to avoid them in the future. I would strongly recommend Dr. Hensling to any couple that is serious about making a difference in your relationship. read more

My husband and I have been coming to Dr. Hensling for almost 5 years. We still love giving her a call when we need a refresher. She has seen us through dating, marriage, blending a family, and welcoming 2 new daughters into the crew as well. In short - she is...THE BEST. Smart, professional, empathetic, knowledgeable, fair, and funny. Her experience is unmatched and she does an amazing job helping partners understand each other in a way she interprets is needed. I can't recommend her enough. read more

Debbi has been such a big support for me during an anxious time. She has this amazing way of helping me peel back the layers and really understand what's going on underneath. She's so easy to talk to and always makes me feel safe and understood. I leave our sessions feeling lighter every time. read more

I've known Dr. Hensling since 2022 as she helped me exit my marriage. I started seeing her for individual therapy last year. Through her counsel, I have dramatically improved my communication skills and become less passive. I find her therapy to be efficient. She exercises compassion but holds me accountable. I am grateful for her support in becoming the best version of me. read more

Debbi is honestly amazing. My problem with seeking help is often that I'm not given a lot of tools and I'm meant to talk things to death, which makes me feel like I'm going in an endless trauma circle. With Debbi, in the very first session she gave me the tools I needed, desperately, to finally integrate into my life. I'm so grateful to have found her. Thank you!b read more

I went into anaphylactic shock at work and ended at the ER. I was sent home with an epi pen but no idea why it happened. Fearful of another episode, panic attacks ensued. I contacted the ER physician and he gave me Dr. Hensling's info. I felt so much better after our first session. She was so thorough. Later that evening, she sent me an email with info regarding how two of the medications I take could result in anaphylactic shock. I don't know why the hospital didn't tell me but grateful Dr. Hensling researched it. read more

Dr. H more than listened to me-she understood me, even with the things I couldn't find the words to say. Her compassion enveloped me in a way that made me feel safe enough to open doors I had kept closed for years. Because of her, I found the courage to face parts of myself I had been afraid to acknowledge. The tools that shaped my therapeutic journey we began continues to guide my life. I will carry deep gratitude for her in my heart always. read more

Dr Hensling is Great, I've seen her a few times now and she's been nothing but first class with me and the issues i'm going through. She's a true pro and a great listener, a great sound board, and gives great advice and solutions for you to solve what emotions someone is going through too. Looking forward to continuing to see her and workout everything i need help with. thanks again Dr Hensling! David read more

Debbie Hensling has been an incredible part of our lives for many years now. I honestly don't know where we'd be without her. She's helped our family through so much, always with kindness, patience, and a level of understanding that's hard to put into words. She has a way of making you feel comfortable and truly heard, and she offers insights that stick with you long after the session ends. Debbie has supported each of us in different ways--whether individually or as a family--and somehow she always knows how to meet us exactly where we are. She's also given my husband and me advice that's strengthened our relationship and helped us navigate tough conversations with more empathy and understanding. Her perspective is always thoughtful and grounded, and we've learned so much from her. She's more than just a therapist to us--she's been a steady, positive force through ups and downs. If you're looking for someone who genuinely cares and knows what they're doing, I can't recommend her enough. She is the best! read more

Where do I even begin? Dr. Hensling didn't just help us, she saved our marriage. I walked into her office completely lost. I didn't recognize myself anymore, and I felt like my marriage was slipping through my fingers. I was scared, heartbroken, and honestly, hopeless. But after just one session with her, something shifted. I left feeling seen, heard, and for the first time in a long time, strong. There's something about her presence, her insight, her gift that's almost indescribable. She met us where we were, on the edge of giving up, and gently, wisely, and compassionately guided us back to each other. Dr. Hensling is honest and kind. She doesn't sugarcoat the hard stuff, but she delivers truth with warmth and humor. She makes the heavy things feel lighter, and the impossible feel possible. After every session, we left feeling more hopeful, more grounded, and more connected, not just to each other, but to ourselves. Our marriage is now something I cherish more deeply than ever, and I truly believe we wouldn't be here without her. I owe so much to her. I've recommended her to so many friends, whether they're looking for individual support or couples work because I know how life-changing her guidance can be. If you're hesitant about therapy, or unsure where to begin, please just take the first step and call Dr. Debbie. She changed my life. She gave me back to myself, and she gave us back to each other. And I'll never stop being grateful. read more

We have been married over 15 years and been to a few marriage therapists. We would leave with a few "band aid" solutions to our problems. Finally, a friend suggested Dr. Hensling. Brilliantly, she saw each of us separately before meeting as a couple. We both felt heard and the session wasn't spent going over our arguments. Instead our session together was spend productively addressing the issues that was the catalyst to what was driving many of our issues - unresolved resentment, lack of communication, fear of conflict, etc... Our marriage is better than when we were dating. Thank you Dr. Hensling - love your approach! read more

Working with Dr. Hensling was a wonderful experience and very helpful. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking guidance from a kind, intelligent, and compassionate professional. read more

We had been to marital therapy throughout our marriage of 15 years.  Always rehashing the same complaints with the same band-aid therapeutic fixes (date night, using "I" statements, learning your Love Languages...).  We finally decided that we wanted something different and willing to try something different.  Dr. Hensling's approach to meeting with each of us separately to learn what we weren't saying to one another and find out the source of the resentment that had developed between us  was so incredibly effective. The tools she gave us were tailored to out relationship versus generic popular tools off the Internet.  Thank you Dr. Hensling. read more

We each saw Dr. Hensling alone first which made our first meeting together so incredibly PRODUCTIVE.Brilliant really. Instead of spending time rehashing old arguments and exchanging complaints about one another, further building the wall between us ... Dr. Hensling was able to gather important information from both of us that allowed her to weave throughout our sessions together. In our first session, she was able to help us understand how we got where we were and compassionately explained how our methods of communication were sabotaging our relationship. I especially love that when she gave us homework it was intended to supplement our sessions. She didn't waste the session going over what we had read, instead used the information to deepen the understanding of the skills and tools we needed. There were several times she didn't see us for a month so that we could practice what we had learned. She was extremely respectful of our time and desire for results. We made an excellent choice with Dr. Hensling. She clearly loves what she does and she is excellent at it. read more

Dr. Hensling has been such tremendous help to myself and my husband. I always feel like I leave our sessions with great takeaways that I can apply to my life. I had felt stuck about a decision I knew that I needed to push forward to, after our first session together I started taking action on this! Each session we pick up right where we left off, I truly feel Dr Hensling is invested in her patients. I would highly recommend her, especially if you are feeling stuck! Thank you Dr. Hensling for everything! Gene and I will be back to visit or live chat! read more

I had been to marriage counseling a few times and finally saw a divorce attorney. I think she could tell that I wasn't ready to give up on the marriage and referred me to Dr. Hensling. She told me that "she is the best in Orange County and if more people saw her she'd probably be out of business". We went and I can honestly tell you our marriage has never been better. Not gonna tell you it wasn't difficult because at times it was - but worth it. I wish we had found her sooner but so pleased we found her. Thank you so much Dr. Hensling. read more

Where do I begin! Debbi has been hands down the best therapist I've ever gone to. I had to go through quite a few therapists in Newport and finally I found Debbi. From the first session I instantly felt like I could open up to her, and that's not easy for me. She listens, she cares, and I know going into it I'm leaving with a game plan. I've never left not feeling empowered. I would go into her office down or distraught about something and Debbi could lift that weight off of me, she has something other therapists just don't have. It's truly a gift of people. I can go on all day how Debbi helped me better myself and the wonderful work she did with me. But I will leave this review saying this... Thank you Debbi for guiding me through the MOST stressful times in my life , It's still a work in progress but what I have learned from you will stay with me for a lifetime! Thank you read more

What an outstanding human Dr.Debbi is! She is kind hearted patient and so humble down to earth. We are so blessed to have crossed your path , my husband Emilio and I are in good hands ! Thank you read more

Years of anxiety spiraled me into a deep depression and I finally decided to get help. I went to a emergency walk-in and the doctor referred me to Dr. Hensling, telling me that he seen her as well as several of his colleagues . So I made an appointment and felt so much better after our first meeting. Dr. Hensling is so calming, confident and empathetic. She understands and doesn't judge. I felt empowered with the tools she had gave me and knew I could overcome the anxiety & depression that had consumed me for years. Within weeks my friends and co-workers noticed changes in me too! I wish I could give Dr. Hensling 10 stars -she changed my life!! read more

My husband and I both have worked with Dr. Hensling over the past 10 years as needed. Both separately and together she has helped us through some difficult situations. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional and makes a lot of common sense. I highly recommend her. read more

I am beyond happy and grateful for Dr. Debbi Hensling, words can't even describe it! She helped me and my partner a lot in understanding and managing our issues much better. She taught us how to better comunicate and most importantly how to avoid conflict (that was becoming a huge problem for us). Don't hesitate to give her a try! read more

My husband and I have been married 49 years. Yes, we too needed help. We have tried many therapists thoughout the years, but we just never seemed to find a good fit. Honestly, I would usually say to Rob, as we walked out to the car, after one of the many past sessions "I think they are the ones that need therapy." . This time, I was determined to find the right fit. Hours and hours, state to state (thanks to Zoom), the process of many phone calls and notes, checking on reviews and the process of elimination, it was Dr. Debi Hensling...hands down. When I made the first appointment, I was on my last leg with our relationship. I was feeling hopeless, exhausted, angry, and a deep sadness. I was trying not to get my hopes up, but I couldn't help but feel confident that I had found the right fit. I was excited about something for the first time in a long time. All I can say is don't wait any longer if you are needing help. You won't be sorry. It took us years of trying to find a solution. I won't go into any detail of our visits, because I don't want to spoil anything for you. The experience was magical for us both. Okay...I say magical, Rob says informative. Dr. Hensling is the whole package. I promise! Just a side note...this is my first Yelp review. I couldn't not do a review. She is that good. read more

We had been to marriage therapy before and it seemed more like an exchange of complaints with a referee than anything therapeutic. Then we had two friends refer us to Dr. Hensling. We each had an individual session with her before meeting together. That made a big difference to both of us to feel heard and understood. What a refreshingly different approach. She was very direct but compassionate. She "got us". She gave us tools to communicate better and ways to navigate any disagreements more effectively. Worth every minute and dollar spent. Thank you Dr. Hensling! read more

Dr. Debbi is a great listener and has helped me along the way! I cannot emphasize what an amazing therapist she is. Not only is she easy to talk to but gives great advice and feedback on whatever you may be going through. Dr. Hensling is also very involved in philanthropy, especially dealing with foster care. The way she gives back to the community is incredibly admirable. read more

Two different doctors referred me to Dr. Hensling after they determined there was no medical reason for the cough I had for 6 months. Evidently, what I thought was an issue in my throat turned out to be an issue in my head - ha, ha. Finally my discomfort outweighed my embarrassment and I called Dr. Hensling. In weeks, not only had my cough stopped but she gave me tools to address the anxiety that had riddled me my entire adult life. Dr. Hensling is recognized as one of the best with CBT and I am so grateful I found her. read more

Dr. Hensling is simply amazing. I cannot recommend her enough! She has helped me work through my anxiety and beyond. Very approachable and easy to talk to :) read more

Dr. Debbie is truly amazing...not only did she help me with questions I had about myself for years but gave me the tools and homework to learn and understand more than I could ever imagine...it was better than going back to college as far as knowledge, and personally, I have never felt better in my life emotionally, spiritually and physically. A rare find if you can get in to see her... she will change your life!!! SM read more

My boyfriend and I got engaged and I was surprised that really wasn't very excited. My friend told me to talk to Dr. Hensling and so happy I did. I learned so much. We had a relationship with him that was familiar - just like my now divorced parents. I won't go into detail but not what I wanted for sure. Dr. Hensling was able to help me understand that familiar isn't necessarily "love". My discovery allowed us to create a healthier relationship and excitement about our future. Thank you so much! read more

I suffered from​ anxiety for years until ... I met with Dr.​ Hensling. She helped me control what I thought was uncontrollable. Her compassionate, straight-forward style allowed me to understand my anxiety. I wish I had gone to see her sooner. I would highly recommend​ her. read more

Dr Hensling has been extremely helpful to me. I would recommend Dr. Hensling to anybody who needs guidance. She definitely cares about her patients. read more

Debbi Hensling is one of the utmost non selfish giving person. When she is with you, she gives you her full attention. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for having her in my life. She came into my life during one of the most hard times of my life, when I thought that I hit rock bottom I came in touch with her (by gods grace) and she has helped me in ways that cannot be repaid. I am so thankful that god put this angel on earth. :] read more

She is so incredibly helpful. Totally helped my family through a very difficult time. Brilliant!

Had an amazing session with Debbi. She was incredibly intuitive and was able to help me understand exactly what was going on in my situation. I left with a list of resources that would be very helpful. The best part for me was that she helped change my perception on a co-parenting relationship that was becoming continuously more and more toxic into a situation that is both manageable and can become better simply be changing how I respond and view things. Would highly recommend! read more

I've written a total of only a handful of reviews but this one is long overdue. I met Debbi over a year ago, it started out as marriage counseling. I did a lot of research, her education, history and postive reviews brought me to her. As soon as I met her I could instantly see how smart, knowledgeable, cool and easy to speak with she is. She instantly figured out the issues and addressed them with care, diplomacy and professionalism. Unfortunately the marriage didn't work out and I moved back to Los Gatos. That didn't stop Debbi and I from working together, we speak remotely. She has gotten me thru some incredibly difficult times. I reach out to her often, she's always there for me. She even checks in with me to see how I'm doing. Even on Christmas Day. I've never heard of that before from a therapist. I can't stress strongly enough how important it has been to have Debbi's help, compassion, understanding and guidance. I now consider her a true friend and confidant. She truly cares about me and all of her patients. I can't recommend her highly enough. If you're seeking help and guidance with any of life's endeavors, Debbi is the definitely the right choice! read more

I am so thankful to have found Dr. Hensling. I was referred to her by Dr. Mc Clellan. I've been suffering from anxiety and depression along with substance abuse for years. I just completed 30 days of sobriety while seeing her once a week. My depression has lifted and I have found purposeful meaning in my life again. She has become a mentor to me which I very much needed. She is genuine and down to earth with great energy and strength. I'm improving in all areas of my life including my parenting, the business that I own and in my personal relationships. She encourages me to be my best person and believe in myself. I would recommend her to everyone, especially women struggling with the balance of home and work life. read more

I met Dr. (Debbi) Hensling through mutual friends. At the time that I met her, my son and I were struggling in our relationship due to a recent divorce. Dr. Hensling assisted us in expressing our feelings with out me being emotional or feeling hurt and my son feeling truly "heard" and "understood". Dr, Hensling worked with us in individual sessions and joint sessions. I had been doubtful of my son connecting with Dr. Hensling as he had struggled with past female relationships at school but due to her own life experiences she was able to connect with him in a non-judgmental, supportive, and nurturing way that was exactly what he needed. Thank you to Dr. Hensling for walking my son and I through a very difficult time in our relationship. He and I are back to enjoying each others company again! read more

OMG! Thank you so much Dr. Hensling.. You are amazing snd changed my life...so understanding, helpful and life changing. I am so glad I did not compromise - you are the best! read more

I've never been to counseling but I was desperate to save my marriage. Dr. Hensling came highly recommended from friends. I cannot begin to tell you how much she helped us. I don't think we have ever been happier- we are communicating so much better and more. I wish we had gone to her years before. read more

No one wants to admit they need professional help but I'm glad I finally did. Dr. Hensling was so easy to talk to and got right to the issues. I left her office feeling like the weight of the world was off my shoulders and I got a good nights sleep for the first time in months! She also gave me several resources (books, articles, blogs, online group support and videos). I really felt empowered after our session. Thank you! read more