PrideMinistry

Get to Know Dr. Deb

Yes, that is the United States Secretary of State Madeline Albright giving me my Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling and Clinical Education at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. My thesis is “Understanding the Spiritual and Faith Community Needs of People in Alternative Relationships” is the groundbreaking, first ever research study on DEI for diverse relationship constellations (Polyamory, ENM, Kink, Platonic Unions, etc…) in progressive houses of worship.

In addition to having a doctoral degree in counseling, I hold a Masters Degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and I am a licensed psychotherapist (in the US) and a registered coach (in the EU and internationally, with clients across 4 continents). I am an ordained Interfaith/Interspiritual yogi through One Spirit Seminary’s two-year seminary where I now serve as a dean and teach courses on counseling, relationships, sexuality, gender, and faith. I served as the Director of Behavioral Health at Interfaith Hospital and was Director of Clinical Services at Yachad/National Jewish Counsel for Disabilities. I was twice awarded the Scholar-in-Residence position at the Ortzai Arts Alliance in Basque Country. I supervise and mentor psychotherapists, life coaches, relationship coaches, mental health counselors, and spiritual counselors and I have spoken at more than 200 professional conferences and workshops around the world.

I am am radically sex, sexuality, sexual practices, Disability, Queer, Feminist, and body positive. I am knowledgeable and affirming of diverse populations including LGBTQAI2+, Kink/BDSM, Poly, ENM, Alternative Relationships, Step Families/Blended Families, Chosen Families, Straightfolx, Monogamous partnerships, and more.

In my private life I actively engage in Ayurvedic cooking and regularly attend retreats and retreats for my personal self-care and wellness. I am a daily practitioner of Anti-Oppression Functional Yoga for diverse bodies and abilities. Originally from the U.S. I now reside in beautiful Amsterdam and my coaching practice is an official entity of the Netherlands, allowing me to work with clients all around the globe.

Real Stories of Change from Our Community

“Rev. Deb is a beacon of hope, warmth, and healing for Queer and Alt spiritual seekers. An effing great coach and counselor.”

Dr. Barbara Carrellas, Urban Tantra

“I've been pleased to call Rev Dr Deb a trusted colleague for many years now, and she has been my go to expert whenever I have a clinical question or need a referral or resources on the intersection of spirituality and alternative sexualities and lifestyles. Whether you're a professional or an organization looking for consultation or a client looking for guidance, you will be in knowledgeable and caring hands in your work with Rev Deb.”

Dr. Dulcinea Alex Pitagora, KinkDoctor.com

“Rev Deb is one of those people I can literally say anything to and feel totally safe expressing myself as a queer woman, as a relationship anarchist, and as a Goddess. I strongly recommend working with Rev Deb.”

Goddess Marilyn Hammer, Founder of Amsterdomme

“I have had the pleasure of attending several of Rev. Deb's groups and workshops and always came away with a renewed sense of grace and serenity.”

Rev. Kyle Applegate, Founder, Polyamory NYC

“Deb is a luminary in the field... she contributed singularly and uniquely to the growing landscape of new spiritualities and ministry opportunities for serving LGBTQ+ communities – through creating this especially needed space in our world!”

Jennifer Harper, Director, Doctor of Ministry program, Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute for Religion

“Rev. Deb is a perfect confidante, the kindest of listeners. Perhaps her greatest asset, however, is her incredible sense of humor. She always makes me laugh and laugh, and sometimes that is the only healing you ever need at any given moment. I recommend Rev. Deb to anyone who needs an empathetic and wise guide through the thorny sections of life’s path.”

Dito Van Reigersberg, aka Martha Graham Cracker

“PrideMinistry fills the gap so many spiritual seekers feel, when our identity stretches beyond what is truly accepted in our spiritual community. Deb and her team help us accept our wholeness, allowing us to ask for what we need in the spaces we value and also from the people we love.”

Rev Sarah Bowen, interspiritual minister and author of "Spiritual Rebel"

“Rev. Deb is a deep and introspective thinker, a serious spiritual seeker, and a brilliant counselor. Anyone who has the good fortune to be her counseling client will find themselves better as a result."

Coach Nathan Lake

“Pride Ministry and Reverend Deb are amazing! They not only bring spirituality to the world, they bring it with love and care in a supportive environment.”

BDSM Education Center

“Rev. Dr. Deb Berman has an extraordinary presence that communicates openness and acceptance. Whether leading workshops, facilitating groups, or interacting one-on-one, she masterfully creates spaces of deep care and connection. These qualities are rivaled only by her abilities to inform and inspire others as a scholar and educator on topics related to sexuality. I have experienced few, if any, people who possess her rare combination of gifts and talents.”

Rev. Dr. Salome Raheim, 1st Year Dean, One Spirit Interfaith Seminary Professor Emeritus, University at Albany State University of New York; Dean Emeritus, University of Connecticut School of Social Work

“Rev Deb Berman is a truly affirming presence, fostering personal exploration and growth through her monthly OSLA Alt Faith Collective group. Her compassionate nature and genuine belief in the potential of others create a nurturing space for transformative experiences.”

Professor Emeritus, University at Albany State University of New York; Dean Emeritus, University of Connecticut School of Social Work

“Rev. Dr. Deb Berman is an intuitive and deeply compassionate counselor and healer. Her clinical experience, expansive knowledge of spirituality, and love of all people combine to make her a gifted soul who is able to offer hope and help to those who need both.”

Rev Dr. Thaeda Franz

Solution-Focused Coaching

Your Coach and Wisdom Guide

Dr. Deb Berman, DMin, LCSW

NAMASTE!

You came to the right place.

Help has arrived! I look forward to working together to help you make real, tangible and lasting changes in your life — and sooner than you might think!

Get to Know Dr. Deb

Real Stories of Change from Our Community