Meet Deborah Wilder, Ph.D. | Psychologist and Relationship and Divorce Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Wilder, Ph.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My father was a psychologist, and even before I really understood what that meant, I knew that becoming a psychologist was what I wanted. I had a clear path through school, and I started my private practice in 1994. After a number of years of building my practice while raising my children, my own divorce eventually changed the trajectory of my career. It wasn’t just a difficult experience—it was a turning point that made me passionate about helping others through the often brutal and overwhelming process of divorce. Over time, I expanded my work beyond traditional therapy and became a divorce mediator, parenting coordinator, and reunification therapist. And as I worked with more and more clients, I found myself specializing in helping people—especially women—who were divorcing emotional abusers and narcissists.

I can’t stand bullies, and it gives me so much satisfaction to help people who have been victims of this kind of psychological warfare regain their confidence, set boundaries, and build emotionally and mentally healthy lives. The devastation of these situations is real and painful, but I firmly believe that no matter how hard an abuser tries to break someone, they don’t get to define the rest of that person’s life. My work is about guiding people through that transformation—helping them see that they are not broken, they are not weak, and they absolutely have the power to take back their lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is about helping people deal with and get through life’s challenges, whether they are dealing with personal struggles, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions like divorce. In my general private practice, I work with individuals, couples, and families to address a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. I help my patients and clients improve their relationships, work through trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and develop healthier coping strategies. My work isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about helping people build stronger, more fulfilling lives.

At the same time, a significant part of my practice is dedicated to helping people navigate divorce, particularly when emotional abuse or narcissistic manipulation is involved. What sets me apart is my ability to take a holistic and integrative approach to mental, emotional, and physical well-being while blending traditional therapy and out of the box thinking with strategic, practical guidance. I don’t just help people process their emotions—I also equip them with the tools they need to navigate the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of high-conflict divorce.

What excites me most is the transformation I see in my clients. Whether they’re struggling in their marriage, dealing with a painful breakup, or trying to co-parent with a difficult ex, I help them regain their confidence and take control of their lives. Seeing someone go from feeling powerless to realizing their own strength is incredibly rewarding, and it’s what keeps me motivated every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think that it would be fun to take people to the Aquarium, the Coca Cola Museum, Fernbank Science Center, the Atlanta Zoo, Little Five Points, Six Flags Over Georgia, and the High Museum of Art, as well as to some of the college campuses like Emory University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and Oglethorpe University. Visiting historical sites like Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, the Atlanta History Center, and Stone Mountain would be special places to visit.
There are some beautiful gardens in and near Atlanta like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Callaway Gardens, Gibbs Gardens, and there are a number of ways to see and/or experience the Chattahoochee River, as well.
There are a number of possible day trips in Georgia that could be enjoyable like visiting Chateau Elan Winery and Resort, Lake Lanier, Helen, Dalonega, and the Blue Ridge Mountains for a scenic train ride.
As far as restaurants and places to hang out, Buckhead and Midtown offer a great number of higher end restaurants and bars like Bone’s Restaurant, The Capital Grille, Fogo de Chao, Swan Coach House, as well as many others. The city of Decatur and the Virginia-Highlands area of Atlanta offer a number of restaurants and bars that vary from traditional to funky and fun. There really is a place for every kind of interest and every kind of personality.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to first and foremost thank my parents for demonstrating the kind of devotion to family that most people can only dream of. They both came from great hardship and loss, but made it their mission to create the kind of family that they didn’t have when they were growing up. My siblings and their spouses have also been great sources of support and love. Last, but certainly not least, my children, who are the center of my world, fill my heart with love and gratitude every day. I am truly blessed.

Website: https://www.drdeborahwilder.com

Instagram: @drdeborahwilder

Facebook: Dr. Deborah WIlder