- ACT and CBT
- DBT skills
- Goal focused work
About Deanna
Deanna MacDonald is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with seven years of experience providing individual therapy. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship struggles, and self-esteem concerns. Sessions are aimed at practical change and clearer day-to-day coping rather than long lectures or jargon.
Deanna draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients notice patterns and practice different responses. She uses short exercises, real-world homework, and clear conversation to turn insights into actions. Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy also guide brief goals and steps when needed.
Her work often focuses on manageable skills for handling anger, frustration at work, simmering resentment, or reactions with people close to you. Conversations include identifying triggers, testing small behavior changes, and practicing emotional regulation techniques. The aim is to give concrete tools to try between sessions.
Deanna has a history of supporting people with trauma, grief, addictions, body image, sleep and eating concerns, and mood disorders. She helps clients who are navigating life changes, caregiving stress, workplace problems, and challenges tied to identity and intimacy.
Sessions are conducted in English and follow a collaborative model: you and the therapist set goals together and check progress as you go. To begin, clients choose a plan, fill a short questionnaire, and schedule a first meeting.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting controlled by them, then pick actions that match their values. It can be useful for anger that comes from stuck patterns and avoidance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to test and change unhelpful thinking. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and anger linked to upsetting beliefs. Dialectical Behavior Therapy focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT skills help when strong emotions lead to impulsive reactions or relationship conflicts.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each client to choose which methods to try based on goals, daily challenges, and what feels workable. That plan is checked and adjusted over time so techniques are practical and relevant.
The original biography did not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to schedule shorter check-ins, fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, or avoid being on camera when bandwidth is limited. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and DBT exercises to remote sessions so clients practice skills between meetings and track small changes in everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger or related problems does she address?
She supports people dealing with losing their temper, workplace frustration, built-up resentment, and reactions to others' anger. Anger is listed among many related concerns such as anxiety, depression, and relationship strain.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She uses a collaborative, practical approach that emphasizes skills and small behavior changes. Sessions include short exercises and real-world practice rather than abstract discussion alone.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has seven years of experience providing individual therapy and a longer history working in the mental health field. That experience includes supporting people with mood and stress-related concerns.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is an LCPC, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and practices in Illinois.
Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
Which session formats are used for therapy?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking to know whether phone or video sessions are offered.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact rates depend on the plan chosen.
What are the first steps to start working together?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process begins the intake and goal-setting conversation.