- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
About Deborah
Deborah (Debbie) Connery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 33 years of experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, anger, bipolar mood concerns, and major life changes. Debbie aims to make reaching out feel straightforward and understandable for people considering therapy.
Her sessions focus on clear, practical steps rather than abstract talk. She draws on Client-Centered Therapy to listen closely and help clients set the pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot thinking and behavior patterns that keep problems going. Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy guide short-term goal setting and small changes that add up.
Debbie names coping with grief, trauma, and life transitions among common reasons people contact her. She also addresses communication problems, control issues, hoarding concerns, loneliness, and questions about life purpose. The approach is collaborative - she and the client work together to locate strengths and next steps.
Sessions aim to identify manageable skills for handling anger, reducing panic, or easing depressive periods. Practical tools and homework are used when helpful so clients can test new ways of reacting between appointments. The work is paced to match what each person can try.
Debbie’s background in social work over three decades informs her plain, problem-solving style. People who want straightforward guidance and concrete techniques often find this approach useful.
How Debbie’s approaches work for online sessions
Debbie commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy to let the client guide the pace and focus of work. This approach emphasizes active listening and helping people name what matters most to them. It can be useful when someone needs to sort out feelings like anger, grief, or frustration.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another core method she uses. CBT breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions, then tests small behavior changes and different ways of thinking. It is often chosen for stress, anxiety, panic, and patterns that feed anger or depression.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client decide together what methods to try based on needs, goals, and what feels doable. Sessions can shift over time if a different focus or tool seems better.
Session formats are not specified in the original biography, so confirm the current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful for fitting appointments into a busy day, keeping check-ins brief when needed, and avoiding travel time. Online work can also make it easier to practice new skills between meetings and apply them in everyday settings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
33+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does she address?
She supports adults dealing with losing their temper, building resentment, and the stress of living with someone else’s anger. Anger is listed among the concerns she works with.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical, focusing on skills and small steps. She uses listening and goal-setting to help clients try new responses.
How much experience does this clinician have?
She has 33 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. That background shapes a pragmatic, problem-focused approach.
What credential and location apply to her practice?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and works with adult clients in that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.