- Stress and anxiety
- Life transitions
- CBT and client-centered
About Deborah
Deborah (Debbie) Connery is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 33 years of experience. She works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family concerns, life transitions, self-esteem struggles, career questions, anger, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes. She also addresses issues such as isolation, hoarding, end-of-life concerns, and life purpose.
Debbie keeps sessions straightforward and practical. She listens first, then helps people identify what feels stuck. Conversations often focus on immediate problems and on steps that can make daily life more manageable.
Her approach draws from client-centered practice and cognitive behavioral therapy, along with solution-focused methods and motivational interviewing. That means she helps people notice patterns of thinking, set concrete short-term goals, and test small changes to see what works.
When trauma or loss is present, she uses trauma-focused work to address painful memories and coping reactions. Sessions can include talking through difficult moments, building coping strategies, and planning manageable next steps.
Debbie aims to collaborate with each person to find useful ways forward. She asks questions, offers feedback, and checks in about what is most helpful. People considering therapy are encouraged to start with a brief match process and schedule an initial session to see how the work feels.
Her practice reflects long experience with a wide range of mood and behavioral challenges. She helps people weigh options, clarify priorities, and take small, practical steps toward clearer direction and more stable routines.
How her methods translate to online work
Debbie uses client-centered therapy to focus on each person's concerns and preferences. That approach centers on listening, reflecting, and responding to what the client brings, useful for issues like low self-esteem, relationship worries, or life purpose questions.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. CBT is practical and problem-focused, often involving short-term experiments and skills to reduce anxiety, depression, or panic symptoms.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will talk with clients about goals and try methods that suit their needs. That collaborative process helps decide whether to emphasize CBT, solution-focused steps, motivational interviewing, or trauma-focused work.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins, or make it simpler to access care without travel. Licensed professionals can adapt these approaches to remote meetings, focusing on clear problem solving, coping strategies, and goal-setting that fit everyday life.
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 concerns does she help with?
She supports adults with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family issues, life transitions, self-esteem, anger, bipolar disorder, and other mood or behavior concerns.
How does she approach feeling stuck?
She uses client-centered listening combined with cognitive behavioral tools and solution-focused techniques to identify patterns and try small, practical changes.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 33 years of clinical experience working with adults in Illinois.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois and works with adults in that state.
Does she work in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified here; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.