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LCSW

Debra (Debbie) Shepard, LCSW

  • Experience14 years
  • LocationIllinois
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Debra

Debra (Debbie) Shepard is an Illinois-licensed LCSW who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, relationship challenges, mood disorders, ADHD, and other life transitions.

Background and approach

With 14 years of experience in behavioral health, she draws on a range of methods to tailor treatment to each person's situation, focusing on practical strategies and the client’s strengths. Her practice emphasizes a warm, collaborative stance that blends evidence-based techniques with reflective exploration.

She commonly uses cognitive behavioral methods and client-centered listening alongside mindfulness and motivational strategies to address symptoms, improve coping, and support behavior change. The work is organized around clear goals and an individualized plan that responds to shifting needs over time.

Debbie brings supervisory experience and a track record working with substance use, family and communication problems, trauma, caregiving and aging concerns, and complex emotional issues such as grief, shame, and low self-esteem.

She encourages clients to take the first step toward change and offers steady support while clients build skills, clarify values, and pursue meaningful improvements in daily life.

Approachable therapy methods and online access

Debbie commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered therapy in her work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and learning practical strategies to change them, which can help with anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and coping skills. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, creating space for clients to explore their priorities and build self-directed solutions.

Deciding which approach fits best is part of the therapeutic process. She works collaboratively with each person to match techniques to goals, preferences, and current needs, adjusting the plan as progress is made and new concerns emerge.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging so clients can access care from different settings and at varied times. These formats allow for consistent support and skill-building while accommodating busy schedules and geographical constraints.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
She focuses on a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family problems, trauma, ADHD, sleep and eating difficulties, career and life changes, and compassion fatigue.
What is the therapy style and approach like?
The approach is warm, interactive, and individualized, drawing on client-centered principles, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic ideas to build practical skills and insight.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
The therapist brings 14 years of clinical and supervisory experience in the behavioral health field, working with a broad range of mental health and substance use concerns.
What are the therapist's credentials and location?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149016627 and practices from an Illinois-based license.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only, and international clients are not currently accepted.
In what formats can sessions be held?
Clients can meet using video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are costs and subscriptions handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions are accessed via a subscription model that may be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working with this therapist?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuseEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

14+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English

What Debra can help with

Debra (Debbie) Shepard works with clients on stress and anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, depression, and coping with life changes.

Debra works with clients with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions.

How Debra approaches therapy

Debra's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Debra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Illinois, with 14 years of clinical experience.