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Debra   (Debbie) Shepard

LCSW

Debra (Debbie) Shepard , LCSW

Therapist in Illinois

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Online therapy - get matched and start messaging.

About Debra

Debra (Debbie) Shepard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with 14 years of clinical and supervisory experience in behavioral health. She has supported people facing a broad range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship strain, substance use concerns, parenting and career transitions, and the stresses of emerging adulthood. Her background includes work with individuals and families navigating life changes and coping with trauma and abuse.

Shepard practices in a warm, interactive manner that is tailored to each person she meets. Her work is solution-focused and strength-based, grounded in evidence-informed techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approaches, and mindfulness. She emphasizes collaboration, helping clients identify what is not working and building practical strategies to create change. As an LCSW - a professional license for advanced social work practice - she brings clinical expertise and supervisory experience to her therapeutic relationships.

Seeking help takes courage, and Shepard frames the process as supportive and empowering. She aims to create a respectful therapeutic partnership that centers the client’s goals and strengths while working toward clearer coping, improved relationships, and greater well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the client as the expert in their own life and emphasizes empathy, active listening, and support. It helps people explore their values and goals and is useful for relationship concerns, life transitions, and building self-esteem.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It is practical and problem-oriented, often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with challenging situations.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-focused awareness and stress-reduction practices to help manage emotional intensity, reduce reactivity, and improve sleep and concentration.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with clients to understand their needs, goals, and preferences and may integrate techniques from different approaches to tailor the work. This collaborative planning helps shape a treatment path that fits each person.

Online therapy offers flexible options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats can make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and daily life, and they allow therapists to provide consistent support across different circumstances. Licensed professionals can adapt their methods to these formats while maintaining a therapeutic focus on progress and client goals.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Debra (Debbie) Shepard have?

Debra (Debbie) Shepard has 14 years of experience in the behavioral health field.

Is Debra (Debbie) Shepard a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details are IL LCSW 149016627.

In which languages does Debra (Debbie) Shepard provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Debra (Debbie) Shepard located?

She is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Debra (Debbie) Shepard as my therapist?

You can work with Debra (Debbie) Shepard through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Debra (Debbie) Shepard work with international clients?

Debra (Debbie) Shepard does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Debra (Debbie) Shepard cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

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

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