About Debra
Debra (Debbie) Shepard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois who helps people facing anxiety, stress, depression, and life transitions. She offers straightforward, practical support for day-to-day problems and longer-term struggles. Debbie speaks plainly and focuses on what will make life feel more manageable now.
Many people seek her out for help with relationships, parenting strain, substance use concerns, sleep and eating problems, or career stress. Debbie draws on 14 years of clinical experience to tailor care to each person.
Background and approach
She uses client-centered methods to follow the person's lead and build on their strengths. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is part of her work when people want tools to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Her style is warm and interactive.
Sessions aim to identify small, doable steps that fit a person’s life. Motivational Interviewing shows up when people are ambivalent about change and need help finding their own motivation. Debbie also brings elements of mindfulness to help with stress and emotional regulation.
The Gottman Method informs her work on communication and relationship skills when those are relevant. She adapts these approaches to match the client's goals and pace. People can expect collaborative conversations that focus on clear goals and practical strategies.
Debbie emphasizes respect for each person's story while working toward realistic change. She supports people through both sudden shifts and slow, steady progress.
How therapy approaches translate online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on hearing the person's experience and building goals together. Online sessions let a therapist follow a person's lead and adapt each visit to what feels most helpful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches specific skills to notice and change thoughts and behaviors that feed anxiety or low mood, which can be practiced during and between remote sessions. Motivational Interviewing helps people resolve mixed feelings about change by exploring their own reasons and strengths in a collaborative way.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client will discuss goals, preferences, and what techniques feel comfortable. They will try methods and adjust based on what helps the person move forward, keeping the process collaborative and goal-oriented.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for deeper conversations and practicing skills together. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to use a camera. Live chat or text messaging work well for brief check-ins, homework planning, or keeping momentum between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep consistent contact while working toward change.
Questions people ask
What kinds of concerns does she address?
How would you describe her therapy style?
What is her clinical background?
Where is she licensed and based?
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Are international clients accepted?
What session formats are available?
How does cost and scheduling work?
What this therapist works with
Most often
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
Also listed
- Abandonment
- ADHD
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Body image
- Career difficulties
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Divorce and separation
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Eating disorders
- Emptiness
- Family conflicts
- Family problems
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Parenting issues
- Phobias
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self esteem
- Self-love
- Sleeping disorders
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Trauma and abuse
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 14 years
- Licensed
- Illinois
- Languages
- English
We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.