- Client-centered care
- CBT and EMDR
- Art-informed methods
About Debra
Debra Schwarze is a licensed counselor practicing in Illinois with three decades of experience in mental health. She works with people facing anxiety, stress, grief, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, sleep problems, and issues like ADHD and bipolar mood concerns. Debra also supports those coping with cancer, caregiving strain, divorce, end-of-life matters, and feelings of emptiness or isolation.
She uses a straightforward, client-centered style. Sessions focus on listening, exploring what matters to the person, and finding practical steps that fit daily life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR are among the approaches she brings into sessions when they match a person’s needs. Mindfulness and expressive methods such as guided art-making are offered when someone prefers them.
Debra holds a master’s degree in counseling and a master’s in art therapy. Her background includes community mental health, school settings, faith-based programs, health systems, and private practice work spanning many years. She aims to make the first steps into counseling less intimidating by creating a calm, accepting atmosphere.
In sessions she invites honest conversation and active participation. The work is collaborative - the person and Debra set goals together and track small changes over time. Her approach emphasizes practical tools, creative expression when helpful, and steady support during life transitions.
To begin, Debra asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to availability. She practices under the credentials LCPC and LPC in the states listed on her profile.
Approaches that translate well to online work
Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening and building a strong therapeutic relationship. Online sessions can use that same focus by giving space to people’s concerns and helping them set goals that feel achievable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers concrete tools for thinking and behavior change, such as tracking patterns and practicing new skills between sessions, which can be shared and reviewed remotely. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps people process traumatic memories through structured protocols; when appropriate, parts of EMDR can be adapted to remote sessions under the therapist’s guidance.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, trial methods, and adjust the plan based on what feels most helpful. Clients and the therapist work together to decide which techniques to try and how to pace the work.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, and letting people join from a location that works for them. Licensed professionals can use video or phone in different ways to focus on skill practice, therapeutic conversation, or guided exercises depending on what the person prefers.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Illinois, Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She helps people with anxiety, stress, grief, depression, trauma, sleep problems, relationship strain, ADHD, bipolar mood issues, and related concerns such as caregiver stress and cancer-related distress.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
The style is client-centered and collaborative. Sessions focus on listening, practical steps, and experimenting with approaches that fit the person’s daily life.
What is her background in mental health?
She brings about 30 years of experience across community mental health, schools, faith-based settings, health systems, and private practice.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is listed with credentials LCPC and LPC and practices in Illinois.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are used?
The biography does not specify session formats here; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.