Deborah (Debbie) Connery, LCSW

Deborah (Debbie) Connery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people in Illinois manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life changes. She brings 33 years of experience supporting adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward. Debbie aims to make reaching out less daunting and to create a respectful, compassionate space for conversation.

Debbie focuses on thoughts and everyday habits that shape how people cope. She emphasizes practical steps clients can try between sessions. Work often includes naming strengths, testing small changes, and finding ways to restore routine and meaning after difficult events.

Her approach adapts to each person rather than following a single method. She uses client-centered ways of working that follow the client’s pace and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools are used to spot unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors that reduce distress.

Motivational interviewing and solution-focused tools are brought in to help set realistic goals and build momentum. Debbie also draws on trauma-focused methods when past events are getting in the way of daily life. Throughout, she keeps explanations plain and steps concrete so clients can apply them in everyday situations.

Debbie works with common concerns such as relationship strain, career challenges, anger, bipolar mood issues, hoarding, end-of-life matters, and isolation. Her practical, steady style is meant to help people find manageable ways forward and reclaim a sense of purpose.

Approaches that guide online work

Debbie commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy to follow what matters most to the person in front of her, letting their goals shape each session. This approach focuses on listening, reflecting, and building a trusting working relationship that supports problem solving.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify everyday thoughts and habits that keep problems going. CBT involves noticing unhelpful thinking, trying small behavior changes, and tracking what helps reduce anxiety or low mood.

Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques together, and adjust the plan based on what feels useful and realistic for the client’s life and goals.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the specific session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let conversations continue through transitions like moves or job changes. Ask about available formats and scheduling when you complete the matching questionnaire so sessions align with your routine.