Debra Schwarze, LCPC, LPC

Debra Schwarze is a licensed counselor practicing in Illinois with three decades of experience in mental health. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and life changes. She also supports those coping with compassion fatigue, sleep problems, self-esteem struggles, career shifts, ADHD, and mood concerns.

Debra draws on a client-centered style that keeps the person's needs and goals central. She blends practical, evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR with mindfulness and expressive approaches when helpful. Sessions focus on clear strategies and small habit changes that fit into everyday life.

Her background spans community mental health, schools, faith-based settings, health systems, and private practice. She holds master’s degrees in counseling and art therapy and brings experience supporting people with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, life-changing medical issues, and end-of-life concerns.

In sessions she aims to create a calm, comfortable space for people to talk through difficult topics. She may invite art-making as another way to name hard thoughts and feelings when a person is open to it. The approach is collaborative, with practical steps you can try between meetings.

Debra encourages those new to counseling to take the first step. She will work with you to set goals and track small changes over time. Her long experience guides a steady, patient pace for people who want to build coping skills and clearer daily routines.

How approaches like CBT and EMDR translate online

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the person's goals. Online sessions can use that same approach by letting the person set the agenda and pace each week.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and everyday habits and teaches concrete tools to change them. In online sessions, CBT worksheets, habit tracking, and brief between-session tasks are easy to use and review together.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a method some people use to address trauma symptoms by processing difficult memories in a structured way. When EMDR is part of a plan, the therapist explains each step and adapts pacing to what the person needs.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust as needed. Collaboration helps decide whether to emphasize CBT tools, EMDR work, mindfulness practice, or a mix.

Confirm the current session formats before booking so you know what options are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people use tools and worksheets together during the meeting. Licensed professionals can guide how to adapt exercises to an online setting so the work stays practical and focused.