Deborah Beard, LCPC
Experienced LCPC specializing in relationships and trauma
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship and family work
- Trauma and mood disorders
About Deborah Beard
Deborah Beard is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with three decades of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and holding a Master of Science in Family Therapy from Friends University (1996), she combines clinical training with real-world experience to offer practical, compassionate care.
Her background includes roles as a Human Resource Manager and a Professor of Education, experiences that inform her therapeutic approach and allow her to translate life skills into the counseling room. She has worked in both public and private mental health settings, supporting people dealing with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and abuse recovery, relationship concerns, and parenting skill development.
Deborah approaches therapy with gentleness and warmth, emphasizing each person’s strengths as a foundation for growth. She draws on a range of evidence-informed tools, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Systemic Therapy, tailoring techniques to the needs of each client. Faith and moral values are recognized as meaningful resources in the work she does. Deborah welcomes those ready to begin change and looks forward to collaborating with clients toward their goals.
Her background includes roles as a Human Resource Manager and a Professor of Education, experiences that inform her therapeutic approach and allow her to translate life skills into the counseling room. She has worked in both public and private mental health settings, supporting people dealing with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and abuse recovery, relationship concerns, and parenting skill development.
Deborah approaches therapy with gentleness and warmth, emphasizing each person’s strengths as a foundation for growth. She draws on a range of evidence-informed tools, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Systemic Therapy, tailoring techniques to the needs of each client. Faith and moral values are recognized as meaningful resources in the work she does. Deborah welcomes those ready to begin change and looks forward to collaborating with clients toward their goals.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoaching
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Method Imago Relationship Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Deborah Beard have?
Deborah Beard has 30 years of professional experience in counseling and related roles.
Is Deborah Beard a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCPC, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. License details: IL LCPC 180.006969.
In which languages does Deborah Beard provide therapy?
Deborah Beard provides therapy in English.
Where is Deborah Beard located?
Deborah Beard is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Deborah Beard as my therapist?
You can work with Deborah Beard through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Deborah Beard work with international clients?
Yes, Deborah Beard works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Deborah Beard 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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just 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.
Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, and then commit to actions that align with their values. It is often useful for stress, anxiety, and patterns that feel stuck. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current connections, working to improve trust, closeness, and emotional regulation in relationships and family dynamics. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, empathetic therapeutic relationship in which the client’s goals guide the pace and focus of work; this approach supports self-exploration and confidence building.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Deborah works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to identify which methods fit best based on individual needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts techniques as progress unfolds.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - making it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and geographic constraints. These options allow therapists and clients to maintain continuity of care, respond to needs promptly, and choose formats that feel most comfortable for the work ahead.