CBT Therapist Directory

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Debra (Debbie) Shepard, LCSW

Illinois LCSW specializing in stress and relationships
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Addiction recovery
  • Relationship support

About Debra (Debbie) Shepard

Debra (Debbie) Shepard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 14 years of clinical and supervisory experience in behavioral health. She has supported people facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, substance use, challenges of emerging adulthood, parenting difficulties, and career-related stress.

Her approach is warm, interactive, and tailored to each person's circumstances, blending solution-focused and strength-based work with evidence-informed techniques. As an LCSW, she draws on therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to help clients identify unhelpful patterns, build coping skills, and develop practical strategies for change.

Debbie emphasizes collaboration, creating a supportive space to explore what is not working and to set realistic goals for improvement. She meets clients where they are and partners with them to build resilience, improve communication, and manage symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Recognizing that seeking help takes courage, she aims to empower people as they take steps toward meaningful change and healthier functioning. She looks forward to working with those who are ready to begin that process.

Areas of Expertise

Also Specializes In

Family conflictsTrauma and abuseEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Debra (Debbie) Shepard have?

Debra (Debbie) Shepard has 14 years of experience in the behavioral health field.

Is Debra (Debbie) Shepard a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license is IL LCSW 149016627.

In which languages does Debra (Debbie) Shepard provide therapy?

Debra (Debbie) Shepard provides therapy in English.

Where is Debra (Debbie) Shepard located?

She is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Debra (Debbie) Shepard as my therapist?

You can work with Debra (Debbie) Shepard through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Debra (Debbie) Shepard work with international clients?

Debra (Debbie) Shepard does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Debra (Debbie) Shepard 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, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. 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 and online care



Debra (Debbie) Shepard uses client-centered therapy to create a collaborative relationship in which the client's values and goals guide the work. This approach emphasizes listening, empathy, and building on a person’s strengths to address issues like relationship problems, life transitions, and feelings of emptiness.

She also integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a practical method that helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replace them with strategies that reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Mindfulness therapy is another tool she employs to increase present-moment awareness and help manage symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and she partners with each client to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. This collaborative stance helps tailor sessions so they feel relevant and effective for the individual.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to access care around work, family, or mobility constraints. These options support consistent engagement and make it possible to continue therapeutic work even when in-person visits are not practical.

Ready to start therapy with Debra (Debbie) Shepard?

Take the first step toward a better you.