Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Debbie Hayes

Debbie Hayes, LCPC

Therapist · Illinois · 10+ years of experience

Compassionate counselor helping practical life changes

Continue with Debbie

Opens BetterHelp in a new tab, where you can review online therapy options.

At a glance

Listed location
Illinois
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
LCPC
Languages
English
License (Illinois)
LCPC · No. 180.010923
NPI
1578958062

Copied as listed by the therapist. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.

  • Warm and interactive
  • Short-term skills focus
  • Christian option available

About Debbie

Debbie Hayes is a licensed counselor in Illinois who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addiction, and relationship challenges. She brings ten years of experience from roles as a caseworker and counselor. Debbie writes plainly and listens closely to understand what matters most to each person she meets.

Her sessions aim to be warm and interactive. She treats people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and avoids judgment. Debbie adapts conversations and plans to fit each person's situation rather than using a one-size-fits-all script.

Debbie blends several approaches in her work, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, emotionally-focused ideas, and existential perspectives. She also offers Christian-based counseling when clients request it and they feel that approach would be helpful.

Her experience includes supporting people through parenting strains, career problems, eating and body-image concerns, trauma and abuse, and mood conditions such as bipolar disorder. She has also worked with issues tied to aging and geriatric concerns and caregiver stress.

Debbie keeps learning through additional trainings to stay current with research and best practices. Her practical focus is on helping people take small, manageable steps toward clearer goals and more satisfying daily life. She encourages anyone ready to begin change to reach out and start the process.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Smoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Credentials

Illinois

Languages

English

How therapy approaches shape online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and situations where people feel stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going and learning practical skills to change them. It often helps with depression, anxiety, and mood regulation. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, empathetic relationship where the therapist listens and follows the client's lead to build insight and confidence.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or has not worked in the past. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as the work unfolds.

The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also allow people to work with a licensed professional while staying in their local region. Ask the therapist about session length, frequency, and how Christian-based preferences can be incorporated into remote sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Debbie address?

She helps with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, relationship and parenting problems, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar concerns, and a wide range of related issues.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is warm and interactive, nonjudgmental, and tailored to each person. Sessions combine client-centered listening with practical techniques from cognitive and emotionally-focused approaches.

What experience does she bring to sessions?

She has ten years of combined experience working as a caseworker and as a counselor, supporting people through many concerns and life transitions.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds an IL LCPC credential and practices in Illinois.

Does she work in languages other than English or with international clients?

Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Debbie HayesContinue with Debbie