Deborah (Debbie) Connery, LCSW

Deborah (Debbie) Connery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with 33 years of experience. She helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, career concerns, relationship difficulties, and coping with life changes. Debbie aims to make reaching out feel easier and to join clients on their path forward with empathy and respect.

Her approach is collaborative and straightforward. She listens first, then works with each person to find practical steps that fit their life. Debbie draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to notice patterns of thinking and behavior, and she uses client-centered methods to follow each person’s priorities.

She also uses solution-focused and motivational interviewing techniques to set realistic goals and tap into a person’s own strengths. Trauma-focused methods are available when past events are affecting day-to-day functioning. These approaches are mixed to match what the individual needs rather than following a single method.

Debbie has a long history helping adults navigate major life transitions and loss, including hospice and end-of-life concerns and aging and geriatric issues. She supports people dealing with mood and personality challenges, panic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, hoarding, isolation, and guilt or shame.

Her style is calm, compassionate, and pragmatic. Sessions aim to identify workable changes, provide tools for coping, and uncover sources of meaning and purpose. To start, a short matching questionnaire is completed and scheduling follows the therapist’s available times.

How therapy approaches work in online sessions

Debbie uses cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered methods as core approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors to find small changes that reduce distress and improve mood. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and following the person’s priorities to build trust and direction.

She also uses motivational interviewing to help clarify goals and strengthen the desire to change. That method works well for career shifts, habit change, and situations where someone feels stuck or unsure about next steps. These approaches are chosen to match the issue rather than applied the same way for everyone.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Debbie will collaborate with each person to decide which methods make the most sense based on goals, history, and daily life. She adjusts plans over time as needs and progress become clearer.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Licensed professionals can use these benefits to help people keep therapy consistent while addressing stress, grief, mood concerns, and life transitions.