Hi, I’m Dr. DeAnna (Dee) Brookhart. If you’re here, chances are life feels heavier than it should. Maybe stress won’t let up, anxiety keeps you on edge, or sadness has dulled your energy. Perhaps your relationship feels strained, or addiction has taken more space than you want it to. Whatever brings you here, you don’t have to carry it by yourself. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, Wisconsin and Utah, and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor with nearly 30 years of experience. Over the years, I’ve supported individuals, couples, and families through struggles like anxiety, depression, addiction, marital or couples issues, workplace trauma, and the challenges of blended family life. I also work with clients navigating personality struggles or the lasting effects of stress and trauma. My approach is warm and collaborative. We’ll clarify what matters most to you, set realistic goals, and work at a pace that feels safe. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies — always adapted to your needs. Sessions with me often include open conversation, practical coping tools, encouragement, and sometimes even humor when it helps ease the weight. I see healing as holistic. That means looking at not only your thoughts and emotions, but also how stress shows up in your body, how you connect with others, and how your daily habits shape your well-being. I work best with adults and couples ready to make changes, even if they’re not sure where to start. Outside the office, I love cooking, reading, traveling to the beach, and spending time with my family. I have ADORABLE grandkids! And of course Charlie, my Golden Retriever. If you’re ready to feel lighter, find clarity, and rebuild what matters most, I’d be honored to walk that path with you.
Taking the step to schedule your first therapy session is an important and courageous decision. Whether you’re feeling nervous, uncertain, hopeful, or a combination of all three, I want you to know that your feelings are completely normal. The first session is not about being “perfect” or having all the answers. It’s about starting a conversation — your story, your experiences, and your hopes for therapy — in a safe, welcoming space. The first session is designed to help us get acquainted and set the foundation for the work we’ll do together. Think of it as a conversation where you’re in the driver’s seat, and I’m here to guide, listen, and support you along the way. This is the time to tell me what brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain from our work together. There is no right or wrong way to share — just being present and open to the process is enough. During this initial session, I’ll ask questions to better understand your history, your experiences, and the patterns that may be affecting your life. This might include discussing past challenges, previous experiences with therapy, relationships, work, family dynamics, or other areas of life that are important to you. The goal is not to overwhelm you with questions, but to gather enough information to guide the next steps of your journey in a way that feels personalized and meaningful. We will also talk about your goals for therapy. Some clients come in with a clear sense of what they want to work on, while others are still exploring what changes might be possible. Both approaches are completely valid. Together, we’ll identify what matters most to you and set intentions that feel realistic and actionable. These goals will guide our work, but they are flexible — therapy is a process, and goals can evolve as you gain insight and perspective. A key part of the first session is also discussing what you can expect from therapy. I’ll explain my approach, the methods and tools we might use, and how sessions are structured. I’ll answer any questions you have about the process, confidentiality, or anything else on your mind. Many clients feel a sense of relief simply by knowing what to expect and understanding that therapy is a collaborative process — we work together, and you have a voice in every step. You may feel nervous or worried about opening up, and that’s completely normal. Some clients are concerned about saying the “wrong” thing or revealing something too personal. Please know that this is a safe space. My role is to provide support, understanding, and guidance — not judgment. Vulnerability is part of the healing process, but you only share what you feel comfortable sharing. You are always in control of how much or how little you disclose. The first session is also a chance to start building a connection. Therapy is most effective when there is trust and rapport, so this session is about feeling comfortable with me, getting a sense of how we’ll work together, and beginning to establish a safe, collaborative relationship. I want you to leave feeling like this is a space where you can be yourself, explore your thoughts and feelings honestly, and start moving toward positive change. In practical terms, the session is relaxed and casual. You don’t need to prepare a speech, bring a list, or have all your concerns perfectly organized. Simply come as you are — ready to talk about what matters to you and open to the possibility of growth. Some clients find it helpful to think ahead about a few things they want to focus on, but it’s not required. The most important thing is your presence and willingness to engage in the process. After we discuss your history and goals, I’ll outline a plan for next steps. This might include suggestions for strategies, exercises, or ways to practice new skills between sessions. We may also explore how frequently sessions should occur and discuss scheduling that supports your needs. This planning is collaborative and always adaptable to your progress, comfort, and lifestyle. Finally, the first session is an opportunity to ask questions. You can ask me anything — about my background, my approach, what therapy looks like week to week, or even questions about your own feelings and reactions during the session. My goal is for you to leave feeling informed, reassured, and clear about what therapy with me will involve.
Having worked as a therapist for nearly three decades, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside hundreds of clients as they navigate life’s challenges, transitions, and moments of growth. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of what makes therapy effective and meaningful — and what makes clients feel truly seen, supported, and empowered. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to meet clients where they are. I understand that every person comes to therapy with a unique story, perspective, and set of challenges. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, and I never assume I know exactly what someone needs without first listening and understanding their experiences. Whether you arrive feeling anxious, guarded, overwhelmed, or uncertain, I create a safe, compassionate space where you can be yourself. I believe that true change begins with feeling understood and accepted, and I prioritize that foundation in every session. Empathy and compassion are central to my work. I have a natural ability to sense and respond to what a client is feeling, even when it’s unspoken. Clients often describe feeling “heard” and “validated” when they meet with me, which helps them open up and engage in the therapeutic process. Compassion doesn’t just mean kindness; it means seeing your struggles, honoring your experiences, and believing in your capacity for growth — even when you may doubt yourself. Alongside empathy, experience is a critical strength I bring to therapy. Nearly 30 years of working in both community mental health and private practice has given me insight into a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, and family dynamics. This breadth of experience allows me to recognize patterns, identify root causes, and help clients develop strategies that are tailored to their unique situations. I know what works, what might need adjusting, and how to guide people toward tangible, measurable progress. Another strength is my practical, solution-focused approach. While therapy is a place to explore feelings, history, and self-reflection, it is also a space for actionable growth. I help clients create clear goals and a structured plan that is achievable and realistic. By combining insight with practical tools, clients can see progress in ways that feel concrete and meaningful, which reinforces motivation and hope. I also believe in humor and human connection as part of the process. Life can be heavy, and therapy doesn’t need to be only serious. When appropriate, I bring lightness and shared laughter into sessions, which helps clients feel more comfortable, less rigid, and more open to exploring difficult topics. This approach often helps people relax, build trust, and engage more fully in the work of therapy. Collaboration is another strength I prioritize. Therapy is not about me “fixing” you — it’s about walking alongside you, exploring challenges together, and empowering you to make choices that align with your values and goals. I work with clients to co-create the therapeutic plan, check in on progress, and adjust strategies as needed. This partnership helps clients feel ownership over their growth and reinforces that they have the tools to continue making progress outside of sessions. I bring a holistic perspective to therapy. I understand that mental health is not isolated from the body, relationships, and environment. When working with clients, I consider emotional, social, and physical factors that influence well-being. This integrated view allows me to guide clients toward strategies that improve their overall quality of life, not just symptom reduction. Flexibility and adaptability are strengths I’ve honed over years of practice. No two clients are alike, and challenges rarely follow a predictable path. I adjust my approach based on what each person needs in the moment — whether it’s more structured guidance, reflective conversation, skills training, or support in processing complex emotions. Clients often say they feel “seen as a whole person” because I can navigate both depth and practicality, balance support with challenge, and meet them where they are emotionally. Finally, one of my greatest strengths is my genuine belief in people’s capacity for growth. I’ve seen countless clients overcome obstacles that initially felt insurmountable, reclaim their joy, and build more fulfilling lives. This belief is not abstract — it’s grounded in experience and fueled by the hope that therapy can be a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change. I bring that belief into every session, offering encouragement, guidance, and support while trusting in your resilience and ability to move forward.
I work best with adults and couples ready to make changes, even if they’re not sure where to start. I am here to guide you on your journey, and if you're ready to make change and do the work, we will formulate a plan that is realistic and manageable for you. We will capitalize on your strengths and find ways for you to reach your goals effectively.
Depression
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
Anger Management
Coping Skills
Domestic Violence
White
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Illinois
Aetna
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is perhaps the method I utilize most as I find it to be most effective across a broad range of mental health concerns. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
Eclectic
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are you. That’s why I take an eclectic approach — meaning I mix and match different techniques depending on what fits you best. Some days we may focus on practical problem-solving, other days on deeper exploration. The idea is simple: I’ll meet you where you are, and together we’ll use the tools that make the most sense for your journey.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe therapy should be as unique as the person sitting across from me. My approach is person-centered, which means I focus on truly hearing your story, honoring your experiences, and working alongside you at your pace. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and explore strategies that fit your life, so you feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.
10 ratings with written reviews
November 25, 2025
Dr Dee Dee is kind, intelligent and inspirational
November 22, 2025
In the first session I felt heard and understood. I have been struggling for a very long time and it was nice to be able to open up and finally feel a sense of hope. I look forward for the next session to come!
November 13, 2025
Dr. Brookhart gave me a sense of her therapeutic knowledge and warmth. I need that right about now in my life to digest all the chaos I have experienced over the past few years. Looking forward to growing our relationship.