Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Life Transitions and 10 more.

Debbie Shepard

(she/her)

LCSW, 16 years of experience
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New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

Welcome! Reaching out for therapy is a powerful first step, and I am glad you are here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience. My mission is to help you break free from old, stagnant patterns. In our sessions, I bring a warm but direct energy. I use a collaborative, strength-based approach to give you practical, goal-oriented tools for everyday life. Together, we will actively untangle complex emotions and build a clear path toward the life you want. Are you tired of feeling stuck in the same old loops? Let’s work together to spark real change. Contact me today to schedule your first session and get on the road to feeling better.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first individual session, we will talk about what brought you here and explore the old patterns you want to change. Together, we will collaborate to uncover your natural strengths and set personal goals that support your healing. We will focus on what you want to achieve so you can leave with a clear, comfortable plan for the days ahead.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I have many years of experience in private practice and a variety of other mental health settings. Before spending the last 16 years as an LCSW, I practiced as an attorney. That legal background helps me bring a practical, structured, and analytical approach to solving problems with you. Over the years, I have also directed a substance use program and taught master’s-level social work students, which keeps my practice grounded in strong clinical skills and proven strategies.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with clients who are motivated to work on breaking old patterns and prefer an active, collaborative and warm but direct approach. I am especially skilled at working on anxiety, relationship issues, mood issues, and addiction. I am a highly versatile fit for those new to therapy as well as those clients who have past experience in therapy.

Specialties

Top specialties

Addiction

Anxiety

Other specialties

Depression

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have used CBT for 16 years. I use CBT to help client identify, challenge and reframe thought distortions which contribute to anxiety, depression and addiction. This helps in developing new, healthier thinking patterns and behaviors.

Motivational Interviewing

I use Motivational Interviewing to help client's use their own internal motivation and desire for change as a source for goal setting and inspiration

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I use mindfulness to help client's develop new coping strategies and to help clients address symptoms of anxiety, trauma and addiction.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.