LCPC, 29 years of experience
Welcome! I'm Dr. DeAnna (Dee Dee) Brookhart. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor and CODPII in the State of Illinois. I have over 29 years of experience as a therapist, in both the Community Mental Health model and in Private Practice. My experience includes working with individuals, couples and families. My therapeutic approach is client centered and solution oriented. I will use the best approach to help my client. I have extensive training in addictions and cognitive behavior therapy. I am an avid believer in utilizing a holistic approach to mental health therapy: mind, body, emotional and social factors all contribute to the overall wellness of every individual. I love cooking, reading and spending time with my family and fur babies. Traveling to the beach is also high on my list of life loves! It takes courage to take the first step towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and help you unlock your happiness and satisfaction with your life. It's choice, not chance that you are reading this and looking to make your life better! I hope to earn the right to hear your story! Come talk with Doc! SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Addictions Depression Marital /Couples Counseling Also experienced in: Family and Blended Family Issues Work place issues and trauma Personality Disorders Clinical approaches: Client Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy,
Our first session will help us get acquainted with each other. This is where you tell me what brought you to therapy and discuss what you hope to get out of the experience. We will discuss your goals and needs and what you can expect. You can ask me all the questions! I will ask you questions to gather your history so I can help guide you on your journey. This will be relaxed and casual, don't worry about this time together being uncomfortable. All you need to do is be present and open to the process!
Having worked as a therapist for 29 years, I've developed a tried-and-true playbook for helping you (a) identify the root cause of your challenges and (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress. I believe my empathy, compassion and experience allow me to meet clients where they are and create an environment for change and growth. Along the way I believe we can do great work, and we may enjoy a chuckle or two together!
Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, addiction, marital issues, women's issues, and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. My goal is to help you on your journey to the best version of you, and to find your joy in this world! Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.
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.
I utilize an eclectic approach because therapy is not "one size fits all"! I incorporate a multitude of approaches to meet the needs of my clients in addition to years of experience in mental health treatment.
I guide our therapy based on the clients needs, and I want clients to feel seen and heard. It's all about you, and I ensure my clients feel understood during each session.
7 ratings with written reviews
August 14, 2025
Dr. B has guided me through the most difficult time of my life. I will be forever grateful for her professionalism and ability to help me problem solve through difficult situations. Dr. B is very candid, intelligent and comes with a lot of experience in her field. After multiple therapists I have finally found one I can count on for authenticity, honesty and support.
July 30, 2025
I highly recommend Dr. Brookhart. She doesn't judge anything I say, but directly challenges me to make changes to reach my goals.
June 28, 2025
She's willing to say what I need to hear, even if it's not what I want to hear. She's very kind, encouraging, and helpful. I always leave sessions feeling better.