Debra Schwarze , LCPC, LPC

Debra Schwarze is a licensed counselor practicing in Illinois with three decades of experience across community mental health, schools, faith-based organizations, health systems, and private practice. She holds master's degrees in counseling and in art therapy and is licensed as an LCPC and an LPC - LCPC stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. Her background supports work with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma and abuse, life-changing events, end-of-life issues, and cancer-related stress.

Debra uses an eclectic, client-centered approach that draws chiefly from cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT-informed strategies, and expressive art therapy techniques. When appropriate and welcomed by the client, she incorporates creating art as a way to name feelings and access material that can be hard to put into words. This blend of verbal and creative methods aims to help people better understand patterns, build practical skills, and find new ways to cope.

She frames the therapeutic process as a collaborative effort: Debra supports clients in defining goals, practicing changes between sessions, and developing resilience for ongoing challenges. Her practice emphasizes practical coping, emotional processing, and rebuilding a sense of purpose and connection.

Therapeutic approaches Debra brings to online therapy

Debra integrates client-centered therapy into online work by focusing on the client's perspective, listening carefully, and shaping sessions around each person's goals and values. This approach helps people feel heard and guides collaborative problem solving for issues such as relationship concerns, life transitions, and self-esteem.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. In online sessions CBT can provide concrete tools for managing anxiety, depression, panic, and mood symptoms by teaching skills clients can practice between meetings.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is applied when trauma processing is appropriate; it helps people process distressing memories and reduce the intensity of traumatic reactions. When offered online, EMDR is adapted to the virtual setting with careful pacing and coordination.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Debra collaborates with each client to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and comfort level, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Debra is available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or limited mobility. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals and maintain continuity of care while balancing everyday life.