Deborah (Debbie) Connery, LCSW

Deborah (Debbie) Connery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has supported adults in Illinois for over 33 years. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and life transitions with a steady, practical approach. Debbie aims to make reaching out feel easier and less overwhelming for someone taking that first step.

Her style is warm and respectful. She listens first to understand what matters to the person sitting across from her. Then she works with them to set clear, manageable goals. Sessions focus on small changes that add up over time rather than quick fixes.

Debbie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered methods, motivational interviewing, solution-focused tools, and trauma-focused work as ways to guide sessions. She picks techniques to match each client’s situation and comfort level. The emphasis is on building coping skills, improving communication, and reducing symptoms that get in the way of daily life.

She has experience addressing a wide range of concerns including bipolar disorder, mood and personality issues, panic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, grief, hospice and end-of-life matters, hoarding, and challenges related to aging and intellectual disability. Debbie also helps people dealing with isolation, guilt, control issues, and questions about life purpose.

Clients can expect a collaborative atmosphere where strengths are noticed and next steps are practical. Debbie encourages steady progress and helps people find resources and strategies that fit their everyday routines.

How Debbie’s approaches work in online therapy

Debbie often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered methods online. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, panic, and obsessive thinking. Client-centered work centers on active listening and reflection so people feel heard and can decide what changes matter most to them.

She also uses motivational interviewing to help people identify their own reasons for change and to build small, realistic steps toward goals. Together the client and therapist choose which approach or blend of approaches fits the concerns, goals, and preferences discussed during sessions. Finding the right method is a shared process and may change as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video helps with face-to-face conversation and nonverbal cues. Phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging work well for short check-ins, homework review, or when scheduling makes real-time conversation difficult. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep consistent work toward change.