Debbie Hayes, LCPC
Compassionate counselor who listens and partners with you
Details
| Name | Debbie Hayes |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCPC |
| Based in | Illinois |
| Licensed in | Illinois |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 10 |
About Debbie
Debbie Hayes is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with ten years of combined experience as a caseworker and counselor. She offers a calm, respectful presence and focuses on helping people who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, or problems with anger and self-esteem. Debbie writes plainly and listens closely to understand each person's story.
Her work often draws on Narrative Therapy to help people reframe their life stories and notice different possibilities.
Background and approach
She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools to address patterns of thought and behavior. Debbie aims to tailor sessions to the needs of each person rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan. Debbie has supported people facing addictions, parenting challenges, career transitions, bipolar disorder, trauma, and complex medical or caregiving stress.
She has experience with a wide range of concerns, including body image, communication problems, and attachment or commitment issues. Her background includes multicultural counseling and a mix of clinical roles that shaped her practical approach. Clients can expect a warm, interactive style that emphasizes strengths and clear goals.
Debbie says she avoids judgment and works collaboratively to set priorities. She is open to including Christian-based approaches when clients request that perspective. Sessions are offered in English and conducted from Illinois.
Debbie keeps learning current through ongoing trainings so her methods reflect recent research and practical tools.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts among the things Debbie works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Depression
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Eating disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Abandonment
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Antisocial personality
- Attachment issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Avoidant personality
- Blended family issues
- Body image
- Cancer
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Dependent personality
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Fertility issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Immigration issues
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Narcissism
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Existential Therapy: Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Jungian Therapy: Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Debbie among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Debbie directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Debbie directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
Therapeutic approaches that translate well to online care
Debbie often brings Narrative Therapy into sessions to help people tell and reframe their life stories. This approach focuses on separating the person from the problem so clients can notice different themes and choices. It can be helpful for relationship stress, grief, identity questions, and repeated patterns that feel stuck.She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which encourages noticing thoughts and feelings without getting pulled into them while clarifying what matters most. ACT can help with anxiety, chronic stress, and decisions about behavior. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another common tool she uses to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and test small behavioral changes to reduce symptoms like depression or worry.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Debbie works with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, values, and day-to-day life. She checks in regularly and adjusts techniques as the relationship and needs evolve.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a quieter voice check-in is preferred. Live chat and text-based messaging can be useful for brief check-ins, flexible scheduling, or when writing helps someone reflect between sessions.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and parenting concerns, addictions, trauma and abuse, eating concerns, bipolar disorder, self-esteem, career questions, and many related issues.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is warm, interactive, and nonjudgmental. Sessions focus on listening, clarifying goals, and using practical strategies that match each person's needs.
What is her professional background?
She has about 10 years of combined experience working as a caseworker and counselor and has applied that experience across a range of concerns and settings.
What credentials and location apply to this therapist?
She holds the LCPC credential and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported and can she see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what works best for the client.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling based on the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Debbie are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Debbie where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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