Hi. I am Deborah K. Hilyard and have been a licensed mental health counselor for over 30 years in Florida. While I have worked in different venues during that period of time and have seen a diverse group of people from all aspects of life, we all share basic wants and needs. I completed my graduate degree in counseling at the University of Memphis in 1988 and worked in the campus career counseling office during graduate school years. I later worked for the U. S. Air Force and U. S. Navy in their family centers setting up a new transitional program for service members leaving the service and then later mental health counseling for the service members and their families. Service members and their families are under some of the greatest stress with the uncertainties in their lives, along with clinical depression when feeling as if they have no control of their lives. As might be expected there are many relationship issues with the separations that families often go through. I have worked with clients through their relationship issues, anger, anxiety and depression frequently. I have also worked with many clients with parenting issues, career challenges and work discord. I have also worked in the foster care system doing comprehensive assessments on the children, their previous and current environment and their parent(s) or guardians. My experience includes working with victims and their significant others in regards to emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The past two years I have been at Betterhelp working with issues of every kind.
My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines client centered, cognitively-behavioral, solution focused and rational-emotive counseling, although I will tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek out for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!
Specialties
* Stress and Anxiety
* Relationship Issues
* Trauma and Abuse
* Depression
* Grief, loss
* PTSD
* Aging & Caregiving Issues
Professional experience
34yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyTrauma, AbuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Traumatic brain injury, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Deborah Hilyard. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Deborah is great!
Written on Jan 08, 2025 after therapy with Deborah for 3 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Deborah Hilyard has been very helpful in that she has provided a safe space for me to share troubling afflictions and scenarios present in this phase of my life. experienced and wise is what I’ve needed to navigate chronic illness and starting aging in my early 60s.
Written on Apr 08, 2024 after therapy with Deborah for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She always makes me laugh and feel secure when we are talking. I never feel judged and I always feel understood. When I don’t understand why I am feeling a certain why, she is able to talk me through and come to conclusions on my own! She’s amazing and I love that we can have serious breakthroughs and fun moments as well!!
Written on Nov 28, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Debbie is experienced, insightful, professional, and deeply empathetic. Highly recommend.
Written on Nov 26, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
Deborah takes the time that is needed to assess her patients. She asks the most insightful and seemingly simple questions that come only from years of expertise. If you tell her something, she will follow up and offer additional resources as well to help you even more. I appreciate the thought she puts into her work so much, and it’s very evident that’s it’s there.
Written on Nov 20, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coa
Deborah has been nothing but a blessing. She has helped me through so many of my issues, and events. Would recommend her to anyone. Thank you so much!
Written on Oct 25, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Deborah is an extremely kind, understanding, patient, humorous, and insightful therapist. I’ve been doing this (trying on different therapist hats) for a very long time and she’s asked me questions no one has before that truly made me think and reflect on what I was doing. Simple questions, too but that’s so helpful because of how much I personally overthink. She also provides many resources and is an excellent listener, not passive, not aggressive, I’ve truly never met another therapist like her I’d recommend to her to anyone, really. I believe she has that much knowledge and care.
Written on Oct 06, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and
She really good at helping you find out what the real issue is behind your mental health issues is. She is also very good at breaking down all of the walls I've built up over the years to cope with trauma and this help me process my trauma and move through and beyond it.
Written on Sep 17, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Great listener.
Written on Aug 31, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 1 month on issues concerning depression, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
She is absolutely the best and most amazing and supportive therapist! She truly cares about her patients and empowers me to feel confident in myself.
Written on Aug 30, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, and parenting issues
She is the best therapist! She is an expert in her field & loves to do it with a passion. She has forever changed my life & I definitely know she can help anyone !
Written on Aug 19, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
I’ve only had 3 sessions with Deborah, but her warm and welcoming personality makes it so easy to open up and talk with her. Deborah is empathetic, and great at listening. Her responses are always thoughtful and intentional. I’ve never done therapy before this, so I feel beyond lucky to be matched with a wonderful therapist! Couldn’t recommend her more!
Written on Aug 01, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Deborah is exceptional at letting me express myself and go at my pace. She offers me many different ways to deal with what I am experiencing.
Written on Jul 20, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She's amazing . I'm so glad I found her.
Written on Jul 10, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, coping with life changes, and adhd
Deborah has helped me in a lot of ways, she is understanding and listens to what you need to say while goving you constructive advice. Thank you Deborah!
Written on Jun 22, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Deborah has been so helpful in getting to the root of some of my issues that I never would’ve even thought of. So knowledgeable and friendly.
Written on Mar 29, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and anger management
Deborah has a great balance of listening and advising. She listens well and gives honest, applicable advice. Very easy to talk to!
Written on Feb 16, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues
:)
Written on Nov 21, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Deborah is positive upbeat and encouraging. She helps me navigate my complicated life.
Written on Oct 10, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, and anger management
Absolutely supportive
Written on Oct 03, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
She has been an angel. Very professional, and has helped me a lot in the last few months!
Written on Sep 19, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
I’ve been seeing Deborah for 3 weeks now and I am very happy with my experience with her. Her presence is calm and inviting. She asks the right questions and makes me feel heard.
Written on Sep 19, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Deborah is very considerate and supportive. She is very funny and helps to keep sessions light-hearted as possible. This is a huge help to me because I have to laugh through it. She’s very understanding and truly listens. I love Deborah! She’s amazing!
Written on Sep 17, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Deborah has been amazing to work with. I appreciate her direct questions that dig deeper to the root of the emotion or concern.
Written on Sep 14, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Deborah has been super helpful and willing to learn new things with me about my mental health
Written on Jul 11, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is amazing!
Written on May 03, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
Thanks again
Written on Apr 25, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, anger management, and coping with life changes
I feel heard and acknowledged. She provides helpful perspectives and “tools” to use. Helped identify triggers for future situations. I would highly recommend Deborah!
Written on Apr 18, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
So far she is amazing. She hears you.. ACTUALLY HEARS YOU. She offers more than one ways to tackle any situation. I love that I can share my dark humor and not be judged.. rather laughed with.. I am so happy I tried better help one last time..
Written on Apr 08, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
She’s great and flexible really appreciate her and all she does
Written on Jan 20, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management
Deborah is a very compassionate person. She validates my feelings and makes me feel heard. She knows how to help me put things into perspective so that i stop repetitive and maybe harmful behaviors. Shes a great listener. She is a great therapist.
Written on Jan 18, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Deborah has a superb ability to listen. She understands my issues. She is very warm and gentle. She guides me to the Healing that Im looking for. Im so Grateful that I was matched with her! Thank You Deborah!
AND she ALWAYS responds to my messages!
Written on Jan 15, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
She’s very kind and helpful
Written on Jan 10, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
I love her! Everytime I have a session I kind of have in mind what i would like to talk about and each and every session helps me incredibly in my healing journey. I would definitely recommend her if you are battling with needing to process your feelings and act on improving your overall mood.
Written on Dec 22, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
She’s excellent and I never thought this was going to change me so much!! Thank you Mrs. Deborah. You are wonderful!
Written on Nov 29, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and anger management
I love Deborah she is amazing
Written on Nov 15, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Deborah takes the time to give you plenty of tips and worksheets to reinforce what is discussed in the live sessions. She has a clinical approach while making it feel like you are just having a video coffee date with a friend. She’s warm and welcoming, and she shows no judgment.
Written on Nov 15, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, and self esteem
Deborah’s been an amazing therapist & I’m so blessed to have such an amazing soul to help me
Written on Nov 11, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I could tell immediately that Deborah was the right fit- kind, non judgmental, experienced. I’m looking forward to working on myself in future visits.
Written on Nov 09, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Deborah is a good listener and often makes suggestions based on topics covered during counseling.
Written on Sep 23, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and ad
Talking to Deb is like talking to a non-judgemental and supportive family member, I really feel like she listens attentively and is truly sincere with her replies. She's helped me to view things from different perspectives, taught me to turn negative inner dialog to a positive outlook. 10/10 I can't thank you enough Deb :)
Written on Sep 21, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Love how I feel she’s a phone call (or message) away…as to with traditional counselors you have to make list and wait til next appt. to go over w counselor. I guess you could say it’s more that I feel connected to someone who cares.
Written on Aug 30, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Deborah Hilyard makes me feel comfy and is always honest with me and so kind. I have never felt so comfortable with a therapist before. I am lucky I found her.
Written on Aug 29, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem
Deborah makes me feel seen and heard. She asks thoughtful questions and has positive energy. I highly recommend her!
Written on Jul 31, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Deborah has been great in helping me to find ways to deal with things that cause me anxiety and distress.
Written on Jul 27, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Deborah is amazing and as someone who has had bad experiences with therapist I highly recommend her
Written on Jul 15, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Deborah has been a tremendous
source of support. My vision for the future is much brighter now.
Written on Jun 28, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
When Deborah describes her approach as warm it's not just a line. She took what had me shaking and made me feel as comfortable as if I had done it a thousand times before. I feel more empowered towards my goals of than I have in a long time.
Written on Jun 03, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 3 days on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
Deborah is such am amazing person. She really cares about you and she understands more than you can understand yourself. She has helped me so much. I highly recommend it.
Written on Jun 03, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
Deborah is kinda and patient. She's got a sense of humour and that's helpful when discussing things that can sometimes feel awkward. I highly recommend her.
Written on May 06, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
What a lovely person! Very helpful insights and a kind, patient approach to conversation.
Written on May 02, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression
I think Deborah is a responsive, kind and supportive person. She listens well and takes my concerns seriously. She gives me plenty of time to express myself.
I like how she gives me worksheets related to my issues I present to her.
I would throughly recommend her. Already after only two sessions I feel a good connection. Thank you Deborah.
Written on Apr 30, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and compassion fatigue
Only two sessions but she seems to know a lot about my situation. And give me real advice.
Written on Apr 13, 2021 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
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