My name is Debra Schwarze and I am licensed counselor in Illinois and Wisconsin. I have over 25 years of experience in mental health settings including community mental health, school, faith-based, health system and private practice settings.
I hold master's degrees in counseling and art therapy. I utilize an eclectic approach in counseling, primarily utilizing cognitive behavioral (CBT), DBT informed, client-centered and expressive therapy modalities. If an individual is open to it, I use art making in order to provide a voice to issues that may not have words.
I have experience working with individuals with a diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder, all type of anxiety disorders, ADHD, life changing events, end of life issues, and cancer.
I know that is challenging to ask for help with the issues that impact your life. Congratulations on taking that important first step. It is natural and normal to feel anxious and fearful to begin counseling. It is my job as the counselor to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to be able to talk about the issues that led you to seek help. It is your job to be as open and honest as possible in order to better facilitate the growth and healing process. I cannot solve the problems that you face in life, but I commit to helping you make the changes that you would like to make.
I look forward to meeting you and joining you in your journey toward improved mental well being.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Sleeping disorders, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, ADHD, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Forgiveness, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy
IL LCPC 180-005252
WI LPC 7605-125
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Debra Schwarze. 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.
Deb continues to support me. She is patient with me and strives to understand me. I appreciate her wisdom in mental health and years of experience.
There are times I've needed to reschedule a session. She is flexible and will find another time to meet.
I would recommend her.
Written on Aug 11, 2023 after therapy with Debra for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Debra’s very understanding and I appreciated my time talking with her
Written on Dec 23, 2022 after therapy with Debra for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Debra is very helpful, insightful and has helped to validate the feelings that I have had. She is an excellent listener and again helped me put words to my feelings. I would highly recommend her.
Written on Jul 11, 2021 after therapy with Debra for 2 months
I started therapy with Debra during a really difficult time in my life and having her guidance during it was priceless to me. I’m so grateful for our sessions. She always has such great insight and she’s so easy to talk to. Definitely the best therapist I’ve ever had!
Written on Jul 06, 2021 after therapy with Debra for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Deb is such an empathetic and caring person. She and I worked so well together and she made me feel heard without putting more pressure on me to say anything. I recommend Deb with 100 percent of my being. She is absolutely amazing.
Written on May 17, 2021 after therapy with Debra for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and self esteem
Debra is insightful, thoughtful, and kind. She is incredibly easy to talk to, I am really appreciative of her time and understanding.
Written on May 01, 2021 after therapy with Debra for 2 weeks on issues concerning eating disorders, and adhd