Debbie Hayes , LCPC

Debbie Hayes is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with ten years of combined experience as a caseworker and counselor. She focuses on helping women who are dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, relationship strain, depression, addiction issues, and questions around identity and self-worth. Her manner is warm and nonjudgmental, and she emphasizes practical steps you can use between sessions.

Debbie draws on several therapy approaches to shape each person's care. She uses client-centered methods to listen and build trust. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools are used to spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques support values-driven action when emotions feel overwhelming.

She also incorporates elements of emotionally-focused and existential work when relationship patterns or life meaning come into view. Sessions are collaborative and tailored; the conversation and plan shift to match what you need in the moment. Debbie can include Christian-based perspectives when a client requests that integration.

Her background includes work with people managing bipolar conditions, schizophrenia, OCD, ADHD, chronic illness, and caregiving stress, among many other concerns. She also has training in multicultural counseling and continues ongoing education to stay current.

Debbie offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and communication styles. She works in English and practices from Illinois as an Illinois LCPC.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then take steps that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and situations where avoidance gets in the way of living the life someone wants. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and learning practical skills to change them, which often helps with anxiety, mood problems, and coping with stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist follows the person's lead and reflects their experience to build clarity and self-trust.

Choosing which approach to use is a collaborative effort. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. From there, techniques from one or more approaches are blended and adjusted over time to fit how the client responds.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for different needs. Video works well when real-time conversation and visual cues matter. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, ongoing support between sessions, or when writing helps someone process thoughts. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and different life situations.