Deanna MacDonald, LCPC - Therapist in Illinois

About Deanna

Deanna MacDonald is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) practicing in Illinois who supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and struggles with self-esteem. She also works with concerns like parenting stress, relationship and intimacy problems, grief, trauma, addictions, ADHD, and eating and sleeping difficulties. Her tone is straightforward and patient, aimed at helping people take small, useful steps forward.

Deanna uses a collaborative style. Sessions focus on practical skills and clear goals.

Background and approach

She listens for what matters most to each person and helps build tools that fit daily life. She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every meeting. Her work draws on approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Those methods guide coping skills, emotion management, and values-based choices. She also uses motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques to support change and momentum. With seven years providing individual therapy, Deanna has worked with a range of mental health and life challenges.

She helps people who want to manage panic, obsessive thoughts, caregiver stress, workplace issues, and women's health concerns. Her practice also addresses body image, guilt and shame, forgiveness, and finding life purpose. New clients start by identifying goals and creating a straightforward plan together.

Sessions blend skill practice, honest conversation, and step-by-step problem solving. The focus is on making steady progress that fits each person’s life and responsibilities.

Practical approaches for online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being ruled by them. It focuses on taking actions that match personal values so life feels more meaningful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at unhelpful thinking patterns and teaches concrete skills to change behaviors and mood. It is often used for anxiety, depression, panic, and problem-oriented goals. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. It can be useful when strong emotions and impulsive reactions get in the way of daily life.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, needs, and preferences, and then suggest methods that fit. Sessions can mix techniques to match what is working and what a person wants to change.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy lives. Sessions may take place by video or phone, and shorter exchanges can happen through live chat or text-based messaging. This variety lets people practice new skills between meetings and fit therapy around work, school, and caregiving commitments.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar and mood disorders, parenting stress, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, trauma, addictions, ADHD, and related concerns like body image and workplace problems.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her approach is collaborative and practical. She focuses on clear goals, skill building, and applying tools to everyday situations.

What is her clinical background?

She has seven years of experience providing individual therapy and years of broader mental health work prior to that.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - IL LCPC 180.014530 practicing in Illinois.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be held via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Self esteem

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 7 years
Licensed: Illinois
Languages: English

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