- Work and wellbeing
- Attachment focus
- Practical coping skills
About Debbie
Debbie Chirikos is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 40 years of experience. She focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, grief, career concerns, parenting challenges, and relationship struggles. Her work often centers on practical change and emotional growth at work and in day-to-day life.
She uses a mix of approaches that fit each person. That can include attachment-based work to look at relationship patterns, client-centered listening to make space for the person, and cognitive-behavioral ideas to shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She prefers straightforward conversations and gentle, honest feedback.
Debbie trained in Colorado and has practiced in multiple U.S. states as well as Canada and Hawaii. Her long career includes work with people facing trauma, compassion fatigue, caregiver stress, adoption and foster care concerns, and the ongoing effects of family-of-origin problems.
Clients who are ready to do hard work and try new ways of responding tend to find her style most helpful. She brings patience for repeated struggles and uses humor when it helps people move forward. Her aim is to help clients build confidence and calm, and to support them as they nurture the skills to solve their own problems.
Debbie works with people on issues such as ADHD, sleeping problems, social anxiety, codependency, and post-traumatic stress. Her approach is collaborative and focused on practical steps people can use between sessions.
How her approaches work for online therapy
Debbie often uses attachment-based work to help people see patterns in close relationships and how those patterns affect daily life. This approach can be useful for people struggling with communication problems, family-of-origin issues, or blended family stress.She also draws on client-centered therapy, which uses active listening and empathy to help people feel heard and become clearer about their goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used to identify and change thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going, which can help with anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and self-defeating habits.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose approaches that match their needs, goals, and preferences. That process is flexible and can shift as progress is made.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the session formats offered before booking. Many people appreciate online work because it can fit more easily into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist about what will fit your routine and support steady progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Debbie commonly address?
She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and parenting concerns, trauma and abuse, ADHD, sleep problems, career stress, and compassion fatigue.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style blends listening and practical work. She offers client-centered listening, attachment-focused insight, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to change unhelpful habits.
How much experience does she bring?
She has worked as a clinical social worker for 40 years and has practiced in multiple states, Hawaii, and Canada during her career.
What credentials and location information are on file?
She holds an LCSW credential and practices from Illinois as listed in her profile.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.