I have been a career clinical social worker for 40 years. I have chosen to be a counselor my entire professional, adult life, because I love it! I have done this in multiple states across America, Hawaii and Canada. I am curious and driven to expand my skills and knowledge, and be a change agent for my clients. I want my skills to be fresh and relevant in a changing social landscape. To me, there no distractions when I am engaged with my clients. I am as fully attuned to my client as I can be and want nothing more than for my client's success and resolution of their problems, and the things in their life that are painful or self-defeating. I have a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. I attended universities in Colorado. I think I can best help clients who want to do the hard work, look at themselves and with my support and guidance, make real changes in their life that move them toward their authentic selves. Clients who embrace non-judgmental feedback will be comfortable with me. Clients who have repeated self-defeating behaviors will find me patient and tolerant of their struggles. Clients who understand that humor is a tool to heal will be comfortable with me. I think mental health is something that we groom. Finally, working with a motivated client and reaching those moments of confidence and calm together is a satisfaction like no other. I believe all people who are suffering have the seeds within them to solve their own problems. Sometimes we just need a partner in that journey . Sometimes, we just want to talk to someone who will listen to us!
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Sleeping disorders, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Adoption and foster care, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Guilt and shame, Post-traumatic stress, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
IL LCSW 149.011586
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Debbie Chirikos. 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.
I learned so much in a short time about myself
Written on Feb 07, 2026 after therapy with Debbie for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coaching, and adhd
Finally a therapist with direction. Having someone to listen is great but I love having her advice.
Written on Jan 08, 2026 after therapy with Debbie for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd
I never had therapy but after losing my mom, my depression/anxiety became worse. Debbie is helping me with ways to deal with the anxiety. Debbie lets you lead the session if there is something in particular that you want to address. She has a calming demeanor and puts you instantly at ease.
Written on Jan 05, 2026 after therapy with Debbie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Debbie is an outstanding therapist. She listens effectively, and provides insightful input to help her clients. She is knowledgeable, experienced and committed to helping her clients work proactively to resolve their challenges and achieve success.
Written on Dec 07, 2025 after therapy with Debbie for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Listens intently and provides realistic feedback and advice.
Written on Sep 30, 2025 after therapy with Debbie for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Great first session
Written on Sep 29, 2025 after therapy with Debbie for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues