I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alabama and Illinois with over six years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and identity-related concerns. I am also a Certified Somatic Activated Healer, and my work is deeply rooted in trauma-informed and somatic approaches.
I believe that healing is not just about understanding what happened to us—it is also about learning to listen to what is happening within us. Our bodies often carry experiences that words alone cannot fully express. In our work together, I invite you to slow down, become curious about your internal experience, and develop a deeper connection with yourself, your emotions, and your body.
My approach is warm, compassionate, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I will meet you where you are while helping you explore the patterns, beliefs, and protective responses that may no longer be serving you. Depending on what you need, our work may include traditional therapeutic conversation, somatic awareness, grounding, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, movement, and practical tools to help you navigate everyday life.
I have experience working with anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship concerns, LGBTQ+ related issues, self-esteem, and major life transitions. I have also worked with adolescents in group home settings, supporting them in developing self-worth, emotional awareness, and the confidence to navigate their lives more fully.
I also hold space for the spiritual dimension of healing. I believe there is wisdom within each of us, and that reconnecting with that inner knowing can be a powerful part of the therapeutic process. You do not have to have everything figured out before you begin. You simply have to be willing to meet yourself where you are.
My hope is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, curious enough to explore, and supported enough to grow. I’m here to walk alongside you—not to tell you who you should become, but to help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that may already know the way.
Additional areas of focus: Coping with addictions, Family conflicts, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Motivation, self esteem, and confidence, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Avoidant personality, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Dependent personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
AL LICSW 4419C
IL LCSW 149.021697
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Deborah Gleason. 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.
Very professional and works on your level! Always willing to put the individual first with your needs!
Written on May 14, 2025 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt
I appreciate how she listens, offers guidance and makes me believe she truly cares.
Written on Apr 23, 2025 after therapy with Deborah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She is very good at hearing what I say and gives great advice on the topics that I am needing at that sessions timeframe. Very caring and supportive too! I will miss talking with her during her break.
Written on Jun 17, 2024 after therapy with Deborah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
She's #1!!
Written on Apr 28, 2024 after therapy with Deborah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
She’s incredible
Written on Jan 10, 2024 after therapy with Deborah for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and adhd
she cares and it shows, she listens and helps me feel comfortable sharing
Written on Dec 08, 2023 after therapy with Deborah for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd