I am a licensed professional counselor in Chicago with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, art therapist and pet therapist. I have extensive experience working with children, adults and seniors with a wide range of concerns including depression, acute and chronic pain, anxiety, Perinatal mental health (pregnancy, after delivery) impulsivity, relationship issues, self-esteem, PTSD, trauma, transitions and end-of-life fears. I am trained in a multitude of modalities such as CBT, DBT, art therapy, pain management, post-traumatic growth, mindfulness training, positive affirmations and guided meditation. I am also a certified Grief counselor.
It’s important to know you are not alone, that there is a way through whatever pain, fear, or adverse circumstances you may be in. No situation is beyond hope for healing and change. I believe whole heartedly in the potential of every client to live a fulfilling life, and I meet you where you are, honoring your unique identity and experiences while helping you to understand, process and grow after trauma. My counseling style is warm and holistic, using an adaptable and personalized toolkit of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual practices to assist you in reaching your goals, healing and flourishing.
It takes courage to take the first steps towards change. When you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
— Brené Brown
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Co-morbidity, Dependent Personality, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Emptiness, Family Problems, Fertility Issues, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Mood disorders , Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy
IL LCPC 180.005850
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Deborah Jost-Beauford. 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.
Deborah is a very compassionate and understanding counselor. She really understands me and helps me work through my thoughts. 10/10 would recommend working with her.
Written on Jul 22, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Where to start? Deborah has shared a quote with me that has helped me reframe just about every situation so far "Make decisions based on what is good for you, not how you feel". When I signed up to betterhelp, I wasn't sure how things would go. I never spoke to a therapist before; would it be as intense and dramatic as the movie Good Will Hunting? If so, I was open to finding out. Having met Deborah I can say it was actually more fun than I had anticipated. Deborah offered different ways to see previous situations without attaching blame, guilt or judgement. Moreover, they gave me writing exercises that I could engage with between sessions (which was super helpful) Although I'm new to applying the tools, it has been a pleasure to get to use them on a consistent basis - they're priceless! Deborah has made this online experience an excellent way to receive help from the comfort of one's home. Would 1000000% recommend Deborah to anyone seeking help for the first time. Thank you Deborah!
Written on Jun 08, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 3 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
It’s hard to sign off at the end of each session, I want to keep exploring and hearing her insights! I really feel like she listens and has a whole picture of who I am, even after only a couple sessions. I’m so grateful for her input, problem solving, and encouragement!
Written on Jun 01, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Deborah is a highly qualified therapist who understands my goals and concerns very well and suggests very good ways to improve my life style. She is definitely genuinely interested in my well being and is a great listener. I would highly recommend Deborah to anyone seeking help
Written on Mar 04, 2022 after therapy with Deborah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, intimacy-related issues, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd