Debra Schwarze, LCPC, LPC

Debra Schwarze is a licensed counselor practicing in Illinois and Wisconsin with 30 years of experience in a wide range of mental health settings, including community mental health, schools, faith-based organizations, health systems, and private practice. She holds master’s degrees in counseling and in art therapy - graduate level training that supports both clinical assessment and creative, expressive interventions.

Her therapeutic style is eclectic and client-centered, drawing primarily from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy informed methods, mindfulness strategies, and expressive techniques that can include art-making when a person is open to that approach. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address traumatic memories. These approaches are selected and blended to match each individual’s needs and goals.

Debra has worked with people experiencing major depression, bipolar disorder, a variety of anxiety disorders, ADHD, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief and end-of-life issues, cancer-related adjustment, and significant life changes. She helps clients facing compassion fatigue, caregiver stress, sleep problems, self-esteem and career questions, and other mood or behavioral concerns.

She recognizes that reaching out for help can feel difficult and that beginning counseling often brings anxiety. It is her role to create a comfortable, respectful space for clients to explore the issues that brought them to therapy. While she does not solve problems for people, she commits to supporting them as they work toward the changes they wish to make. Debra looks forward to meeting those who are ready to begin that journey toward improved emotional well-being.