Deborah Gleason

Deborah Gleason is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who helps people manage grief, stress, anxiety, and the many challenges that come with major life transitions. She focuses on practical ways to feel steadier day to day. Deborah writes in plain terms and aims to make the first steps feel manageable for someone who is worried or overwhelmed.

Her sessions center on paying attention to both thoughts and bodily experience. Deborah encourages slowing down to notice what the body is doing and how feelings show up in the moment. Conversations may include grounding, breathing, mindful attention, and simple exercises to reduce agitation and improve sleep or focus.

She uses a mix of methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and Jungian ideas about meaning. That mix is used to help people change unhelpful habits, clarify values, and build practical coping skills. Deborah adapts tools to the person in front of her, not the other way around.

Her practice includes supporting people with relationship concerns, identity-related issues including LGBT matters, trauma and abuse, addiction and compulsive behaviors, and caregiver stress. She also works with challenges like ADHD, eating and sleeping problems, and mood disorders.

Deborah has nine years of clinical experience and holds licensure in Alabama and Illinois. People who want to begin are invited to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

How Deborah's Methods Translate to Online Work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts without being driven by them and clarifies what matters most. It is useful for anxiety, grief, and making choices during life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship, giving people space to find their own answers with support rather than direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical steps to reduce symptoms like low mood, panic, or sleep disruption.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Deborah will collaborate with each person to decide which methods feel helpful, adjusting tools to match goals and daily life. That means trying techniques, checking in, and shifting course when something isn’t working.

The profile does not specify session formats, so confirm available options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Some approaches translate well to remote work - for example mindfulness practices, ACT exercises, and CBT worksheets can be adapted for short or longer sessions. Talk with the therapist when you schedule to choose the session rhythm and tools that best fit your routine and needs.