Deanna MacDonald

Practical, collaborative therapy for life challenges

LCPC Illinois

Experience: 7 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Deanna

Deanna MacDonald is an Illinois-licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who has spent seven years providing individual therapy to people coping with a wide range of challenges.

Background and approach

She supports work on anxiety, depression, stress, bipolar mood concerns, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and many day-to-day struggles such as sleep, eating, and workplace difficulties. Her practice also addresses topics like body image, caregiver stress, communication problems, OCD and panic symptoms, self-harm, and issues connected to identity and relationships.

Her style emphasizes collaboration and practicality, helping clients translate insights into achievable steps. Deanna draws from evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to tailor care to each person's needs.

She treats people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while working with them to build a realistic treatment plan. Deanna works with English-speaking clients in Illinois and offers sessions through several online formats.

She approaches the first steps with patience, guiding people through goal setting and skill-building so they can pursue greater balance and well-being.

Therapeutic approaches and online care options

Deanna uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) among other approaches. CBT focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, panic, and low mood, and it is often used for issues such as insomnia, obsessive thinking, and mood regulation. ACT emphasizes values-based action and acceptance strategies to help people respond differently to painful thoughts and feelings, which can be useful for chronic stress, guilt, shame, and difficulties with life transitions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative process. She works with clients to clarify goals, try practical techniques, and then refine the treatment plan based on what fits the client’s needs and preferences. The process is intended to be adaptive and team-oriented so that therapy evolves with progress and feedback.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling and consistent access to care from wherever a client is located within Illinois. These formats make it easier to practice skills between sessions and to maintain momentum while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Deanna commonly address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, addictions, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy-related problems, eating and sleeping difficulties, and workplace or career concerns.

How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?

Her approach is collaborative and practical, combining respect and sensitivity with actionable strategies. She uses evidence-informed methods to help clients learn skills and reach clear goals.

What is her professional background and experience level?

She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) practicing in Illinois with seven years of experience providing individual therapy.

Where is she licensed and what credential does she hold?

She holds the Illinois LCPC credential, recorded as IL LCPC 180.014530, and practices with that license in Illinois.

Does she work with clients in languages other than English or accept international clients?

She provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available for working together?

Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How is cost handled for sessions with her?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Body imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesEating and food-related issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameLife purposeMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Self-harmSelf-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English