Deborah Jost-Beauford

Compassionate counselor blending therapy and creativity

LCPC Illinois

Experience: 15 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Deborah

Deborah Jost-Beauford is an Illinois licensed professional counselor (LCPC) with 15 years of experience offering psychotherapy across the lifespan.

Background and approach

She brings a multifaceted background that includes work as a psychotherapist, art therapist, and pet therapist, and has supported people facing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, chronic and acute pain, perinatal concerns, impulsivity, and end-of-life fears.

Her training spans several evidence-informed methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic approaches. Her manner is described as warm and holistic, focused on meeting clients where they are and tailoring interventions to individual needs.

She integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual tools as appropriate, drawing on techniques such as guided meditation, pain management strategies, and grief work when relevant. Deborah emphasizes collaboration and hope, helping people process trauma, navigate life transitions, and build skills for coping, self-esteem, and healthier relationships.

She practices in Illinois and conducts sessions in English.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Work

Deborah commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her practice. CBT helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and managing mood symptoms. ACT focuses on values-driven action and developing psychological flexibility, supporting people facing grief, life transitions, chronic health concerns, or persistent distress.

She aims to find the right fit collaboratively, exploring which methods resonate with a client’s needs, goals, and personal preferences. That exploration may include mixing elements from CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness practices, or psychodynamic ideas to create a personalized plan, and the therapist will check in regularly to adjust the approach as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from Illinois-based licensed professionals, accommodate busy routines, and allow tools and exercises to be practiced between meetings for ongoing progress.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Deborah address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, bipolar challenges, ADHD, eating and sleeping problems, relationship and family issues, and many related concerns listed in her specialties.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach is warm and holistic, combining individualized tools such as mindfulness, guided meditation, and practical skills from CBT and DBT to help clients process and grow.

What is her professional background?

She has 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist and has worked as an art therapist and pet therapist, bringing diverse methods to her clinical work.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She is licensed in Illinois with the credential LCPC and the license number IL LCPC 180.005850, and she practices within that state.

Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and preferences.

How is cost handled for sessions?

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

What are the steps to begin working with her?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityDependent personalityEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFertility issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivity Isolation / loneliness Mood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English