- client-centered approach
- cognitive behavioral tools
- solution-focused work
About DeAnna
Dr. DeAnna Brookhart is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 27 years of clinical experience. She works with adults who bring concerns such as anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship strain, grief, stress, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem. Her practice also notes work with LGBT concerns and trauma and abuse.
Dr. Brookhart's approach centers on client-centered and solution-focused work. She often uses cognitive behavioral strategies and motivational interviewing to help people identify unhelpful patterns and try different coping steps. Sessions tend to focus on practical changes and clear next steps rather than long theory talks.
She also lists family and blended family issues, caregiver stress, body image, codependency, communication problems, and coping with life changes among her areas of focus. Those facing abandonment wounds, divorce or separation, or work-related trauma may find these topics are part of the conversations she offers.
Dr. Brookhart aims to blend direct therapeutic skills with attention to daily life - thinking about how thoughts, behaviors, and relationships interact. She mentions addressing compassion fatigue and co-morbidity alongside mood and bipolar concerns. The style is described in her materials as collaborative and goal oriented.
Outside of clinical work she enjoys cooking, reading, and time with family. People who want a practical, down-to-earth approach to hard feelings such as guilt or shame often choose to begin by describing what led them to seek help and the changes they hope to see.
How Dr. Brookhart uses therapeutic approaches in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person's perspective, helping people feel heard and guiding goals based on their priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to test new ways of thinking and acting. Motivational Interviewing helps when someone feels stuck about change by exploring personal values and strengthening readiness to try different steps.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Dr. Brookhart discusses options together and adjusts methods based on a client's goals, needs, and preferences. That collaborative decision-making helps choose techniques that fit how a person wants to work and what they hope to achieve.
If you plan to use online sessions, confirm the current session formats before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, reduce travel time, and let people join from different locations within the same state. Licensed professionals, including therapists, can adapt CBT exercises, motivational interviewing conversations, and client-centered reflection to an online setting while focusing on practical next steps.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
27+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, trauma and related concerns such as caregiver stress and codependency.
How does she approach guilt or shame in sessions?
She uses a client-centered style combined with cognitive behavioral techniques to look at thoughts and behaviors tied to guilt or shame and to try practical alternatives.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She holds an LCPC in Illinois and brings 27 years of experience in community mental health and private practice settings.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She is an Illinois LCPC and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs and payment handled?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.