Debra earned her M.A. in Community Counseling from Roosevelt University, and her B.S. in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. She provides mental health counseling to people struggling with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, stress management, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ issues, parenting concerns, separation and divorce, pregnancy or adoption issues, substance abuse and grief and loss issues. She works with individuals, couples, families and groups. She believes strongly that therapeutic help should be available to ALL people and will make referrals to appropriate resources if she is not trained in the area of need.

Debra uses Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Dialectical Behavioral techniques and Mindfulness in her therapeutic work to develop coping strategies and tools which provide symptom relief and change from problem behaviors. She uses Emotionally Focused Therapy when working with couples to increase empathy, improve communication and build trust. She also aids clients towards developing new insights into their behaviors and choices so that they may learn from their past experiences. She believes strongly in the mind-body connection and therefore encourages exercise, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, positive self talk and overall healthy lifestyle choices in her work with clients. She believes that learning and applying these techniques and life strategies can make significant changes in brain chemistry, resulting in reduction of mental health symptoms, less reliance on substances, and a healthier mind and body.

Debra has provided therapy to clients since 1993. She is a provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Health Care, Humana and Cigna. Debra Kowalczyk can be reached by text or phone call at 708-280-6538.