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Deborah Thoennes

Therapist

Deborah Thoennes

LPC

Wisconsin · 15+ years of experience

Helping people find steady ground and small wins

Continue with Deborah

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Step 1

  • Practical steps
  • Collaborative planning
  • Compassionate care

About Deborah

Deborah Thoennes, LPC, helps people who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. She welcomes people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and questions about self-esteem or motivation. Her approach is practical and straightforward, aimed at making everyday life a little easier to manage.

With 15 years of professional experience, Deborah adapts conversations and plans to fit each person's needs. She listens closely and uses tools from Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy when they suit the situation. Sessions focus on small, achievable steps rather than long lists of goals.

People often come to her for help after trauma, during life transitions, or when navigating relationship and work stresses. She also supports those coping with chronic illness, caregiving strain, body image concerns, and issues tied to adoption or attachment. Discussions are led at the client’s pace and geared toward practical skills for daily life.

Deborah emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in the room. She works collaboratively to tailor each session and the overall plan. Her goal is to support clients as they try things out, notice what helps, and adjust the plan as needed.

Her practice is based in Wisconsin and she conducts sessions in English. Before scheduling, readers should confirm current session options and formats directly when they start the process.

Step 2

Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Credentials

Wisconsin

Languages

English

Step 3

How Deborah’s Approaches Work Online

Deborah draws on Client-Centered Therapy to start most work. That means sessions begin with the client's priorities and move at a comfortable pace. The focus is on listening, reflecting, and helping clients name what matters most to them.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help people notice patterns in thoughts and behaviors. These tools can be useful for managing anxiety, depression, and daily stress by trying small experiments and adjusting what does and doesn't help.

Finding the best approach is collaborative. Deborah will talk with each person about goals and preferences, and then try methods that match those needs. If something isn't helpful, she adjusts the plan together with the client rather than sticking to one method.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit more easily into a busy day, allow quieter surroundings, or shorten travel time. Online sessions can also make it simpler to check in between appointments and keep work consistent when life gets hectic.

Step 4

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can Deborah help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, relationship and career problems, grief, and related issues such as ADHD and caregiving stress.

What is her general therapy style?

Sessions are client-centered and practical. Conversations focus on listening, setting small goals, and using techniques from CBT and emotionally-focused approaches when helpful.

How long has she been practicing?

Deborah has 15 years of professional experience working with a range of life and mental health concerns.

What credentials and location apply?

She holds an LPC credential and practices in Wisconsin.

Which languages are offered for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people from other countries work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees handled?

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

How do I begin the process?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Step 5

Your next step

If this is for you

  • Check that the location and license details fit where you live.
  • Write down one or two things you want to talk about.
  • Take your time. You can read other profiles first.

If you are helping someone

  • Read this page together, at a pace that suits them.
  • Ask what they think about this therapist.
  • Let the person make the choice.
Deborah ThoennesContinue with Deborah