Deborah Jost-Beauford

Deborah Jost-Beauford is a licensed professional counselor based in Chicago with more than 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist, art therapist, and pet therapist. She has worked with children, adults, and seniors on a broad range of concerns including depression, acute and chronic pain, anxiety, perinatal mental health related to pregnancy and the period after delivery, impulsivity, relationship difficulties, self-esteem struggles, PTSD and other trauma, life transitions, and fears around end-of-life.

Her clinical training spans multiple therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), art therapy, pain-management techniques, post-traumatic growth methods, mindfulness training, positive affirmations, and guided meditation. She is also a certified grief counselor.

Deborah’s counseling style is warm and holistic, using an adaptable, personalized toolkit of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual practices to help clients reach goals, heal, and flourish. She emphasizes meeting people where they are, honoring each person’s unique identity and lived experience while assisting them to understand, process, and grow after trauma.

She believes strongly in the potential of every client to live a fulfilling life and aims to support and empower those ready to take the first courageous step toward change. Deborah holds an Illinois professional counseling license - a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, license number 180.005850 - and brings over 15 years of hands-on therapeutic experience to her practice in Illinois.