Deborah Hellerstein, PhD, LCSW - Psychotherapist

Profile

Description Of Practice

In the course of my 25 years as a therapist, I have worked in schools, mental health clinics, a hospital and for the past 12 years in private practice. As a result, I have worked with a wide range of different clients and clinical issues. I have helped people with such problems as depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions and issues of sexual identity. I have worked with both individuals and couples. Because of my experience in the arts I have developed a sub-specialty in treating the specific concerns of artists and academics.

During your session, I will ask you to say what you’re thinking, regardless of how trivial or off-topic it may seem. Therapists over the years have found that this method helps people to discover naturally what’s really on their mind. While I will emphasize exploring your current life experiences, this will be done in the context of understanding what in your past might have contributed to your current problems. It is very important to me to create an environment that makes you feel safe and open to express your thoughts and feelings. I consider therapy a conversation. While you do most of the talking, I will take part in the discussion. You know yourself, and I understand the psychology of people. By combining our knowledge and working together we can help you achieve what you want out of life.

Typically you would come to therapy on a weekly basis. Each session lasts 50 minutes. It is very difficult to predict how long you’ll want to stay in therapy. Depending on the problem, we might find that it can be resolved within a short time. On the other hand, you might decide that the nature of your concerns will need more time to be resolved.

Please note: If you contact me via e-mail, it will be solely for further information regarding my services. I do not provide therapy sessions via e-mail. Because I may not be able to write back immediately, if you feel this is an emergency, you should contact your local emergency room.

Additional Information

I earned my master's degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago in 1983. After practicing as a psychotherapist for 4 years, I decided to pursue my long-standing interest in the arts. I studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and in 1989, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. While pursuing my BFA I had continued to work part-time as a social worker and after graduating from art school I missed the field and went back to working full-time as a psychotherapist.

Soon I realized that I wanted to become a better psychotherapist. I participated in a one-year fellowship at the Institute for Psychoanalysis in Chicago and then decided to plunge in and get a Ph.D.

In 2008, I completed my Ph.D. work, with a dissertation that combines my interest in both psychology and art, and explores aspects of the creative process for artists.