Dr. Suzanne Degges-White

Dr. Suzanne Degges-White welcomes people who are facing big life changes and everyday pressures. She helps with issues like anxiety, stress, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting strain, and shifts in identity such as LGBTQ matters. Suzanne uses clear, practical steps so people can make choices that move them toward a more fulfilling life.

She approaches work from a human-centered perspective that treats the client as the expert on their own story. Suzanne focuses on building strengths, boosting confidence, and supporting both planned and unexpected transitions. She often suggests short exercises between sessions, such as journaling or reading, to reinforce new ways of thinking and acting.

Over 24 years of professional experience, Suzanne has worked with people dealing with addiction, trauma, anger, career crossroads, and feelings of emptiness or isolation. She encourages clients to try new perspectives and behaviors tailored to their goals. When appropriate, she draws on cognitive and behavioral ideas to address patterns of thought and action.

Suzanne also uses elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and existential and Jungian approaches when they fit the concern. Those methods help people name values, accept difficult emotions, and explore meaning during midlife shifts, caregiving stress, divorce, or career change.

She is credentialed as an LCMHC and an LCPC and practices in Illinois. The first step is a short questionnaire and a scheduling process to match timing and needs. This practical orientation aims to help people manage transitions and gain more control over their next steps.

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages naming personal values and taking small actions toward them. It helps people tolerate difficult emotions while moving toward what matters, which can be useful during major life transitions or grief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thought patterns and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful cycles. CBT can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management in everyday life. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and helping clients find their own solutions rather than telling them what to do. This approach supports confidence and self-directed change.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Suzanne will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust those methods as progress is made. The client’s input guides how sessions proceed and what homework or exercises may be assigned.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online work can make scheduling easier, allow shorter check-ins on busy days, and let people use written exercises or bibliotherapy between meetings. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and client-centered techniques to a remote setting so the focus stays on practical steps and fitting therapy into daily life.