Deanna Charles
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW
(she / her)
In-Person & Virtual Sessions
Therapy for Kids 8+, Teens & Adults
My approach to therapy is client-centered, trauma-informed, and as real as it gets. I am passionate about helping clients learn to safely navigate and handle big, distressing emotions. Even if it feels impossible right now, you’ll be met with understanding, empathy, and encouragement.
Clients I work with are individuals 8+ who are experiencing anxiety disorders, OCD and difficulties with emotion regulation. Through my own personal experiences with anxiety, I’ve learned how powerful it can be to better understand our brain, our emotions, and the purpose anxiety can serve in our lives. I truly believe that through psychoeducation - understanding the “why” behind behaviors and thought patterns - we can unlock powerful healing and transformation.
Through my previous work in schools, I had the pleasure of supporting students and families of neurodivergent backgrounds. This experience sparked my dedication in working with individuals who are navigating the challenges that may come from neurodivergence. Whether that be ADHD or Autism, we will work on helping you to view your differences as strengths and learn about tools, strategies and skills that will enhance your life.
During therapy with me, you will always be viewed as the expert in your own life. This means your identity, your history, and your basic human rights are respected without question. Whether you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent, or just trying to navigate this overwhelming world, you belong exactly as you are. Taking this first step towards growth and/or healing takes courage, and I would be honored to walk alongside you and support the changes that help you feel more aligned, fulfilled, and connected to the life you want to live.
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Anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorder, ADHD, autism, behavioral challenges, depression, emotional regulation, children, life transitions, self-esteem and stress.
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Because my approach is client-centered, sessions can look different depending on what feels most helpful that day. Meaningful, sustainable change can happen in a variety of ways; through processing, skill-building, and developing a strong therapeutic connection.
When working with youth (and adults who are open to it), sessions may include games, fidgets, or creative activities. These tools help us connect, practice new skills, process emotions, and build understanding in a way that feels engaging and relevant.When working with individuals with severe anxiety, OCD and panic, sessions may take a more structured approach. We would create a hierarchy of your fears and gently introduce you to them with steady support, consistency and empathy.
Additionally, I offer movement-based options, such as walk-and-talk therapy or incorporating light stretching and grounding exercises, for clients who feel more comfortable or regulated when they’re not sitting still. -
Comfortable, authentic, and pragmatic.
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I’m so glad you are here! In this space, you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we will get you back in the driver's seat of life and work to quiet the ‘what if’ spirals, intense panic and emotions that feel too difficult to manage.
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What lights me up most in therapy is when a client shares the intentional effort they’ve made to practice the skills and strategies we’ve worked on together. Those moments reflect growth, courage, and a willingness to engage in the process.
My ideal client is someone who may not know where to start, but has a genuine desire for change and is open to support along the way. I value working with individuals who are willing to show up, be curious, and take small, meaningful steps toward healing and creating a life they truly enjoy living.
Areas of Focus
Top Specialties:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Children & Adolescents
Emotional Regulation
Life Transitions
Parenting
Self-Esteem
Separation Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Stress
Areas of Expertise:
ADHD
Autism
Behavioral Issues
Caregivers
Coping Skills
Depression
Relationship Issues
Walk-and-Talk Therapy
Trauma and PTSD
Works With
Kids 8+, Adults
Schedule
Monday Virtual (Afternoon-Evening)
Tuesday (Late Morning-Evening)
Wednesday (Late Morning-Evening)
Thursday (Morning-Afternoon)
In Network With
BCBS PPO
Aetna PPO
Anthem Blue Cross PPO
Cigna/Evernorth PPO
United/Optum PPO
Education
Bachelors in Social Work, Southern Illinois University, May 2019
Master of Social Work, Southern Illinois University, May 2020
Personal Interests
I love gardening, making and sharing flower bouquets with my people, hiking and dog walks, taking pictures of random cute little things that might go unnoticed, and appreciating our earth for all its glory. I also love baking sourdough bread, cooking new foods, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
Therapy with Deanna
I use a mix of strategies, tailored to each individual, to help people feel more in charge of their lives and make changes that actually stick. Part of our work is noticing thoughts and patterns that hold you back and figuring out ways to shift them in everyday life.
I pull from approaches like CBT, to help you spot unhelpful thoughts and habits and practice new ways of responding, and ACT, to help you focus on accepting what you can’t control, while still moving toward the life you want. I will incorporate Mindfulness to encourage simple ways to stay present, manage stress, and respond to emotions instead of reacting automatically. For severe anxiety, OCD and panic disorder, I utilize ERP or interoceptive exposures to slowly and gradually introduce you to your fears, in a way that is supportive and collaborative.
I can also use TF-CBT, which is a more structured approach for youth who have experienced trauma and continue to feel its impact. It guides us through understanding and managing emotions using skill-building, processing, and parent coaching, so parents and caregivers can support their child and respond in the moment. I use DBT skills to help manage big emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships.
I also incorporate motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques to support clients in exploring their wants and needs, building on strengths, and working toward meaningful goals
I view therapy as a walk alongside you—figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and helping you make changes that feel doable, not overwhelming. I’m always learning new ways to support my clients, whether it’s anxiety, trauma, OCD, or just feeling more like yourself day to day.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.
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Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.
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Used commonly as a treatment for OCD, the exposure component of ERP refers to practicing confronting the thoughts, images, objects, and situations that make you anxious and/or provoke your obsessions.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you move beyond negative thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way by accepting that your thoughts and emotions are an appropriate response to certain situations and committing to making changes in your life that match your values.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy, specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. DBT is especially effective for people who have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions.
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Walk and talk therapy is conducted while walking in public, outdoor spaces, rather than a traditional office or virtual setting.
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Motivational interviewing helps people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior.
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce stress & enhance wellbeing through mindfulness practices, like meditation, body scans & mindful movement. to encourage present-moment awareness & acceptance.
Schedule a Session or Consult
Interested in working together? Fill out the form, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Insurance or Self Pay
Learn more about using your insurance. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135 for a 50-53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help.
