LMHC

Deborah Hilyard , LMHC

Therapist in Florida

Online therapy - get matched and start messaging.

About Deborah

Deborah Hilyard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida with 34 years of clinical experience. She earned a graduate degree in counseling from the University of Memphis in 1988 and began her work in a campus career counseling office while completing her studies. Over the decades she has served diverse populations and settings, including family centers for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy where she helped develop a transitional program for service members and later provided mental health counseling to service members and their families.

Her practice has repeatedly addressed the strains that come with separation, career transitions, caregiving, and the unpredictability of major life changes, and she has extensive experience treating anger, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and work-related stress. She has also conducted comprehensive assessments within the foster care system and worked with survivors of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, bringing particular experience with trauma-related issues and grief.

Deborah describes her counseling style as warm and interactive, grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion while avoiding stigmatizing labels. She integrates client-centered and cognitively-behavioral methods with solution-focused and rational-emotive techniques, tailoring conversation and treatment plans to each person’s needs. She aims to support and empower individuals who are ready to take steps toward greater well-being.

Approaches for Online Therapy and How They Help

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where the client’s experiences and goals guide the work. It helps people build self-awareness, confidence, and clearer direction when facing life transitions or relationship challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage depression, and change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for mood disorders, stress, and coping with everyday problems.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused approach that helps people process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity. It can be especially useful for clients dealing with trauma, abuse history, and related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Deborah works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit best with their needs, goals, and preferences. Licensed professionals may combine techniques and adjust the plan over time to match progress and changing priorities.

Online therapy via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling, allows sessions from home or other convenient locations, and can make it easier to maintain continuity of care during busy or transitional periods. These options support ongoing therapeutic work while accommodating different communication styles and life demands.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Deborah Hilyard have?

Deborah Hilyard has 34 years of experience in the field of mental health counseling.

Is Deborah Hilyard a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. License details: FL LMHC MH4832.

In which languages does Deborah Hilyard provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Deborah Hilyard located?

Deborah Hilyard is located in Florida.

How can I work with Deborah Hilyard as my therapist?

You can work with Deborah Hilyard through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Deborah Hilyard work with international clients?

Deborah Hilyard does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Deborah Hilyard cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

34+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English

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