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Deborah McKenna, LCPC, CH, BCC
Author • Board Certified Coach • Clinical Hypnotherapist • ADHD Educator
I'm Deborah McKenna, and for more than 35 years I've helped people understand themselves, change patterns that were holding them back, and create meaningful, lasting change. Today, my work centers on ADHD coaching and education, hypnosis, and the tools I share through my books, with a particular passion for helping adults with ADHD live without shame.
If any part of that sounds like what you're looking for, let's talk.
My Story
Throughout my career, I've worked with people facing anxiety, stress, emotional regulation struggles, self-esteem concerns, habits they couldn't shake, and major life transitions. My approach has always drawn from counseling, coaching, hypnosis, mindfulness, and practical behavior change, tools people can actually use once they walk out the door, not just concepts they nod along to in a session.
Later in life, at age 62, I received my own ADHD diagnosis. That moment reshaped how I understood myself, and it also reshaped how I understood so many of the patterns I had already spent decades seeing in the people I worked with. Suddenly, things made sense in a way they never had before, not just for my clients, but for me.
That diagnosis is a big part of why my work looks the way it does today. I'm not teaching from a textbook. I'm teaching from lived experience, layered on top of over three decades of clinical training.
What I Focus On Today
I have moved away from traditional psychotherapy, to work with new types of clients. My focus now is on coaching, education, hypnosis, writing, and creating resources that reach people well beyond what a single office ever could. So much of my work today centers on:
ADHD Coaching and Education, helping adults understand their ADHD brain and build practical strategies for emotional regulation, executive functioning, organization, procrastination, overthinking, and follow-through.
The ADHD Wellness Shield™, a personalized framework I created to help people see the full picture of ADHD wellness, instead of expecting one strategy or one fix to solve everything.
Smoking Cessation, using hypnosis and behavior change to help people become smoke free for good. This one is personal to me. I lost my father to throat cancer related to smoking, and helping others walk away from that same fate is work I will always make time for.
Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation, helping people calm an overactive nervous system, quiet overthinking, and respond to stress in healthier, more sustainable ways.
Healthy Weight and Behavior Change, working with the habits and emotional triggers underneath the scale, rather than relying on willpower alone.
For the adults finally diagnosed after decades of "trying harder."
For the women who were missed because they daydreamed instead of bounced.
For the men who were told to push through.
For the parents raising a young warrior — and starting to recognize themselves.
For the partners who want to understand instead of just cope.
You were never broken. You were always the warrior.
ADHD is a major focus of my work, but it isn't the only thing I do. Wherever you see yourself here, I'd love to hear your story.
Credentials and Member Organizations
I hold the following credentials and professional memberships:
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), reflecting my clinical training and more than 35 years of experience, even as I transition away from traditional counseling services.
Certified Hypnotherapist (CH), certified through the International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ICBCH).
Board Certified Coach (BCC), credentialed through the Center for Credentialing & Education.
Why I'm a Good Choice to Work With
I bring together more than 35 years of professional experience with the perspective of someone who discovered her own ADHD later in life. My background spans counseling, coaching, hypnosis, behavior change, anxiety and stress management, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, so that wherever you're starting from, I likely have a tool that fits.
I understand something many programs miss: knowing what you're supposed to do and actually being able to consistently do it are two very different things. That gap isn't a character flaw. It's usually the real problem, and it's the one I spend my time helping people close.
I don't believe you need more shame, or one more person telling you what's wrong with you. I want to help you understand yourself, discover what actually works for your brain and your life, and build tools you can use in the real world, starting today.
The best way to find out if we're a good fit is a short conversation. There's no pressure and no obligation.
Real Clients. Real Results.
What Others Are Saying About Me
"Spousal loss"
You never expect to lose a spouse so suddenly but that is what happened. Deb was very kind and listened and helped me through the ups and downs. I will never be "over it" as people want me to be. As Deb taught me, grieve doesn't come with a book or timeframe, we need to do it in our time and way-wise words. She also recommended group therapy which has been a Godsend. I would highly recommend her for anyone going through the loss of a spouse.
Susan T.
"Passed my licensure exam"
I was at my wits end. I only had one more time otherwise I would not be able to take the exam again for another year. I met with Deb and she helped eliminate my test anxiety and I passed after failing two times before coming to her.
Ellen E.
"Turned down the dial"
I learned to turn down the discomfort dial and turn up the comfort dial in my mind. It was safe and effective. I was able to decrease my pain medication usage.
Dean L.
Let's Take the Next Step Together
Whether you're an adult with ADHD, a parent or partner trying to understand someone you love, or simply ready to release a habit that's been holding you back, I'd love to hear from you.
Not ready to talk yet? Start with one of my books instead.
Deborah McKenna, CH Author | Hypnotist | Life Coach Serving In-person in Peoria, Illinois and online
Phone: (309) 691-2089
Email: Deborah@DebMcKennaHypnosis.com
Results may vary from person to person. We guarantee the very best service using current information and appropriate techniques for your situation. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not meant to diagnose or treat any disease, but rather it is intended to provide information, education, and motivation that will help you live to your best potential and guide you toward being more effective in helping yourself.
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