Debra Alper
Meet

Debra Alper, LCSW

Divorce Recovery and Relationship Therapist

I have known Debra since 2015. We met through one of my DGS trusted professionals, who wanted us to connect because we were both divorced, and we were both in the business of helping divorced women and men.

I got to know Debra, and liked and respected her so much, that I asked her to become a writer/contributor for Divorced Girl Smiling. It was through Debra’s articles that I realized what a truly great therapist she was. As I would read her insight and advice, I felt like I myself was benefitting from Debra’s articles!

I am so excited to have Debra as one of our Divorced Girl Smiling trusted professionals, and I would highly recommend her!

Jackie Pilossoph Founder
Divorced Girl Smiling

About Debra

Debra Alper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Chicago specializing in relational therapy, helping clients to identify and recover from emotional abuse and divorce process and recovery. She has worked extensively since 1999 with individual clients striving to experience deeper, more meaningful relationships, couples in the midst of marital crisis around infidelity and unhappy, lonely relationships, and clients struggling to get through the emotional and life changing hurdles of pre and post divorce. She also works extensively with clients in emotionally abusive relationships helping them to understand the dynamics that keep them stuck and aiding them in moving out of toxic patterns.

Debra Alper received her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and her Masters in Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago. She has received specialized training in Gottman Marital Therapy, Harville Hendrix Imago Therapy, and she participated in a yearlong weekly seminar from the University of Chicago on Psychodynamic Theory. When Debra is not working you can find her walking the lakefront with her beloved dog Gracie-belle, spending time with her daughter and son-in-law,  working hard at the gym, checking out farmer’s markets in the city, or hopefully traveling somewhere… Debra can be reached through her website at www.lifetransitionschicago.com or debra@lifetransitionschicago.com

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What people are saying about Debra

“I have been a practicing therapist for 32 years and have known Debra for almost 15 years. We have shared consultation and referrals. I find Debra to be an approachable, warm, insightful, interactive therapist who has much success in helping her clients who are stuck in relational problems. She also has tremendous insight into the process involved in divorce and works very effectively with clients needing help and support before, during and after their divorce.”

– Carol Dishell, LCSW

“Debra Alper is a compassionate, insightful therapist who has extensive knowledge in both working with couples and individuals struggling with the stressful and emotionally difficult divorce process. She understands the emotional issues involved in the decision to divorce, the often, destabilizing emotional challenges involved in the process itself, as well as the work involved in creating a post-divorce life. I would recommend her to any one going thru a divorce needing support, clarity and closure.”

– Marcy Kott

“I have known Debra professionally for many years and have participated in a consultation group with her, which has allowed me to know well her skills in working with clients. Debra is an engaged, warm, compassionate and skilled therapist who is able to offer insight, guidance, support, tools and strategies to help her clients navigate whatever issues and circumstances have brought them to therapy. I have referred both individual clients and couples to Debra, including personal friends and have always received glowing feedback about her.”

– Noelle McWard