Learn About Deborah
Deborah Kozlowski, MSW,
LCSW, CMNCS
LCSW, Owner & Psychotherapist
Deborah, the proud owner of SafeSpace, brings over 25 years of experience in providing compassionate care to teens, emerging adults, individuals, and blended families. She specializes in helping teens navigate the emotional ups and downs of adolescence and has a gift for fostering communication between teens and their parents. She also works with adult females in their late teens and twenties, guiding them through the challenges of "emerging adulthood," parenthood, and the complexities of professional careers.
As a graduate of Loyola University in Chicago, Deborah earned her master’s in social work in 1997 and became licensed as an LCSW in 1999. Over the years, she has worked in a wide variety of settings, from inpatient hospitals to outpatient environments and residential homes for children and teens, to group and private practice. Her diverse experience has shaped her ability to connect with clients in unique ways. Deborah has also supervised other clinicians, staff, and interns in the mental health field.
Certified as a Mental Health and Nutrition Clinical Specialist, Deborah incorporates a holistic approach to wellness. She draws on a wide range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and Motivational Interviewing. Mindfulness techniques are woven into her sessions to help clients build self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Deborah’s work is rooted in a deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual factors that influence mental health. As a Jewish therapist, she integrates this awareness into her practice, offering an inclusive, compassionate space for all her clients.
In her free time, Deborah enjoys spending time with her family, coloring, practicing Pilates, and biking. Clients might even meet the practice’s emotional support puppy, who often joins her in the office to provide comfort and care. On sunny days, Deborah might be seen riding her bicycle to work, embracing the outdoors.
Qualifications:
Graduate School: Loyola University
Year Graduated: 1997
License No. 149008780
State: Illinois
NASW Membership since 1995
20+ years of specialized continuing education