Deb is a compassionate, BACP registered integrative counsellor who works with children, young people and adults offering face-to-face therapy.

During the early part of her career, Deb spent over 20 years in educational settings as a Teacher, a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator), and Family Support Worker. Deb specialised in supporting children with additional needs, often in specialist provisions for children with neurodiversity or who had experienced trauma. Central to this work was always to build trusting, empathetic, and non-judgemental relationships with children and their families – something which is vital to her current work as a therapist.

Deb’s passion for mental health grew further when she became a school mental-health lead, which led her to pursue further training and qualify as a counsellor. She now brings this wealth of experience to her counselling practice, working with children and young people in schools and in the community, supporting them through issues such as exam anxiety, grief, disordered eating, issues around sexuality and gender identity, low self-esteem, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

In addition to working with children and young people, Deb has worked with adults in private practice and for several charities focusing on a range of issues, including trauma recovery, anxiety substance misuse and loss and bereavement. Deb has a particular interest in working with both diagnosed and self-identifying neurodivergent young people, adults and their families. She takes an affirming, neurodiversity-informed approach that both embraces individual identity and addresses any areas of challenge they might be facing.

Deb’s approach is rooted in person-centred theory, where she creates a warm, safe, and accepting space for clients to explore their experiences, strengths and difficulties at their own pace. With a belief that each client is the expert in their own life, Deb works collaboratively to help unlock potential and foster personal growth. In addition to this core approach, she has experience in psychodynamic techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions, which she can integrate into sessions depending on the needs and wishes of the individual client.

Understanding the value of a holistic approach Deb can also work somatically, incorporating mindfulness, breathwork and compassion-focused therapy. As a former Art Teacher and Forest School Leader, she can draw on techniques from art therapy and nature therapy to enable clients to express emotions and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.

She is also committed to continuing her professional development and is currently undertaking additional training to work with clients who feel they need support around their visible differences and/or their physical disabilities.

Above all, Deb prioritises autonomy and well-being of those she works with, empowering them to take control of their therapeutic journey. She works in a way that is flexible, respectful, and deeply attuned to each individual’s needs, ensuring that therapy always feels safe and meaningful to them at all times.

Qualifications and Recent Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Integrative Therapeutic Counselling Advanced Diploma (Level 5)

BSC (Hons) Psychology

PGCE (Primary)

Postgraduate Certificate in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

Level 2 Diploma in Counselling Skills

Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills

Changing the ADHD Brain: Beyond Medication (Practitioner Certificate)

Certificate in Masking and Unmasking in Autistic Clients

Anna Freud Centre/Place2Be Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (KIT) Certificate                                                                                                              

Domestic Abuse Awareness

Safeguarding Adults and Children Training