Deborah has complementary degrees: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.). She is a College member of the AASW and an accredited mental health social worker. She has further training in meditation, vocation counselling, suicide prevention, professional supervision, domestic violence response and grief and trauma counselling.

She has worked, in Queensland and Tasmania, for over 35 years as a teacher, educator and counsellor in human relationships. Her work has included individual counselling, group work and provision of accredited professional development education events for education and health professionals, as well as counsellors, social workers, police and community members.

Deborah's counselling experience includes working with children, young people and adults. She is experienced in working with families and work related issues as an Employee Assistance Provider.

Deborah employs a range of therapies in her work, including:

cognitive behavioural, solution focussed, psycho-dynamic, mindfullness and interpersonal therapies, relaxation techniques and personal skills training.