I’m Deb, author, psychologist and former uni lecturer in relationships counselling. I’ve worked as a psychologist in private practice for almost 20 years, consulting on everything from relationships to panic, depression, anxiety, and grief. I was also a couple therapist at Relationships Australia, and collaborator with author/psychotherapist Dr Francis Macnab on thought-leadership in well being, relationships and spirituality for four years.
Listen to a fun interview I did with Nelly Thomas on the Dear Nelly Podcast 2023
As a teenager, about 1000 years ago, I started out as an actor appearing in Harvey Fierstein’s Spookhouse for Playbox Theatre and making regular appearances in Neighbours and other Melbourne TV institutions. Drawn to positive mental health, psychology and personal growth, I gradually moved into yoga and mindfulness teaching, leading to founding Hobson’s Bay Yoga and Natural Health and Newport Yoga Centre. The desire to continually deepen my understanding of humans led to my PhD. My thesis on love and emotional intelligence won the Relationships category award from The Australian Psychological Society.
My research has been published in peer-reviewed journals in Australia and the US including Spirituality in Clinical Practice and The International Journal of Yoga Therapy. I’ve also been a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, Ma Vie Française, and Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global.
My book Lovelands is about my experiences and struggles with love, relationships, self-understanding and a cautionary tale at times, from the perspectives of both sides of therapy – patient and therapist.
Listen to more press interviews below including my talks with Amanda Smith on Life Matters for ABC Radio National, Lyrella Cochrane (ABC), Ric Holland, Libbi Gorr (ABC Melbourne) and Chase and Sarah Kosterlitz.