About me
Neurodiverse, Neuro-Affirming Counsellor
I’m Deb, and I am a neuro-affirming, ACA registered counsellor on the Gold Coast, Qld, Australia.
My approach is informed by both lived experience and ongoing professional development. I generally work with young people, parents, and adults across a wide range of abilities and diagnoses. As the single mother of autistic, ADHD, gender diverse, now adult children with various other diagnosis, and someone with my own late, provisionally diagnosed AuDHD profile, I bring warmth, patience, and deep understanding to every interaction. I work collaboratively with care teams and am passionate about creating safe spaces for people to express themselves, build confidence, and feel genuinely supported.
- Neuro-affirming
- LGBTQIA+ inclusive
- Trauma-aware and client-led
- Option to integrate horses, art-based tools or LEGO®
Experience in neuro-affirming care and support of diverse needs
I have extensive experience caring for and working alongside individuals with a wide range of disabilities and mental health challenges. My approach is person-centred, flexible, and grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of each individual’s lived experience:
- Autism
- Autistic & ADHD Burnout and recovery
- Global Developmental Delays
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Parenting long term suicidal ideation with intent
- Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Gender Dysphoria
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Chronic Pain Syndrome
- School Can’t, Distance Education & Homeschool
I recognise that no two people experience things in the same way. My focus is always on building trust, supporting autonomy, and aiming to create a safe, affirming environment where each person feels heard, valued and supported.
Qualifications & Professional Development:
- Diploma of Counselling majoring in Child Development and Effective Parenting & Working with Children and Adolescents
(Australian Counselling Association member #23046) - Studying towards Bachelor of Counselling
- Art Therapist Diploma
- Cert IV in Education Support
- Certified Facilitator of LEGO
Based Therapy. - Certified Facilitator of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY method and materials
Recent professional development:
- Living Works Start – first steps to suicide prevention
- Raise Foundation Mentor training
- Mental Health Super Summit (2025)
- Autism Parenting Summit (2025)
- Neurodivergence Wellbeing Conference (2025)
- ADHD Parenting Summit (2025)
- Yellow Ladybugs 2025 Conference
My Counselling Practice Values
My practice values come from both my professional training and my lived experience. I have seen how often people — especially neurodivergent parents and families and trans and gender diverse people — are left without the support they deserve. These values guide me in creating a space where every person feels heard, respected, and supported.
Compassion and Respect
Work to provide caring, safe, and non-judgmental space where you are met with empathy and dignity.
Inclusion and Advocacy
Welcome people of all abilities, neurotypes, genders, sexualities, and backgrounds. I have a strong commitment to supporting neurodivergent parents and families who too often face barriers or feel left without help in traditional mental health systems.
Creativity in Healing
Healing and growth looks different for everyone. Alongside counselling, I may use creative and expressive approaches to support growth, reflection, and self-understanding.
Empowerment and Autonomy
My role is to walk alongside you, helping you explore your strengths, choices, and possibilities, never to tell you what to do or how to do it.
Integrity and Professionalism
Committed to honesty, confidentiality, and ethical practice. I continue to grow my knowledge and skills to provide the best care I can.
