I have worked as a counsellor since 1994, when I started in private practice, as a general counsellor. Later I specialised in Couples Psychodynamic counselling as well as Psychosexual Therapy, at the internationally renowned Tavistock Relationships Centre.
I have a style which is both relaxed and interactive, and I have incorporated techniques from various schools of counselling, writers and teachers in this field. I believe deeply in empowering individuals to enable them to make changes in their lives. To this end, I employ motivational techniques, deep empathic listening, reflection and analysis.
As part of the psychosexual therapy, I use behavioural and cognitive techniques as well as educational material as needed.
In addition to my counselling training I am also trained in Neuro Linguistic Programming and Life Coaching, it can therefore be said that I have a broad range of skills to support my clients.
In recent times I have developed my work online and I offer sessions via video link only. This includes online marriage counselling and online relationship counselling, as well as online individual counselling.
Past experience includes work within the NHS mental health sector, Women’s Homeless Charity and with Her Majesty’s Prison Service.
I am also an experienced trainer and have trained counsellors to work with Sexual Abuse Survivors and given talks on the subject to various organisations.
Professional Qualifications
Deborah is a Psychosexual Therapist practicing at the Leger Clinic in Doncaster and online. She has over 20 years of experience as a nurse in Learning Disabilities (LD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the NHS, dealing with profound disabilities, challenging behaviours, and elderly people with LD. She has also worked on forensic wards with individuals with LD, ASD, and ADHD, and has specialized training in these areas. Deborah holds a degree in Mental Health Care and is an Approved Mental Health Practitioner under the Mental Health Act, working for Doncaster City Council.
Deborah is qualified in psychosexual therapy, and now specializes in working with individuals with LD, ASD, and ADHD, offering personalized information formats. She is an accredited member of the College for Sex and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and has completed training in managing sexual risk with COFRA. Deborah is also trained in EMDR for trauma treatment.
Deborah has received several awards in her nursing career, but she is especially proud of an award nominated by a service user for helping an individual with mild LD and ASD transition from a forensic ward to community living, where he was able to start a family.
I believe that all humans are good and have the capacity to change and grow.
I work relationally, which means I believe that change happens in and through
relationships. How we experience the world (our relationship with ourselves and
others) and how others experience us impacts on our identity, our actions and our
sense of ease of being in the world.
Exploring past relationships with your parents or caregiver whilst a child, may seem
like a long time ago, but these early life experiences provide a blueprint for adult
relationships. Perhaps you are having difficulties in your sexual relationship or
emotional communication challenges with a long-term partner, these can be very
distressing and impact on your ability to reach your potential in life.
I work in a way that is helpful to you, that means that if you find it hard to trust people,
I will honour that therapy can be a scary place to begin with and work with you to
build up trust in the relationship between you and I. The therapy will take place at a
pace that suits you, there is no pressure or expectation.
I would like to introduce myself as a fully qualified medical doctor with a specialization in gynaecological medicine and a diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy from the London Diploma for Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. My expertise allows me to address both organic and psychological sexual issues comprehensively.
Sexual and relationship issues, when not rooted in organic causes, often stem from deep within ourselves—our past experiences and emotional hurt. My therapeutic approach integrates various disciplines to support your healing journey effectively:
Your Journey, Your Pace
I believe that trust and comfort are integral pillars of successful therapy. Therefore, I encourage you to take your time as we embark on this journey together. My commitment is to be with you at every step, offering encouragement, nurture, and expert advice.
Whether you are dealing with sexual issues that are organic or psychological, I am here to guide you. Together, we will process your past, bring awareness to the present, and plan for a fulfilling future.