Deb Gavan

About

I am an experienced social worker, psychotherapist and counsellor providing therapy, assessments and clinical supervision to children, young people, adults, couples and families.

My approach is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, person-centred and grounded in social justice. I draw on psychodynamic psychotherapy, narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy and creative and expressive approaches, including sandtray and sandplay.

I have extensive experience across mental health, trauma, sexual assault, domestic and family violence, child protection, victims' services, substance use and addiction recovery. I work collaboratively with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, life transitions and challenges associated with neurodivergence and disability.

My work aims to strengthen emotional regulation, resilience, connection and a sense of safety, while recognising and nurturing each person's individual strengths.

In couples therapy, I draw on attachment theory and relational approaches to help partners understand recurring patterns, improve communication, navigate conflict and develop more secure and meaningful connections.

I also undertake a range of assessments and professional reports, including family law and child-related reports, family and domestic violence assessments, child protection and wellbeing assessments, foster care and adoption assessments, immigration reports and other clinical and medico-legal reports.

My practice is culturally responsive, intersectional and anti-oppressive. I recognise how identity, culture, neurodivergence, disability, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic circumstances, colonisation and experiences of discrimination and power can shape people's lives and wellbeing. I value lived experience and aim to create a respectful, affirming space where people feel heard, accepted and supported without judgement.

I want the people I work with to feel comfortable being themselves, exploring difficult experiences and working towards meaningful change at their own pace. I believe that therapy should be accessible, collaborative and responsive to the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

I offer face-to-face appointments in Sydney and telehealth across Australia.

What a first session looks like

Our first session is an opportunity to get to know each other, explore what's bringing you to therapy and talk about what you would like support with.

I take a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed and person-centred approach. I recognise that people communicate, process information, experience emotions and navigate the world differently. We can work at your pace, make adjustments to support your needs and find an approach that feels comfortable and useful for you.

In Deb's own words.

Works with

Approach

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Schema therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Family and relationship work

Qualifications

BSW