"You are a gift Deb... Plant Whisperer, in a sense. Teaching others that they, too, have the ability if they listen and experience the life of each plant." - Kristen 2015
Deb is a multi-disciplinary facilitator living on Boonwurrung land in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. She is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between people and the natural world through diverse and inclusive approaches.
With a Master’s in Applied Ecopsychology, a Diploma in Landscape Design, and certifications in permaculture and horticulture, she brings a comprehensive skill set to designing and implementing initiatives in sustainability, biodiversity, and community engagement.
Adept at managing multiple roles and driven by a collaborative ethos, Deb is passionate about building resilient communities. Her work focuses on empowering individuals and communities to adapt and thrive in the face of climate and ecological challenges by nurturing strong, active connections with both the community and our natural world. Deb has successfully led workshops, educational programs, and urban greening projects in collaboration with councils, schools, residents, businesses, and community organizations.
Deb's unique blend of qualifications, skills, and life experience enables her to co-create with Nature in ways that nurture self-care, community, and support environmental wellbeing.
Self-care
Eco-Art Therapy sessions and projects are based on attuning ourselves with reciprocal relationships as a part of nature. Ie: Eco-Art Seasons, Gratitude Mandalas
Nature Guided Walks 1:1 (Personalised guided Nature Mindfulness)
Events as noted and requested.
Events and workshops may be tailored to the client, individual, or group needs.
Community care
Environmental education for children 3 years old to adults. Gardening, sustainability classes, workshops, and teacher PD.
Nature Mindfulness group eco-therapy
SOS eco-resilience workshops to transition climate/ecological crisis-related feelings or simply relax and deepen ecological awareness.
Active Hope and The Work That Reconnects workshops broaden our community relationships, increase resilience, and support networks.
Gardens for Wellbeing
Events and workshops may be tailored to the client, individual, or group needs.
Environmental care
Environmental education for children 3yrs old-adults. Gardening, sustainability classes, workshops and teacher PD.
Permaculture landscape design
Horticultural garden consultation
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International Institute for Complementary Therapists #2004168466
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Australian Association of Bush Adventure Therapy
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Permaculture Australia
Qualifications
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Permaculture Educator
(ASIC International Accreditation)
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Diploma Landscape Design
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Permaculture Design Certificate
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Horticulture Cert 2
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Ex-nurse (Psychiatric Endorsed)
Other passions
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Climate & community resilience
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The Work That Reconnects Facilitator
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Sacred Activism
Deb utilizes Ecopsychology and Eco-Art Therapy methods in programs and group sessions with people who wish to:
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Explore creative expression.
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Understand benefits of nature and feel more balanced, healthier and rejuvenated.
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Enquire into interconnected relationships with self as part of the whole.
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Learn more about plants, food systems, sustainable practices, and supporting our local environment.
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Engage in sacred activism, process thoughts and feelings about climate, ecological & sociatal decline: Ie. anxiety, depression, despair, guilt, feelings of being overwhelmed/powerless. See S.O.S
My Ecopsychology journey continues....
My ecopsychology journey began in 2012, born from a deep longing to bring together my backgrounds in nursing, mental health, horticulture, and landscape design. While serving on the Horticultural Therapy Association of Victoria board, I witnessed how profoundly gardens and nature support wellbeing. Yet I sensed there was more to health than professional frameworks allowed.
That search led me to Project NatureConnect, where I discovered practices that wove my passions together and awakened a sense of ancestral wisdom. I began to feel at home in my body and in our larger Earth body, part of a web that holds wisdom, guidance and healing.
Today, I continue exploring ecopsychology with curiosity; designing gardens through an ecopsychological lens, listening to places and beings, and creating experiences that deepen relationships between people and our natural world.
