"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; Ecopsychologist, Eco-Art Facilitator, Environment Educator, Permaculture Educator, and Landscape Designer 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 that advance 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 emphasises empowering and inspiring individuals and communities to plan, adapt and thrive within climate and ecological challenges through fostering strong, active connections to community and nature. Deb has successfully led workshops, educational programs, and urban greening projects in collaboration with councils, schools, local residents, businesses, and community organizations.
Debs unique combination of qualifications, skills and life experiences combine to co-create with nature based on self-care, community and environment 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)
SOS eco-resilience workshops to transition climate/ecological crisis-related feelings or simply relax and deepen ecological awareness.
Events as noted and requested.
Events and workshops may be tailored to the client, individual or group needs.
Community care
Environmental education for children 3yrs old-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 broadens our community relationships, increases 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
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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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
“The individual practice was helpful in allowing me to feel my connection with nature. I was reminded about the inherent gifts that I have and I receive from Nature, which is empowering. I would want to do this practice regularly. I have support from nature and the environment to help me cope. Thank you Deb. It really helped me to calm down.... The exercise gave me a focused way to have more nature engagement with what’s around me.”
- Client statement
My Ecopsychology journey continues....
I continue my ecopsychology studies though curiously exploring practices and making deep connections with other people and our natural world. By remaining open and receptive to a place, space, or entity, I find that any outlet, action, or expression can serve as a conduit.
This might involve designing landscapes by deeply observing and attuning to the space and the entites in the space, allowing it to guide the design process or facilitate experiences to deepen relationships between people and our natural world.
My Ecopsychology journey began in 2012.
I had an interest in Therapeutic Horticulture and even served on the HTAV board, but I couldn't pursue that path due to family circumstances and my location. I first encountered the term ecopsychology while searching online for ways to combine nature and health to fulfill a deep longing and integrate my professional passions. My curiosity led me down several rabbit holes until I stumbled upon Project NatureConnect, which happened to offer a free trial course.
I began with the first module and quickly realized how seamlessly it wove together my backgrounds in nursing, mental health nursing, horticulture, and landscape design. The deep longing I had felt began to ease as I learned to connect with the world around me in a profound and respectful way. I hadn't come from a culture that valued this perspective, or taught practices and rituals to support human potential as part of the Earth. The practices awakened a sense of ancestral wisdom—a feeling of coming home to an innate relationship with nature. It brought a deep understanding that I am at home in this body, a part of nature, and intrinsically connected to all that exists. I know an eco-spiritual realm that offers healing, rejuvenation, wise counsel, and guidance on how to best take actions that are life-affirming for our earth, as part of our earth.
Wherever I am, I belong. The Earth, shaped over billions of years, gave birth to me. I am the Earth, connected to everything that has been, is now, and will be.
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Location - Naarm,
Melbourne Australia.
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