Meet Deborah Stevens
Each month we spotlight an ACA member in the ACA Monthly Bulletin, our monthly newsletter. The Member Spotlight is designed to showcase the work of our members to you! We hope their stories inspire or spark interest. Let’s share our experiences within our counselling community.
What motivated you to pursue a career in counselling?
This is an interesting question, one I ask students! I am not sure that I pursued the career in counselling as much as it pursued me! My career of choice when I finished high school was hair dressing; well it is obvious that I am not a hair dresser! In university I studied early childhood development and social welfare; I wanted to work with abused and neglected children. After completing two years of study, I married, moved to Australia, lived on a remote cattle station, and had three children; all plans to complete my studies were put on hold. When we moved closer to town and the children were all in school, I went on to complete my studies, doing a diploma in counselling, to see if it was a right fit. I then pursued further study, completing my BS in Psychology at USQ; followed by a Master of Applied Social Science Counselling from ACAP. I joined ACA in 2011, where I am registered Level 4, College of Clinical Counsellor and College of Supervision.
It is possible, that the desire to empower those who have experienced trauma in life, to be cycle breakers of generational victimisation and thrive in confidence of who they are, with no shame or guilt; was something I was very self-aware of in my own life journey. The ability to make a genuine, authentic connection with a person, hearing their journey and validating the reality of their experience, came natural, the learning provided skills, and all grew together with fear and excitement. Now the idea of being a counsellor sits meaningfully in my life space.
What specific areas do you primarily work within?
My continued inspiration in working with those, young and older, who have experienced trauma and abuse, set the theme of my work as a counsellor. Further training in parenting, developmental delays (ASD, behavioural and emotional regulation, cognition and functioning), to loss, grief and mourning, from a cultural, societal, and trauma perspective; helped to inform my primary areas of interest and work.
Having a private practice in a rural area also means that my tool box is very holistic, ready to learn and accommodate creatively, in order to work with the many diverse issues clients may bring into therapy. Also knowing my limitation is important, as there are ethical considerations when in a rural community that may be considered conflictual.
As a registered supervisor with ACA, I provide supervision to counsellors in practice via Google meets and in person. I also work as a sessional teacher with ACAP, in units such as Work Placement, Experience and Supervision; as well as tutor other units in counselling theory and the related workshops.
Can you share a recent success or achievement in your counselling work that you're proud of?
I recently received my qualification as a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist; this is an area of both professional and personal interest. To be able to provide screening to clients, assisting in the diagnosis process is very rewarding.
Another achievement I am proud of is the appointment to the Darling Downs PHN Community Advisory Committee. It is exciting to see how the community and the regional funding body can work together to promote better service in areas like mental health.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a counsellor for you?
The most rewarding aspect of being a counsellor is the privilege I am given by client’s to hear their story and journey with them in safety to achieve healing. Witnessing the strength and courage clients have, not only in actually seeking help, but in their discovery of this; through gaining hope and worth in who they are as their own person.
The rewards of hearing a 4 year old, with selective mutism, speak their first words after a horrific trauma; or working with a suicidal person, who finds with support there is hope and meaning in their life; watching a young aboriginal man, traumatised and abandoned from childhood, find colour in his art. These are rewards, souls healed in safety, respect and unconditional regard.
How do you contribute to the betterment of the profession and your community?
Contributions made to better the profession of counselling have been in convening a chapter in Kingaroy from 2017 to 2025; to provide professional development, networking and encouragement to those practicing in a rural area.
I have presented at two conferences, this year advocating for the profession of counselling to be recognised as an allied health profession. This is a passion I have for our profession; we often get overlooked, yet provide so much.
In the community I am involved with R U OK Day, with activities and events. I also take part in our local TAFE College Careers Expo, having a display, give a ways (which is merchandise I purchase) and an activity for the high school students from our region; about 1,000 or more attend. It is a great time to talk about our profession and what we do.
I have also promoted Autism Awareness, reading my childerns book at the public library, giving out Autism ducks and wrist bands to the children. Doing this gave me an opportunity to talk with parents and educators about Autism, about parenting and learning; how to get support and help for them and their children.
Are there any projects or initiatives you're currently involved in?
At this time no projects or initiatives are in the pipeline! I am trying to catch my breath and do a bit of self-care, at the moment. Anyone who knows me well, knows it won’t be to long before a project will pop up; my creative brain is always finding ways to champion a cause close to my heart and passion – counselling! Watch this space!
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in counselling/psychotherapy?
Don’t take short cuts, know who you are, be professional and passionate as well as humble; counselling is not a sprint, it is more like hurdles, have joy and take care of you; lastly hold space for you and your clients safely.
Is there a quote or philosophy that inspires your work?
In one of the first units in my diploma the assessments was to write a personal philosophy. My tutor said mine was so well written she could not write on the paper, but sent back a poster with my mark and comments on. Basically it stated:
“All people are of value and worth; with a need to be cared for, listened to and belong, without fear of prejudice, ridicule or harm.”
I still hold this as a truth, adding without judgement and being treated with dignity.
Open question - tell anything that was not asked in the previous questions?
I have to mention that at the beginning of my counselling journey I was privileged to have two wonderful mentors. They helped in rounding off a few rough corners and were patient with my enthusiasm ‘save the world’! I also had one professor tell me that perhaps I should consider another course of study as I would not make it as a counsellor. Just goes to show the difference between judgement and encouragement.