Deborah Gibran – Psychologist & Counsellor
I’m someone who thrives on helping others make sense of challenges, whether that’s in the classroom, in therapy, or in everyday life. My background in educational psychology and trauma therapy has taught me the value of listening deeply and turning complex situations into clear, practical steps. I’m passionate about empowering people—students, teachers, and even first responders—with tools that make a real difference. Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m tinkering with a new productivity hack, troubleshooting something around the house, or simply enjoying quiet moments of reflection. At my core, I believe in clarity, compassion, and finding solutions that truly matter.
My name is Deborah Gibran and I am an Educational Psychologist and a Trauma Therapist.
About Me…
My journey into educational psychology and trauma therapy began with a simple but powerful question: How can we make learning and healing feel less overwhelming for those facing the toughest challenges?
I hold a BA in Teaching and Education, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding how people learn and grow. That early training sparked my lifelong passion for helping others—especially children—discover their strengths and unlock their potential. Building on that, I earned a Master’s in Educational Psychology, deepening my expertise in assessment, intervention, and learning strategies. I also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma and Grief Management, equipping me to support individuals and communities through some of life’s most difficult experiences.
Over the years, I’ve partnered with schools, insurance companies and other organizations to implement evidence-based psychometric testing strategies. I’ve had the privilege of designing solutions that not only measure ability but also open doors to resilience and growth.
I have had many rewarding milestones during my career, many of which are being able to see children light up with understanding and be a part of the transforming of many struggling children into engaged learners. Watching reminded me why I chose this path: to turn complex problems into clear, actionable steps that make a real difference.
Outside of my professional life, I’m happiest when I’m in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or perfecting old favorites. My absolute joy is bread-making—there’s something grounding about working with dough and watching it rise into something nourishing. I’m also an ardent reader, always drawn to the peace of sitting in a quiet space with a good book. Knitting is another passion of mine; it offers a meditative rhythm that helps me slow down and reflect. Family is at the heart of everything I do. I cherish time spent with loved ones, whether it’s sharing a meal, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying everyday moments together. My family keeps me grounded, inspires me, and reminds me of the importance of connection and care.
These personal joys—cooking, reading, knitting, and family—balance my professional life and fuel my passion for helping others learn, grow, and thrive.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on developing resource packages that connect psychology with real-world practice, ensuring that both educators and parents have tools they can trust. At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to compassion, clarity, and meaningful change—with a special passion for helping children learn, grow, and thrive.
Educational Psychologist
As an Educational Psychologist I am dedicated to bridging psychological science and classroom practice. I specialize in understanding how children and young people learn, think, and thrive, and I provide evidence‑based solutions that empower educators, families, and learners. I also:
Deliver counseling services utilizing a range of therapeutic techniques, including Creative Art Therapy, and skills-training in areas like self-regulation, mindfulness, social skills and study habits, in an attempt to promote emotional expression, resilience, and personal development.
Conduct psycho-educational assessments addressing a wide range of developmental, cognitive, and behavioural concerns, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Impulsivity, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing challenges, and Intellectual Functioning (IQ testing). These assessments employ diverse activities designed to identify individual learning styles, strengths, and areas of need in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Develop targeted evidence-based intervention strategies to support clients, parents, and educators in addressing identified challenges and fostering academic, behavioural, and emotional growth.
Prepare comprehensive reports highlighting background information, behavioural observations, cognitive/academic & social-emotional and behavioural functioning, strengths & weaknesses, interpretation of the Measures employed and recommendations.
Provide professional training seminars for teachers and parents on the recognition, management, and support of learning, behavioural, and emotional disorders in children, with a focus on effective identification and intervention within classroom settings.
Trauma Therapist
As a Trauma Therapist, I provide compassionate support and an attentive listening ear to my clients. My aim is to help my clients stabilize, go through the process and heal, thereby giving guidance from a survival mode towards resilience and a renewed sense of wellbeing. The Therapeutic Approaches applied are evidence-based techniques which include:
- Psychotherapy – fostering insight and emotional healing.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – strengthening attachment and relational bonds.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – restructuring thought patterns and behaviors.
- Creative Therapy – using expressive modalities to support healing and resilience.
- Deliver trauma-informed care to prevent re-traumatization and promote safety, empowerment, and recovery.
- Support individuals affected by loss and grief through:
- Building an internal sense of safety. Developing new coping skills. Processing traumatic memories.
- Reframing experiences to foster resilience.
- Assist clients in improving relationships, managing symptoms, and regaining control of their lives.
- To empower clients in achieving emotional stability, resilience, and improved well-being by guiding them through recovery, fostering self-awareness, and equipping them with strategies for long-term growth.