About Me
My particular interests and passions involve working with people experiencing loss and grief (bereavement as well as grief regarding other life experiences), chronic health conditions (such as cancer, autoimmune diseases and chronic pain), neurodivergence and complex trauma and PTSD. I have a special interest in mind-body approaches and have also worked as a registered massage therapist. I have also worked with people experiencing disability and discrimination, anxiety, depression, stress/burnout, life transitions, self esteem challenges and relationship difficulties (which sadly may involve domestic or family violence). Many of all these areas intersect and overlap. For example, someone experiencing chronic illness is likely to grieve full functioning, may experience anxiety and depression, difficulties in their relationships and self esteem challenges. I think this may be why all these areas have grown to be of interest to me in my work with clients.
Meaning, purpose and connection is something I feel drives much of our happiness and quality of life. Often we find this difficult when experiencing a significant life transition; when so much in our life can (or has) changed. The environment around us is also very important, and we may explore ways in which the environment can support you to make the changes you seek as well. It is a privilege to explore with clients how they feel their life to currently be, how they would like life to be, and work together to improve quality of life in any way possible.
Sometimes there isn’t much we can change about external circumstances, but how we think about things or what we do about something, might be possible to alter. I bring perspectives from a range of Psychological frameworks including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology, Somatic Psychotherapy, Gottman approach, Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, polyvagal therapy and Narrative Therapy.
I learn from my clients, in addition to my ongoing professional development training and reading (I’m probably addicted to learning), as well as my own personal experiences. I don’t think there is a “single recipe” to life, but working together to achieve what quality improvements are possible in your life brings meaning and purpose to mine. My hope is that we can work together to bring more contentment, laughter and quality to your life and situation. The therapeutic relationship is very important, and feedback is also welcome. I wish you well in locating the Psychologist that works well for you, and if you feel I may be able to be of assistance, I look forward to speaking with you.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Stress
- Life transition
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Family violence
- Career and work challenges
- Study-related difficulties,
- Substance use, and more.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Positive psychology
- Strengths-based and solution-focused therapy
- Mindfulness training
- Benefits of Practising Mindfulness
- Somatic psychotherapy and more.
Works With
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Couples
- Families
Approach
- Therapy sessions
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- IFS
- Private Clients
Approach
- Private Health Insurance
- NDIS
- Work Cover
- EAP
- DVA
- Medicare
Deb Kakiiza holds a Bachelor of Counselling, a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), a Master of Health Studies (Loss and Grief), and a Master of Psychology (Counselling). She is AHPRA registered and a member of both the Australian Association of Psychologists Incorporated (AAPI) and the Australian Traditional Medicine Association (ATMS).
Deb has experience working with adults aged 16 and above, addressing a range of issues including loss and grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem and self-development, neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, learning difficulties), hoarding behaviours, gender diversity, workplace difficulties, and addiction. Her therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Gottman Couples Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Psychotherapy, and Animal-Assisted Therapy.
mostly work with adults aged 16 and above, loss and grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, life transition, depression, anxiety, self esteem/self development, neurodiversity (including ADHD, ASD, learning difficulties), hoarding behaviours, gender diversity, workplace difficulties, addiction.
Deb lives in the New England region of NSW, in Armidale, with her husband, stepdaughter, and two Labradors. They are also guardians to three children living in Uganda, who lost their parents, close friends of her husband. Her favourite books J. K. Rowling (both the Harry Potter series and the Cormoran Strike Series; surprised herself as she didn’t think she would like fantasy!)
