Deborah "Deb" Likouras , AASW

Deborah "Deb" Likouras is a social worker and counsellor based in Australia with 23 years of experience in the health and community services sector. She specialises in grief, loss, trauma and bereavement counselling and has worked extensively within hospital and health systems, including palliative care, cancer services and the NDIS system. Her background includes supporting families, adolescents and young adults through significant life transitions and losses.

Deb holds AASW credentials, indicating affiliation with the Australian Association of Social Workers, and brings a person-centered perspective to every session. She aims to meet people exactly where they are and to create a respectful, compassionate space for exploring difficult emotions and experiences. Deb believes that even when life feels messy, there is often a path forward, and she is committed to walking alongside clients as they explore whatever they choose to bring to a session.

Her approach emphasises empathy, practical support and collaboration, helping individuals and families navigate grief, trauma and the complex challenges that can accompany serious illness, bereavement and care systems.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Deborah "Deb" Likouras uses a blend of evidence-informed approaches tailored to each person's needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and build psychological flexibility so they can live more fully despite difficult thoughts or feelings. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathic, nonjudgmental listening and aims to create a respectful space where clients feel heard and can explore their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works with thoughts and behaviours to reduce distress and teach practical coping skills for anxiety, depression and stress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Deborah collaborates with clients to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences and life circumstances. This collaborative process allows adjustments over time as needs change.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit support into busy or changing schedules. Working remotely with licensed professionals can increase accessibility for people managing caregiving, health appointments or geographic barriers, while still providing regular, structured therapeutic support from an experienced clinician.