Deon works with individuals and couples, motivated by his own lived experiences, as a child of a dysfunctional family; the misdiagnosis of a parent with complex mental health illness still does impact his most intimate relationships. Deon has completed a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Psychology through Swinbourne Uni and a Graduate Diploma through the Australian Institute of Family Counselling.
Deon considers himself a pupil of the human condition, motivated by the weight of mental health in his own life, encountering the impact of traumatic events on colleagues, witnessing the devastation of poor choices and antisocial behaviour on our community.
Whilst working in the corrections system, Deon operated in both the training and therapeutic environments, facilitating group and face to face programs that challenged behaviour such
as aggression, addiction, and domestic abuse.
Other challenges included: walking beside the participants, enabling them to remain connected with loved ones. Development of strategies and tools to prevent the reoccurrence of poor behaviour. Identification and management of their mental illness, the effect of trauma. Recently Deon has helped persons with complex mental health illness requires the focus to be around wrap-around support: the inclusiveness of clients strengthens and transforming attitudes, enabling people to flourish and live meaningful lives.
Deon will consider the most appropriate modality and evident base solution when developing therapeutic plans but believes it is the strength of the relationship between client, support network and clinician that ensures the quality of the outcome. A person dealing with substance abuse find it hard to manage urges and craving if they are running from judgment.
A person with suicidal tendencies may not seek help if they feel others do not care. Most intimate relationships will not survive without positive support, good education, and tools to
maintain them.
Deon provides a safe place for those going through a difficult time or seeking advice, without judgment, with empathy, the wrap-around support clients desire.
