The Patient is the Expert: Deborah Watson

Deborah Watson is a clinical instructor at the Institute of Pastoral Studies of Loyola University Chicago. Her passion for learning and helping has given her a diversity of experiences with teaching, advocacy, clinical work, and supervision. Her work has extended as far as the Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled high in the Himalayan mountain range, where she spent time working with adolescents, adults, families, and couples while helping to create a mental health counseling infrastructure.

Her clinical work is rooted in a family systems approach with an overarching feminist lens. Previous to clinical work and teaching she was an active community leader. She served many years on the board of a social service agency, advocating for youth and their families throughout the collar counties of Chicago.

As a counselor, educator, and lifelong learner, she emphasizes growth and development through education with attention to mind, body, and spirit. Deborah earned her B.A. in Psychology with a Mental Health Concentration, M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling, and Ed.D in Counseling Education and Supervision from Governors State University.