Deborah Azim Fleming

Deborah Azim Fleming is a trauma-informed Registered Social Worker living in Waterloo and providing online counselling in Ontario. She is a Masters of Social Work graduate, with a prior Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Debbie has worked in both counselling and management roles in health and social services. During her years of practice, she has supported diverse individuals and families experiencing challenges with life and work transitions, relationship, intimacy and sexuality, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, suicide ideation. Debbie has worked primarily with first responders and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since 2020.

Debbie approaches counselling from a relational and strength-based perspective. She understands that having support to strengthen resilience and coping is often needed during challenging times. Her approach integrates how our brain and biology are linked to our responses, and explores how we can reshape our thinking and find connection to move forward for personal growth, well-being and a sense of safety.

Debbie is currently an adjunct faculty member at McMaster University\'s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, and was a previous part-time lecturer in the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a trained facilitator for suicide bereavement support. She is also experienced working with first responders in northern and indigenous communities.