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Institute of Pastoral Studies

Deborah Watson, Ed.D, LPC, NCC

Clinical Assistant Professor

Deborah Watson is a Clinical Assistant Professor 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.

Quotes from Students

"Dr. Watson was engaging, passionate, and energetic. She was well prepared, and knowledgeable. She was very open to discussion, and supportive of the divergent viewpoints of class members."

"Great energy, made the class fun and interesting."

"Dr.Watson was an excellent knowledgeable professor. She is able to explain and apply various theories. She encourages class discussion, and relates real life examples to various theoretical lenses."

"Dr. Watson is an excellent instructor. She is always available for individual consultation and provide feedback quickly for homework assignment on blackboard."

"She always has a positive attitude and very supportive."

"Dr. Watson is a superior professor. She is very knowledgeable about systemic family theory. I learned so much from her and through the the coursework that was assigned. I am glad I decided to take Family Systems this summer, I originally had registered to take this course in the Fall. Dr. Watson will be missed."

"Dr. Watson was excited and passionate about the course topic. She was a wonderful instructor to have because she cares deeply about the students, and she wants everyone to understand the material. She's very passionate about theories, and she's also very invested in students learning about theories and research. I found her enthusiasm to be incredibly helpful and motivating as well as contagious. I think the various reflections she assigned were helpful, so we could learn the major ideas of the theories."

"She is knowledgeable, showed genuine concern for student learning and wellbeing, and provided individual help and helpful feedback when needed."

"Watson encouraged students to delve deeper into the subject and its real-world applications which encouraged me to understand my our developmental journey better."

"The course is quite engaging, comprehensive, informative and provides a solid foundation for understanding the various domains of cognitive development of the human person."

“This course has been essential in my professional development. One of my connections on LinkedIn has been organizing a group of folks to offer free career support for people who have been laid off by the current administration. I signed up last week to offer support for people, and I never would have had the confidence to do that had it not been for this class. I’ve been helping people with discernment for years, and this class has been an invaluable addition my skills set. This class was practical and immediately actionable, and it’s a powerhouse combo with discernment principles. Deb is one of my favorite instructors, and this class didn't disappoint.”

“I've directly benefited from being in Dr. Watson's class. She is deeply experienced, very smart and knows the content thoroughly. She is an exceptional educator and wisdom leader.”

“You are a wonderful professor who is a great listener and provides more space for my persona growth. Your knowledge is truly amazing. I love the way you engage with us. I have gained so much from this course. It feels like I was reborn to adapt to the world, take responsibility for my life, and, most importantly, find healing through your teachings. Again, thank you and may God bless you.”

“The course is simply great! I loved it for its rich content and practicality, in real situation. The synchronous delivery is very good. It was so engaging. The teaching method used but Dr. Deb is quite good. she engaged us in discussion at the forum and facilitates the process with professional acumen. She added recorded lectures and videos to enhance learning. she exposed us to numerous trusted websites where we can get additional help. She has time for students and engages students personally for additional support and clarification. She gives extra time after each class for anyone who has questions and above all she relates very well and wears smiles that makes the class more lively. She is an excellent instructor and student friendly.”

 

Education

  • Governors State University, University Park, IL: EdD, Counselor Education and Supervision
  • Governors State University, University Park, IL: MA, Marriage and Family Counseling
  • Governors State University, University Park, IL: BA, Psychology

Professional/Community Affiliations

  • American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES and NCACES)
  • Association for Spiritual Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC)
  • Illinois Association for Spiritual Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling (ISERVIC)
  • International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC)
  • International Family Therapy Association (IFTA, 2019 and 2026)
  • National Career Development Association (NCDA)
  • NBCC National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC)
  • Illinois Mental Health Counselors (IMHCA)
  • Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)

Courses Taught

  • IPS 473 Family Therapy and Personal Transformation
  • IPS 511 Internship Supervision
  • IPS 521 Pastoral Practicum
  • IPS 555 Human Person and Psychological Development

Elective

  • IPS 599: Human Sexuality, Gender, and Feminist Voices across Cultures

Publications/Research Listings