“Only the wounded healer can truly heal.” Irvin D. Yalom
Deanna Rohrsheim

Deanna is a Counsellor / Art Therapist with over 25 years experience working with children, young people and adults with complex needs – experienced in the areas of intergenerational trauma, abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health challenges.
With a humanistic, client-centred approach Deanna’s deep compassion and radical empathy supports and promotes a path to greater self-awareness and healing – specialising in working with individuals impacted by adverse childhood experiences and attachment trauma.
Deanna is a passionate humanitarian deeply committed to the protection and growth of the mind, heart and soul of all of society. From early in her career Deanna has worked with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups within the western system, including youth and adults affected by poverty, systemic racism, generational trauma, abuse and mental health challenges.
Acutely aware of the systemic limitations and inadequacies of care in Australia, she has committed the bulk of her career to reform and upgrade these systems and services – developing policies, programs and workforce training (face to face and online) relating to family violence, adolescent homelessness, developmental trauma, child-focused practice and therapeutic parenting.
Alongside her work, Deanna has explored non-traditional healing methodologies, Ayurvedic medicine, Art Therapy and adult attachment repair work.
Deanna is the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran with lived experience of intergenerational trauma.
With qualifications in Developmental Trauma (childhood trauma) by the Australian Childhood Foundation and Transpersonal Art Therapy, IKON Institute, her work includes regularly participating in healing rituals and sacred circle work.
In 2019 she visioned the Healing Ground Collective to offer programs central to healing and transformation and to promote and support the work of therapists and practitioners.
In 2024, Healing Ground Collective entered into partnership with RAD AS Roxane Adams Design and Sculpture to create Here You Grow (HUG) Creative Therapies – a space for collaboration, community and healing.
Deanna is a member of the Holistic Therapists Australia Inc.
Qualifications
- Graduate Certificate of Developmental Trauma – Australian Childhood Foundation
- Diploma of Counselling – Australian Institute of Social Relations
- Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy – IKON Australia
- TAE50216 Diploma in Training Design and Development
- TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
Testimonials
“Your help and guidance in both our personal and couples growth has been instrumental in making us better individuals, parents and as a couple.” JC
“We can’t thank you enough for all your help and support with our relationship. The work you do is so important and I just wanted you to know what a difference your work has made to our lives.” DW