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Debbie Wang
Adjunct Faculty
I am a learner, teacher, social worker and life-changer. Committed to living and loving with positivity, purpose and peace, I am passionate in supporting others to do the same. Having worked in the public sector of social services and public health for more than 25 years, I am also a part-time lecturer; a registered social worker (RSW); and a certified emotionally focused therapist and supervisor.
I received my PhD in Social Work (2018) and my Master of Social Work degree (2000) from Wilfrid Laurier University. I earned my BSW (1992) from McMaster University and a BA in Psychology (1986) from the University of Tennessee.
My practice interests are individual, couple, and family counselling and psycho-educational workshops. I am diligent in following new research findings and continue to learn cutting-edge approaches to be an effective practitioner. My specialized areas are Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), Emotionally Focused Therapy, betrayal trauma and sexual addiction, and using EMDR and its flash technique to treat trauma.
The main focus of my research is to explore ways to incorporate attachment-informed couple relationship education into current perinatal education in order to help expectant couples build secure attachment for optimal mental health and family functioning, and to promote a smoother transition in partnering and parenting.
Research / Areas of Expertise
- Adult attachment
- Transition to parenthood
- Perinatal mental health
- Nominated for Medal of Academic Excellence by PhD Dissertation Examination Committee, 2017
- Award for Outstanding Graduate Work, spring convocation at Laurier, 2018
- Participated in the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies’ Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and reprised the 3MT presentation at Laurier's Governance Dinner, 2017
- Wang, D. (2018), "THE HOLD ME TIGHT PROGRAM FOR COUPLES BECOMING PARENTS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY". Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2012.
- Wang, D. & Stalker C. A. (2016). Attachment Theory. In N. Coady & P. Lehmann (Eds.) Theoretical Perspectives for Direct Social Work Practice: A Generalist-Eclectic Approach. (3rd ed., pp. 159-184). New York: Springer.
- Wang, D. (2010). Book Review: Psychotherapy with Infants and Young Children. Child and Family Journal, 13 (3): 66-69.
- Wang, D. (2009). Bringing Postpartum Depression into the Light. Child and Family Journal, 12 (3): 60-69.
- Wang, D. (2009) Book Review: Attachment in Middle Childhood. Child and Family Journal, 12 (3): 79-81.