Dr. Deborah J. Ebener

Dr. Deborah Ebener is a Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems. She is also the Executive Director of the Adult Learning Evaluation Center (ALEC) in the College of Education. She earned her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and an M.S. degree in Rehabilitation Administration from DePaul University in Chicago. She is a licensed psychologist and member of the American Psychological Association and the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association.

Dr. Ebener’s research focuses on psychological and social factors that influence an individual’s coping and adaptation to disability and chronic illness, as well as recovery from substance use disorders. Her current research examines positive psychology constructs of humor, spirituality, and optimism as coping mechanisms in recovery and adaptation. Her research is published in various peer-reviewed journals, including Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin; Disability and Rehabilitation: An International, Multidisciplinary Journal; and Aging and Mental Health.

In her position as the Director of Clinical Training, Dr. Ebener coordinates the APA-accredited combined doctoral program in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology. She supervises doctoral practicum and internships and teaches courses in Adult Development and Psychopathology, Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling, Medical Aspects of Disability, Doctoral Field Practicum, and History and Systems of Psychology. Dr. Ebener also has extensive clinical experience in providing psychotherapy and assessment services in medical, clinical, and private practice settings.

Dr. Ebener is also Executive Director of ALEC, which provides assessment and counseling services to college students and community members with ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health issues. She oversees the overall operations of the Center, including the clinical training and research components.

Research Areas

• Coping with disabilities (e.g., ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, mental health disorders, physical disabilities)
• Recovery from substance use disorders and adaptation to co-existing disabilities and mental health disorders
• Influence of humor and spirituality on attitudes toward disabilities
• Use of positive psychology constructs (e.g., humor, spirituality, optimism) in coping with disability and chronic illness and recovery from substance use disorders