Cloud Counselling

31/03/2026

Interview series: Deaf-Affirming Therapy (Q2/8)

Continuing this series where I’m interviewed by a well known Deaf researcher Dr Ramas McRae, whose work has helped shape our understanding of mental health in the Deaf community.
Each video focuses on what this means in practice, how professionals can better support Deaf clients.

In this one, I answer: “Why isn’t an interpreter enough when working with Deaf clients?”

Presented using Auslan with captions.
The ebook is Available now.

https://www.cloudcounselling.com.au/resourcescpd

VD: Black and white video of a woman with shoulder length hair and a short fringe with a wrist brace on her left hand.

29/03/2026

I’m really happy to share that I was one of the winners of the Sign Party with Sign How. Wow thank you so much SignHow!!

I chose to sign and explain the word “Counsellor”, a term that often causes confusion in the mental health space. Many people aren’t always sure what counselling involves or how it’s different from other supports.

For me, this is about making mental health language clearer and more accessible in Auslan, so Deaf people can better understand their options and feel more confident seeking support.

24/03/2026

I want to share something important with our Deaf Community about access to mental health support.

A mental health professional recently questioned whether an email they received was a scam. While scams do happen and sometimes people pose as Deaf, this creates another barrier for our community, as genuine Deaf/HH clients may not be believed when reaching out.

It’s important to understand:
Email communication, not providing a phone number, and non-standard English are NOT signs of a scam.

These are often normal for Deaf people, especially when Auslan is their first language or due to language deprivation.
The only real red flag in this situation was the request for upfront payment for 24 sessions, not the communication style itself.

This highlights a bigger issue: professionals need more education about Deaf communication and access. Without this understanding, people risk being dismissed or denied support.

Deaf people shouldn’t have to prove they are “real” just to access care.

This is exactly why Deaf-affirming practice and education matters and why I continue to advocate and develop resources in this space.

22/03/2026

Interview series: Deaf-Affirming Therapy (Q1/8)

I’m really excited to share this ongoing series of interview questions.
I was interviewed by a well known Deaf researcher Dr Ramas McRae, whose work has helped shape what we understand about mental health in the Deaf community.

His research highlights important gaps, but there are still very few practical resources to guide therapists in their work.

That’s exactly why I wrote this ebook.
In this short clip, I answer: “What made you write this ebook?” and talk about the need for a clear, Deaf-affirming approach that professionals can actually use in practice.

Presented using Auslan with captions.
The ebook is Available now.
https://www.cloudcounselling.com.au/resourcescpd

VD: Black and white video of a woman with shoulder length hair and a short fringe with a wrist brace on her left hand. Signing in Auslan.

18/03/2026

Feeling really grateful to be featured by the Australian Counselling Association this month, and to be presenting at their upcoming symposium. Thank you ACA for the opportunity.

This work means a lot to me, especially advocating for better mental health access for the Deaf community, alongside other Deaf professionals and those working in this space.

Our March Member Spotlight, Modiule Lawson, will be speaking at the ACA 2026 Identity Symposium.

As a Deaf Clinical Counsellor, Supervisor and EMDR Therapist at Cloud Counselling & Psychotherapy, Modiule works to improve access, understanding and culturally responsive care for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

At the Symposium, Modiule will introduce counsellors to Deaf identity as a protective factor and explore Deaf trauma as a systemic and relational experience. Presented in Auslan (Australian Sign Language), the session will also examine how language access, early experiences and cultural misunderstanding shape therapy engagement for Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.

Learn more about Modiule’s work in our March Member Spotlight and join us at the ACA 2026 Identity Symposium.

Spotlight: https://theaca.net.au/news/admin-aca/2026/03/04/member-spotlight-modiule-lawson
Symposium: https://theaca-aca-2026-symposium-awards.eventsair.site/

06/03/2026

Today I’m sharing the launch of my new eBook for clinicians working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.

One of the most common experiences Deaf people describe in therapy is having to spend valuable time educating their therapist about Deaf culture, communication, and access.
This can be exhausting and takes time away from the work they actually came to therapy to do.

Access to an Auslan interpreter or other communication modes is important, but this alone doesn’t guarantee culturally safe or effective therapy. Clinicians also need the knowledge, awareness, and practical tools to provide culturally and linguistically affirming care.

This eBook introduces a Deaf-Led Therapy Framework and practical guidance to support clinicians in adapting their practice when working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.

There is a growing need for more therapists who feel confident and equipped to work with Deaf clients. My hope is that this resource supports clinicians who are already working with Deaf people, as well as those who would like to strengthen their practice in this area.

Deaf clients deserve therapy that recognises and adapts to their language, culture, and lived experience.

If you know a therapist who works with Deaf clients, or who would like to, please feel free to share this resource with them.

VD: Black and white video of a woman with shoulder length hair and a short fringe with a wrist brace on her left hand. Signing in Auslan.

https://www.cloudcounselling.com.au/resourcescpd

26/02/2026

On 29 May I’ll be presenting in Melbourne with the Australian Counselling Association as part of the 2026 Symposium.
“When Language Is the Trauma: Deaf Identity in Counselling Practice.”

This presentation explores Deaf identity as a powerful protective factor and reframes Deaf trauma as something that is often systemic and relational, rather than an individual pathology.

Presented in Auslan, I’ll be sharing how language access, early experiences, systemic barriers, and cultural misunderstanding shape emotional regulation, attachment, and engagement in therapy for Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.

My aim is simple:
To support counsellors to work more ethically, confidently, and respectfully with Deaf clients and Auslan interpreters.
If you’re attending the Symposium, I’d love to connect.
https://theaca-aca-2026-symposium-awards.eventsair.site

Counselling Association and Counselling Federation of Australia - PACFA # Deaf Counseling Center

Identity sits underneath almost every presenting issue clients bring into the counselling room, and it directly shapes formulation, rapport, treatment planning, and outcomes. 

23/02/2026

On 2nd May, I’ll be presenting at the EMDR Conference in Sydney:
“When Language is the Trauma - EMDR Adaptations for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Individuals.”

This presentation comes from a research paper currently in peer review (co-authored with Liam Spicer) and from my clinical work with Deaf clients.

I’ll be sharing:
• A case presentation
• Practical EMDR adaptations across the 8 phases
• Considerations when working with Auslan interpreters
• Working with Deaf specific trauma (“Deaf Trauma”) in a culturally responsive way.

There is still very limited training available for therapists working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients in trauma therapy. I hope this presentation contributes to strengthening practice in this area. https://emdraa.org/event/emdraa-conference-2026/

We are delighted to invite submissions for EMDRAA Conference 2026, to be held in Sydney on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 May 2026. Join us at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth for a transformative gathering […]

15/01/2026

I’m very pleased to share that I’ve completed my Clinical Supervision training.

This was an important professional milestone for me.
The training was delivered in an inclusive and supportive way, and I was able to fully participate with the support of Auslan interpreters.
I’m grateful to Suzanne Bocking, the STS Facilitator and the other participants for creating a respectful and collaborative learning environment.

Completing this training strengthens my ability to offer ethical, reflective, and culturally responsive supervision.
I’m looking forward to providing supervision in ways that are accessible, particularly for Deaf professionals and for hearing professionals working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients.

Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way — I’m proud to be taking this next step.

03/01/2026

This research paper came at the right time!!
I'm excited to be attending a 3 day face to face professional supervision course, supported with Auslan interpreters. As a Deaf Counsellor, I’m thrilled for this opportunity for learning and growth, but I also know it will come with its unique challenges.

One of these is the “interpreter tax”, the extra cognitive load, time, financial cost, and logistical planning required to participate in spaces primarily designed for hearing participants. Even when content is engaging and relevant, it requires adjustments in pace, focus, and interaction, as well as careful advocacy to ensure accessibility.

Research highlights this experience in profound ways. In particular, a study by Dr Deaf in Norway (Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 2022) discusses the concept of Deaf rhythm, how Deaf individuals process language and interaction differently due to visual spatial modes of communication. This reminds me that while the course will be rich and inspiring, I will need to plan for breaks, reflection, and strategies to stay fully engaged.

I see this not as a barrier, but as a chance to advocate for accessible learning, explore new ideas, and integrate evidence based supervision practices into my professional work. I’m grateful for the interpreters, the organisers, and the research that frames these experiences.

Here’s to learning, adjusting, and thriving in ways that honor Deaf ways of knowing.
https://academic.oup.com/jdsde/article/31/1/1/8374109...

Thrilled to share this new Open Access article in JDSDE from Associate Editor Maartje De Meulder, alongside long-time JDSDE contributors Joseph Murray and Annelies Kusters. A strong, forward-looking piece that adds meaningful depth to ongoing conversations in our field.

https://academic.oup.com/jdsde/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jdsade/enaf061/8374109?searchresult=1

03/01/2026

This research paper came at the right time.

I'm excited to be attending a 3 day face to face professional supervision course, supported with Auslan interpreters. As a Deaf Counsellor, I’m thrilled for this opportunity for learning and growth, but I also know it will come with its unique challenges.

One of these is the “interpreter tax”, the extra cognitive load, time, financial cost, and logistical planning required to participate in spaces primarily designed for hearing participants. Even when content is engaging and relevant, it requires adjustments in pace, focus, and interaction, as well as careful advocacy to ensure accessibility.
Research highlights this experience in profound ways. In particular, a study by Dr Deaf in Norway (Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 2022) discusses the concept of Deaf rhythm, how Deaf individuals process language and interaction differently due to visual spatial modes of communication. This reminds me that while the course will be rich and inspiring, I will need to plan for breaks, reflection, and strategies to stay fully engaged.

I see this not as a barrier, but as a chance to advocate for accessible learning, explore new ideas, and integrate evidence based supervision practices into my professional work. I’m grateful for the interpreters, the organisers, and the research that frames these experiences.

Here’s to learning, adjusting, and thriving in ways that honor Deaf ways of knowing.
https://academic.oup.com/jdsde/article/31/1/1/8374109?login=false

Thrilled to share this new Open Access article in JDSDE from Associate Editor Maartje De Meulder, alongside long-time JDSDE contributors Joseph Murray and Annelies Kusters. A strong, forward-looking piece that adds meaningful depth to ongoing conversations in our field.

https://academic.oup.com/jdsde/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jdsade/enaf061/8374109?searchresult=1

31/12/2025