Cloud Counselling

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

27/12/2025

Deaf Christmas Wellbeing - Series

27/11/2025

Deaf Christmas Wellbeing - Series

27/11/2025

Something exciting is on the way!

In early 2026, I’ll be launching my new ebook, "Between two worlds — A cross cultural therapy guide - Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients."

This resource brings together my clinical experience, research, and lived Deaf perspective to support better mental health care for Deaf clients.
It covers language deprivation, trauma responses, EMDR adaptations, working effectively with interpreters, and how to create and manage a therapeutic space to improve accessibility, communication and cultural needs of Deaf individuals.

More detail, including a webinar will be coming early next year.
I can’t wait to share it with you and the wider community.