Cloud Counselling

29/04/2026

Interview Series: Deaf-Affirming Therapy (Q6/8)

In this series, I’m interviewed by a highly respected Deaf researcher, Dr Ramas McRae, whose work has shaped key insights into mental health within the Deaf community.

This conversation highlights why preparation matters, even for therapists who may not yet be working with Deaf clients, but may meet a Deaf client or a professional in their practice.

In this video, I respond to: “Why is this book important for therapists, even if they do not currently work with Deaf clients?”

eBook Available now - link below

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

28/04/2026

A quick update - my presentation for the EMDR Conference in Sydney has been postponed.
Due to an unexpected accident, I’m currently on medical leave and focusing on recovery. While I’m disappointed not to be presenting as planned, I’m hopeful to share this work later in the year.

This presentation focuses on Deaf-affirming adaptations in EMDR therapy, an area I care deeply about and I look forward to bringing it to the community when I’m able.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

22/04/2026

Interview Series: Deaf-Affirming Therapy (Q5/8)

Continuing this series where I’m interviewed by Dr Ramas McRae, a Deaf researcher whose work has shaped important insights into mental health in the Deaf community.

This video focuses on what professionals can take away from the ebook.
In this one, I answer: “What will clinicians and professionals, whether hearing or Deaf, gain from reading your book?

eBook Available now - link below

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

15/04/2026

Interview Series: Deaf-Affirming Therapy (Q4/8)

Continuing this series where I’m interviewed by Dr Ramas McRae, a Deaf researcher whose work has shaped important insights into mental health in the Deaf community.

This video focuses on a key issue in therapy practice.
In this one, I answer: “What is one of the biggest misconceptions therapists have when working with Deaf clients?”

eBook Available now - link below

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

08/04/2026

Interview series: Deaf-Affirming Therapy (Q3/8)

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.

This topic is an important one.
In this video, I answer: “What does it mean when language itself becomes the trauma?”

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.

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

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.