Deaf Counsellors & Resources

Accessible Mental Health Care & Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals


At the Australian Counselling Association, we are committed to fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and understanding within the mental health sector. This page provides support and resources tailored to the Australian Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, ACA Deaf counsellors and psychotherapists, and interpreters.

  

For Deaf Individuals Seeking Support


Why Deaf Counsellors Matter

Deaf counsellors play a vital role in bridging the gap between mental health support and true accessibility. They offer services in ways that resonate with the unique needs and experiences of the Deaf community.

Through their work they create safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can access support in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and within a culturally sensitive, trauma-focused framework.


Find a Deaf Counsellor

Our community of registered Deaf counsellors and psychotherapists meet appropriate education and practice standards, and are accountable to a professional code of ethics and complaints procedure.

Our Deaf Registered Counsellors

Modiule Lawson

Coolangatta, QLD

ACA Level 4

I am a Deaf Counsellor/Psychotherapist with over 20 years Mental Health experience, providing specialised Trauma Therapy in Auslan.

"Modiule, possesses extensive multicultural experience working overseas and now in Australia, assisting clients with online therapeutic Counselling.”

Modiule holds a Bachelor of Counselling, a Diploma in Psychotherapy, and a Diploma of Nutrition. She is a member (Level 4) of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Associate Member of the EMDRAA.

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Karli Ann Dettman

Blackburn, VIC

ACA Level 4

Karli is the Director of Karli Health Centre Pty Ltd of about 10 staff.  

Karli is Deaf, Auslan fluent, and culturally competent Psychotherapist and supervisor. She has worked in Deaf Counselling for almost 30 years and is often asked to present nationally. 

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Irene Holub

Thornbury, VIC

ACA Level 2

I am a Deaf Auslan Art / Yoga Therapist / NAATI translator / counsellor and Artist with a passion of creating, learning and sharing the love of yoga / art.  

I am the founder of Auslansoul, a Deafled wellbeing and counselling services / programs that is culturally inclusive and accessible for members of our Deaf communities.

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Sarah Medawar

Eltham, VIC

ACA Level 1

I provide: Individual Counselling for anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship and family issues, identity, self-esteem and life transitions, Deaf culture and communication barriers. I also provide Psychoeducation, Consultancy and Workshops.

Session Services I provide are:

  • Walk & Talk – walk and talk counselling sessions at a mutually agreed location
  • Zoom – Zoom counselling sessions
  • Face to Face – face to face counselling sessions.

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Debra Swann

Glenelg, SA

ACA Level 2

Debra is a Deaf Social Worker and qualified Counsellor with experience in the disability sector. She holds a Master of Social Work, a Master of Counselling, a Bachelor of Human Services, and a Diploma of Community Services. 

Her expertise includes counselling, advocacy, and health promotion, with a strong commitment to empowering individuals and communities. Debra works with clients on a range of issues, including anger management, anxiety, grief and loss, disability support, parenting skills, NDIS navigation, and relationship challenges.

 

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What is Counselling?
 
Counselling is a professional service that provides individuals with a safe and confidential space to explore personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and improve mental well-being. Counsellors offer guidance and support tailored to each individual’s needs, fostering resilience and personal growth.

Benefits of Professional Counselling
 
  • Prevents mental illness
  • Promotes health and wellbeing
  • Provides psychotherapeutic interventions for psychological difficulties
  • Supports people with life's challenges
 
Counselling provides individuals access to a broader range of efficient and appropriate services that are safe and responsive to their presenting and emerging mental health needs.

Who are Registered Counsellors?


Registered counsellors and psychotherapists are trained professionals working in a variety of settings, from early intervention services, through to moderate and high needs in primary, secondary and tertiary care. They support individuals with behavioural change through psychological interventions.

Registered counsellors meet appropriate education and practice standards, work against a scope of practice, and are accountable to professional code of ethics and complaints procedure.

Like other allied health professionals, registered counsellors are required to maintain their registration obligations and further develop their practice by participating in clinical/ professional supervision and professional development.

For Counsellors Working With Deaf Clients

Complex Mental Health Issues Within the Deaf Community
 
The Deaf community faces unique and complex challenges, including:
 
  • A higher prevalence of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), adverse early childhood experiences, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and ongoing social trauma.
  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts, particularly among Deaf children born to hearing parents.
  • A suicide rate that is twice as high as that of the general population, with Deaf individuals being three times more likely to take their own lives.
 Source: Research presented by Deaf Australia at the Suicide Prevention Conference, May 2022.
 
For Interpreters Supporting Deaf Clients and Deaf Counsellors
 
Interpreters play an essential role in mental health care by ensuring effective communication between Deaf individuals and healthcare professionals. Below are key resources to assist interpreters in providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive services:
 

Resource Corner
 
We understand that finding mental health support tailored to the needs of the Deaf community can be challenging. We’ve curated a selection of resources to empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, their families, and professionals. Below you’ll find tools, guides, and information to help you access and navigate mental health services with confidence.