Community Directory

Auslansoul is a Deafled therapy/counselling practice that is culturally inclusive and language accessible for members of our Deaf community. Auslansoul is provided by Irene Holub, Deaf registered ACA counsellor, Art Therapist, Yoga Therapist/NAATI Auslan Translator. She has had extensive experience working in the Deaf community as an educator, wellbeing facilitator, family support coordinator, early intervention leader and advocate.

Irene understands how Deaf/Hard of Hearing /DeafBlind/Late Deafened clients are shaped by their identity, experiences, Deaf trauma including other intersectionalities in their lives and believes in empowering them on their journey to mental and emotional wellbeing. Available for face to face in Thornbury or via ZOOM for counselling, art therapy and yoga therapy.

Beyond Blue is a source of mental health information, support, and hope for people around Australia 24/7. They provide Mental Health counselling, coaching, coordination and information/resources both online and on call.

My name is Sarah Medawar, and I am a Registered Counsellor with the ACA (Australian Counselling Association), based in Melbourne, Victoria. I have opened my Counselling services, Bridge in Between.

I am Deaf and I provide both Auslan and Spoken English. I am now welcoming referrals for individuals seeking counselling/therapy services and mental health support. 

I work with adolescents and adults and provide a compassionate, trauma-informed space for clients navigating a wide range of concerns, including:

·                Anxiety & Depression

·                Trauma & PTSD

·                Relationship & Family Issues

·                Life Transitions

·                Identity & Self-Esteem

·                Deaf Culture & Communication Barriers

I offer flexible session formats including:

Online sessions available Australia-wide

Face-to-face counselling (Melbourne-based)

Walk & Talk therapy

Craig Hildebrand-Burke is an Educational and Developmental psychologist based in Melbourne, focusing on working with young people and their families, providing both mental health support and psychological assessments, including Autism and ADHD.

DSDVA provides comprehensive advocacy to Deaf Survivors and their children. We respect the rights of survivors to make their own decision. Deaf Survivors are the experts in what best fits their needs.

• Peer counseling: Our dedicated team offers empathetic and understanding peer counseling sessions, providing a safe space for Deaf Survivors to share their experiences and receive valuable support.
• Individual counseling: We provide personalized counseling services tailored to the unique needs of each individual, helping them navigate the emotional and psychological impacts of domestic violence.
• Support groups: Our supportive community groups foster connection and healing, allowing Deaf Survivors to connect with others who have shared similar experiences, providing a sense of belonging and empowerment.
• Systems advocacy: We work tirelessly to advocate for Deaf Survivors within systems and institutions, ensuring access to crucial community resources and services.
• Referral and case management: We collaborate closely with other service providers, facilitating referrals and managing cases to ensure comprehensive support for Deaf Survivors on their journey to healing and independence.

Community Awareness

Training, Presentation and Consultation

Hellen Kennedy is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience, but especially working with Deaf individuals. Helen has worked with clients with trauma, anxiety, depression as well as other ailments but is particularly interested and experienced in working with Auslan interpreters in the field of mental health.

Karla Daly is a CODA and Queensland based counsellor who provides culturally affirmative counselling services and mental health education for the Deaf community. Karla provides individual counselling, couples counselling, family therapy, parent coaching, consultancy/support, education and presenting. Enquiries can also be made through Karla’s website.

Karli Health Centre aims to improve the mental health of the Australian Deaf community by providing high quality services in Auslan. They offer many services such as clinical services, Deaf group therapy, GP health programs, Yoga/Healthy eating retreats and Deaf support groups.

Marie Beth Bernie is a registered psychologist from the greater Melbourne area, specialising in working with children with a disability and their families to help them reach their goals.

Paula Zalcberg is a counsellor and family therapist who works specifically with Deaf and hard of hearing children, adolescents, adults and their families. She is fluent in Auslan and has her own private practice where she sees children, adolescents and adults for individual counselling, couple counselling and/or family therapy.

Alice Brennan is a therapist who can communicate in Auslan and has a particular interest in working with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Alice has experience with a variety of areas including trauma, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety (generalised, social, OCD), grief and loss, stress/burnout, eating disorders, low self-esteem, perfectionism and adjustment difficulties.

Kelly Hope, the founder of The Hope Approach, is a CODA that provides holistic counseling, coaching and spiritual guidance.

Signs of Life is a Therapy organisation that offers assessment, child and family therapy, individual therapy, relationship therapy, youth therapy and Deaf/Blind/DeafBlind Therapy. Signs of Life have therapists trained in Auslan and Tactile Auslan, and specific therapies catered to the Deaf and DeafBlind community.