Published on: 31st May 2023
As a psychologist at Deaf Connect, Lea works with children and young people, providing support for those who are deaf and hard of hearing. In this video, she explains how her profession focuses on emotions, behavior, and thoughts and how they connect and relate to each other. She also sheds light on the importance of learning Australian Sign Language (Auslan) in her line of work. To start your own Auslan journey, check out our classes.
Lea works with families and children of all ages. Her support can take various forms, including early counseling for families with a child with hearing loss, supporting and developing skills such as emotion regulation, behavior management, and parent strategies.
My focus on early intervention and building life skills also makes learning Auslan essential. Being able to communicate with children and young people in their primary language enables her to support and develop skills that they can use throughout their lives.
Lea can also provide support for more specific needs such as anxiety, low mood, autism, or ADHD. Furthermore, she can conduct assessments such as developmental assessments of young people to inform their therapy goals, cognitive assessments to determine learning needs, and autism and ADHD assessments.
Given the diverse needs of her clients, Lea recognises the importance of learning Auslan as a psychologist.
Communication is a vital aspect of providing care, and knowing Auslan enables me to communicate effectively with her clients who use sign language as their primary mode of communication. This skill is crucial in building trust and rapport with clients, facilitating the development of a positive relationships.
Learning Auslan is an essential skill for psychologists working with deaf and hard of hearing children and young people. It facilitates communication and allows for effective care and support, as well as building trust and rapport with clients. By recognising the importance of learning Auslan, psychologists like Lea can provide tailored and effective support for their clients, helping them to navigate life’s challenges and develop positive skills for their future.
Lea currently practices out of our Yeerongpilly office in Brisbane. If you would like to contact our Therapy and Family services for more information or Lea’s availability, please visit here.
Like this story? View the full Auslan in Allied Health Playlist here.
