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Empowering
Transformation
To be held without judgment is one of the greatest catalysts for change
Therapy Services
At The Space Between, we offer tailored therapy services for individuals seeking support with trauma, mental health challenges, and interpersonal relationships. Our licensed clinicians provide compassionate, culturally competent care that honors your unique background and communication needs. Services are offered in accordance with state licensing laws, and availability may vary by location. We are flexible in how we meet with clients, with offices located in both Phoenix and Tempe, as well as additional options designed to support accessibility and comfort.
Educational Resources
At The Space Between, we are committed to providing accessible, culturally relevant education for a wide range of individuals. Our resources support Deaf individuals, Codas, their hearing family members, interpreters, clinicians, and professionals working within both the Deaf and hearing communities. Whether you're seeking tools for personal insight, family connection, or professional development, our workshops, trainings, and materials are designed to educate, empower, and build bridges across diverse experiences.
Consultation
We offer consultation services to schools, behavioral health agencies, interpreter programs, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and other organizations seeking culturally informed guidance. With expertise in Deaf culture, Coda identity, trauma, and accessible care, we collaborate with professionals and systems to improve services, enhance communication, and create inclusive environments for Deaf, Coda, and hearing individuals alike.
Healing Circles
Our Healing Circles are supportive, guided group experiences designed to foster connection, validation, and shared growth. These circles bring together individuals with common experiences—whether Deaf, Coda, or hearing—to explore healing in a safe, inclusive space. Participants can schedule appointments, access secure payment options, and explore a growing library of educational materials and community resources through our platform. Healing happens together—and you don’t have to do it alone.
​Our Approach​​
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At The Space Between, we believe healing happens in the space between where you are and where you want to be. Our agency was founded on the values of accessibility, inclusion, and cultural humility—especially for those navigating the intersections of Deaf, Coda, and hearing worlds. We specialize in trauma-informed care and provide therapy that supports emotional well-being, identity exploration, and relationship healing.
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Our team includes culturally competent clinicians who are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and have deep experience working with Deaf individuals, Codas, and families impacted by deafness. Whether you're facing challenges with anxiety, trauma, identity, or connection, we are here to support your journey with compassion, respect, and clarity.
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With offices in Phoenix and Tempe, and additional flexible options for access, we strive to make mental health care available to those who need it most—on your terms, in your language, and in your story.
Meet Our Team
Licensed Professional Counselor | Coda Therapist | Supervisor | Bilingual in ASL & English |
Joy Plote, LPC, CI/CT, is a Deaf-focused trauma therapist, clinical supervisor, and founder of The Space Between, a bilingual counseling and consulting agency in Arizona dedicated to serving Deaf, Coda, and signing communities. A Coda herself and heritage ASL user, Joy integrates her lived experience with advanced clinical training in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, and Somatic Experiencing to provide culturally attuned, body-based trauma care. With more than 30 years of experience as both a licensed counselor and nationally certified interpreter, she bridges the worlds of mental health and Deaf culture through education, advocacy, and community healing initiatives. Joy’s work centers on intergenerational trauma, language deprivation, and accessible mental health education—empowering clients and professionals alike to create connection, safety, and transformation across language and cultural divides.
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Licensed Master Social Worker | Deaf Therapist | Bilingual in ASL & English
Amber is a Deaf therapist with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Arizona State University in Family and Human Development and Social Work. With over 20 years of advocacy and educational experience in the Deaf community, she has mentored families with Deaf children, taught home-based ASL, supported Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing high school students, and served on an Arizona advisory board improving newborn screening and language access. Her deep understanding of language deprivation drives her commitment to prevention and healing within the community. As a bilingual therapist with the Space Between, Amber offers a supportive and culturally affirming space for individuals, couples, and families to explore their stories and heal from challenges such as grief, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship issues. Outside her professional life, she finds balance through sunrise runs, quiet mornings, weekly date nights with her husband of nearly 25 years, time with her four adult children, and relaxing with her dogs and favorite documentaries.
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SR
Support Specialist, Consultant & Educator
SR is a skilled support specialist and community advocate, providing guidance and support to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Coda individuals. Sol facilitates groups, offers mentorship, and fosters connection, empowerment, and resilience within the community.
Transform - Heal - Grow
