Finding Safety, Connection, and Growth in Deaf and Deaf-Parented Communities
- Joy Plote

- Oct 21
- 4 min read
Healing from trauma is not a straight path — it’s a journey. One that requires patience, understanding, and community support. When trauma touches our lives, it can leave us feeling disconnected or unseen. But healing doesn’t have to happen alone.
At The Space Between, we believe healing is strongest when it happens in community — with others who understand your language, your culture, and your lived experience. Our Healing and Education Groups are designed specifically for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf-parented (Coda) individuals to learn, connect, and grow together in safe, supportive spaces.
Why Join a Healing or Education Group?
Individual therapy is powerful — but group healing adds something unique. When we come together to learn and process in ASL, we create a space where stories, emotions, and insight are shared freely and understood deeply.
Our groups are built around these guiding principles:
Language access matters. Healing is more effective when communication is direct and comfortable.
Cultural understanding matters. We honor the lived experiences of Deaf and Coda individuals navigating both Deaf and hearing worlds.
Connection matters. Community learning and reflection help reduce isolation and foster belonging.

Our Group Offerings at The Space Between
We provide a variety of therapeutic, psychoeducational, and community-based groups to meet diverse needs — all facilitated by Deaf-aware clinicians and trained peer leaders.
🌿 Healing Circles
Safe, guided spaces for Deaf and Coda participants to explore themes such as trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and resilience. These circles integrate mindfulness, grounding, and narrative processing — helping participants find strength through shared experience.
💬 Education & Growth Groups
Interactive learning spaces focused on emotional wellness and personal growth. Topics include:
Understanding trauma and the nervous system
Managing stress and anxiety
Building healthy relationships and boundaries
Developing self-compassion and confidence
Groups combine education, experiential activities, and ASL-based discussion, allowing members to practice new tools in real time.
🧠 Professional Development for Deaf-Centered Providers
For interpreters, counselors, and peer specialists who want to expand trauma-informed, culturally responsive skills, we offer CEU-eligible workshops and consultation. Learn how to serve Deaf and Coda clients effectively while maintaining your own emotional balance.
💫 Coda-Focused Groups
Created for hearing adult children of Deaf parents, these groups explore identity, intergenerational trauma, and language boundaries. Participants gain clarity, emotional validation, and tools for healing from the “in-between” experience of being raised between worlds.

Why These Groups Matter
Healing happens when we feel seen, safe, and supported.For many Deaf and Coda individuals, traditional therapy spaces are not accessible — either linguistically or culturally. Our groups remove those barriers, offering a space where ASL is the default language, Deaf culture is respected, and participants don’t have to explain what it means to “grow up different.”
Each session includes opportunities for:
Grounding and nervous system regulation
Education about trauma and emotional processing
Reflection, journaling, or creative expression
Connection with others who “get it”
These experiences build confidence, restore trust, and remind us that healing can be shared.

Practical Tips for Supporting Healing in Yourself and Others
Healing trauma is a process that unfolds over time. Here are some practical tips to support yourself or someone you care about on this journey:
Create a Safe Space: Safety is the foundation of healing. This means physical safety and emotional safety. Encourage open communication and respect boundaries.
Practice Grounding: Use simple grounding techniques like feeling your feet on the floor, holding a comforting object, or focusing on your breath.
Be Patient: Healing is not linear. There will be ups and downs. Celebrate small victories and allow space for setbacks without judgment.
Seek Professional Support: Trauma-informed therapists and counselors can provide guidance tailored to your needs. Look for providers who understand Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Coda experiences.
Connect with Community: Sharing your story with trusted people can reduce isolation. Community support is a powerful healing tool.
Educate Yourself: Learning about trauma and recovery can empower you to make informed choices and advocate for yourself or others.
Remember, healing is a deeply personal journey. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to listen to your own needs and honor your pace.
Embracing Healing as a Lifelong Journey
Healing trauma is not about erasing the past but learning to live fully despite it. It’s about reclaiming your story and finding peace within yourself. Healing trauma training offers a roadmap for this journey, providing tools, understanding, and hope.
Whether you are taking your first steps or deepening your practice, know that you are not alone. There is a community ready to support you, and resources designed to meet your unique needs.
By embracing healing trauma training, you are choosing resilience, compassion, and wholeness. This path may have challenges, but it also holds the promise of transformation and renewed connection.
If you feel ready to explore this path, consider reaching out to trusted providers who specialize in accessible, trauma-informed care. Together, we can create a world where healing is possible for everyone.
Join the Journey
Healing isn’t about forgetting the past — it’s about learning to live fully in the present.At The Space Between, we invite you to join one of our Deaf-centered healing or education groups and experience the power of community connection.
🌐 Learn more and register: space-between.online📧 Contact us: info@space-between.online📍 Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Virtual sessions available
Whether you’re Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Deaf-parented, you belong here. Together, we can learn, grow, and heal — one conversation at a time.
Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect. Your journey matters, and every step forward is a victory.
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