Gun violence and mental illness are national problems. Contrary to what some people in both the hearing and Deaf communities believe, mental ill ness does NOT cause gun violence. In this ASL video, Deaf Counseling Center’s CEO and therapist, Dr. Candace McCullough, clears up some of the myths on this issue. There have been a lot of shootings recently – …
Read MoreHurricane and Fire Crisis Counseling: Deaf Counseling Center is offering a limited number of pro bono (free) counseling slots to Deaf people without insurance coverage who were impacted by the recent hurricanes and wildfires. These slots are also available to Deaf people whose insurance plans will not cover our services. For those who do have insurance coverage, we have counselors …
Read MoreThe Leaf: ASL Poem by John Maucere about Addiction
Seeking Help for Addiction: In this beautiful and powerful ASL poem, the well-known Deaf actor and comedian John Maucere illustrates his journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. John’s courage in sharing his personal story is inspiring – and a reminder to all of us that the dangers of addiction are very real and the consequences more serious than …
Read MoreASL-Interpreted Alanon Meetings in Middletown, Maryland Al-Anon meetings are wonderful support resources for family members, partners, friends and others who know someone with a drinking problem. For Deaf people, finding ASL or interpreted Al-Anon meetings can be a challenge. If you live in the Middletown, Maryland area, a short drive from Frederick, weekly interpreted Al-Anon meetings are now being held …
Read MoreThe Psychological Effects of Oralism
A recently published letter to the Washington Post from Meredith Sugar, Esq., the president of the A.G. Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, does a grave disservice to Deaf children and their families. The letter attempts to undermine growing media attention on the success of Nyle DiMarco, a charismatic and intelligent young Deaf man who rose to …
Read MoreDr. Allen Sussman: Pioneer in the Deaf Mental Health Field
It is with sadness that Deaf Counseling Center bids adieu to Dr. Allen Sussman, one of the very first licensed Deaf psychologists, a remarkable pioneer who paved the way for future generations of Deaf mental health professionals. Dr. Sussman died on January 8, 2016. Dr. Sussman, who received his doctorate in clinical psychology from New York University in 1973, was …
Read MoreDeaf Inmate Denied Accommodations: DC Corrections Must Pay
A US District judge recently ruled in favor of a Deaf inmate, William Pierce, who sued the District of Columbia Department of Corrections for failing to provide appropriate accommodations during his 60-day sentence. Pierce was not provided a qualified sign language interpreter for medical appointments and classes and was only allowed limited access to an outdated device (TTY/TDD) that allowed …
Read MoreDeaf and Transgender Since Birth, Meet Dominice
Role Models for Parenting a Transgender Child: Read this beautiful story about two Deaf parents and their now 9-year old Deaf child’s transition journey from a boy to a girl. It is truly inspiring to see these parents respond with great sensitivity to their child’s emotional needs, even when they may fly in the face of conventionality and societal expectations. …
Read MoreDeaf-Friendly Stress Tips in ASL
Take Charge of Stress: Never underestimate how one simple stress-reducing action can brighten your day and improve your health. Click here to see a video about stress tips in American Sign Language (ASL). It offers some great tips for managing stress, including, but not limited to, meditation, exercise, and laughter. How Stress Affects Us: Our bodies, minds, and emotions all …
Read More