I am not only a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, but am also fluent in Sign Language. I have been signing for 30 years. Sign Language is one of my passions. For me, it adds a wonderful dimension to the counseling experience.
I started my career in the Counseling Deaf people back in 1981, when I worked at the Texas School for the Deaf.
My passion for the language has only grown throughout the years. I was blessed to be active in the vibrant Deaf community back in the 80′s when Deaf Pride was high. At that time I King Jordan became President of Gallaudet University and Marlee Matlin won an Oscar for Children Of A Lesser God. I became involved in theatrical Interpreting through the Deaf Service Center which was located at UNF and the local deaf club.
When I moved to Florida in 1984, and discovered that there were no Counseling for the Deaf Services. in existance at the time. So, I decided to create some. I found the Deaf Service Center, which was located at UNF. Through their guidance, I became a dedicated advocate for Deaf Rights in Mental Health. I contacted the various community mental health agencies and hospitals, and provided free Sign Language Classes to several counselors, .and also taught them about deaf culture, the rights of the hearing impaired, and about deaf pride.
In 1989, I decided that a bachelor’s degree was not sufficient to provide the services needed, so I went to graduate school. I have been fortunate to have counseled many deaf people over the years.
Since becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have adopted a Hearing Impaired dog. He responds well to sign language, since his hearing range is very limited. He is often an adjunct to the Therapy Process and is very adept at helping people to relax.
I am located in Fernandina Beach, Florida, near Jacksonville.
I enjoy helping all people in their healing process, but it is an added blessing for me to do so with Sign Language.

Social Media (Twitter, Blogs and Facebook) will not be used for Scheduling or Canceling appointments.
Social Media will not be used for Counseling purposes (neither as an addition to, nor as a replacement for, face to face therapy).
Social Media is open to the Public and does not provide confidentiality.

TWITTER: twitter.com/PaulaCounselor