Tag: mental health
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The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study: A Lens on Trauma in the Deaf and Coda Communities
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been a cornerstone in understanding how early life trauma impacts health and well-being. The landmark ACE study, conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente in the 1990s, surveyed over 17,000 participants to explore the long-term effects of childhood trauma. The findings were groundbreaking, revealing that the more ACEs an individual…
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Parentification in the Deaf Community: Intergenerational Dynamics and Impacts on Codas
Parentification occurs when a child assumes the role of a parent, taking on responsibilities that exceed their developmental stage and emotional readiness. In the Deaf community, the phenomenon of parentification can take on unique forms due to linguistic and cultural barriers, systemic discrimination, and intergenerational trauma. Codas (Children of Deaf Adults) are often thrust into…
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Emotions vs. Feelings: Understanding the Difference and Harnessing Their Power
Have you ever paused to consider the difference between emotions and feelings? While the two are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct processes within our minds and bodies. Understanding this distinction not only deepens self-awareness but also provides tools for emotional regulation and growth. Emotions: The Chemistry of Experience Emotions are automatic, physiological reactions to…
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Letting Go of Shame: How EMDR Can Help Transform Self-Perception
Shame is a powerful emotion that can deeply impact how we view ourselves and navigate our relationships. It often builds up over time, layered through past experiences and interactions, becoming a part of our self-concept that can be hard to shed. For those seeking to release these burdens, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) offers…
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Understanding the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS): Measuring Subtle Bias in Daily Life
Discrimination isn’t always loud and overt—it often hides in the subtle, everyday interactions that many individuals face. The Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) is a tool designed to capture these experiences, shedding light on the ways subtle forms of bias impact mental health and well-being over time. If you’ve ever felt disrespected, excluded, or unfairly judged…
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Grieving the Unique Loss of a Deaf Parent as a Coda
For many Codas (Children of Deaf Adults), the loss of a Deaf parent is more than the loss of a loved one—it can feel like losing a piece of ourselves. As Codas, we are “deaf by association,” immersed in a culture and language that often defines who we are. When our Deaf parent passes away,…
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Addressing Executive Dysfunction as a Coda: A Possible Therapeutic Strategy
Not all Codas (Children of Deaf Adults) are the same or share the same experiences. Some Codas may experience executive dysfunction and this can significantly impact Codas in unique ways due to their bimodal bilingualism, early responsibilities, and often complex, trauma-influenced backgrounds. Here’s a closer look at how executive dysfunction may show up for Codas…
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Why Do Codas Love Music? A Unique Connection Between Bimodal Bilingualism and Musical Expression
Children of Deaf Adults (Codas) grow up at the intersection of two worlds: the Deaf world, where visual-spatial language and culture are paramount, and the hearing world, where auditory language and music are central to communication and expression. This dual exposure shapes Codas in extraordinary ways, fostering a unique, often profound connection to music. This…
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Finding a Therapist Who Truly Understands Codas: Why Coda-Savvy Care Matters
As a Coda (Child of Deaf Adults), your upbringing was likely anything but typical. You’ve lived between two worlds—Deaf and hearing—with a unique blend of language, culture, and responsibility that shaped who you are today. But finding a therapist who truly “gets” the Coda experience can be challenging. Many therapists might miss the nuances of…
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Codas as Bimodal Bilinguals
Imagine growing up with a “superpower” that lets you fluently navigate two distinct worlds, each with its own language, culture, and way of thinking. For Codas (Children of Deaf Adults), being bimodal bilinguals—able to communicate in both a spoken and a signed language—is exactly that! This incredible skill opens up unique cognitive abilities and enhances…
the Coda Counselor 