ASL Interpreter Support Group
A facilitated support group for working ASL interpreters (certified, licensed or not) in the US. The group uses a variety of modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and somatics to process overwhelm, imposter syndrome, self-judgement and loneliness in our profession. The group will offer camaraderie and support through self-awareness, shared experience and stress management.
Who is this group for?
The ASL Interpreter Support Group
is for ASL interpreters who would like to....
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have a place to share challenging work experiences in a safe, productive and confidential environment
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be supported in group emotional exploration
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learn about what trauma is, how and why it is created and how to heal it
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learn a paradigm to understand how humans work emotionally
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practice mindfulness and develop resilience with somatic, emotional and cognitive awareness and coherence
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explore the parts that arise in us in regards to our profession and learn tools for how to strengthen inner kindness and compassion
What are the potential benefits of joining?
The ASL Interpreter Support Group
can offer....
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reduction of stress and stigma through shared experiences with colleagues
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development of community, safety and connection
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development of self-esteem and confidence
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supported exploration of ethical and emotional content from work
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development of capacity for distress tolerance
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skills practice in feeling into and communicating authentically around emotionally-laden material
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Internal Family Systems demonstrations for individual support in a group context
Why does this group matter?
The ASL Interpreter Support Group was created to meet a longstanding need for interpreters to get opportunities for support and guidance regarding the social and emotional aspects and impacts of ASL interpreting.
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Self-doubt: Many interpreters are second language learners. Deaf community members can (understandably) be wary of new interpreters. Early negative experiences can lead some interpreters to have a hard time fully trusting their professional or linguistic competence or trusting their belonging in the community.
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Fear: Many interpreters go into the field without sufficient training or mentorship and don't see how to develop skills beyond learning on the job. Meanwhile, Deaf community members can feel disappointed, frustrated and angry at unskilled interpreters using Deaf people's lived experience for practice. This puts many interpreters in a scary bind.
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Isolation: Many interpreters work freelance and are not networked or supported. This can lead to feelings of isolation and insecurity. Often, interpeters are reluctant to share their feelings and concerns with others for fear they will be viewed as unprofessional.
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Imposter syndrome: Many interpreters are aware of the necessity for excellence in language and interpreting skill, but are not at the level they desire. This, combined with a cultural of perpetual inadequacy can lead to imposter syndrome, even long into their careers.
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Trauma: Interpreters come into the field with their own histories of traumatic experiences. Challenging professional scenarios bring up overwhelming somatic, emotional and cognitive experiences.
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Vicarious trauma: Interpreters see (and participate in) systems of oppression - be it audism, race, class, gender, sexuality, sexual expression, ageism, religious oppression, cultural imperialism and more. These systems often have direct impacts on clients and cause traumatic impact for them. The proximity to and often powerlessness to change oppression can lead to secondary or vicarious trauma.
These, and other challenges, are limiting factors on interpeter's capacity to do effective work. When we are emotionally dysregulated, our faculties are inhibited, including seeing, hearing, and thinking, which impacts our capacity to interpret effectively.
Joining with others to reveal our authentic experience is crucial, allowing us to be supported by our community and to develop a loving self-witness. IFS, NVC and somatic healing are effective tools for expanding our emotional capacity. Through this self-care, we can spend more time in our window of tolerance, allowing our social, cognitive and emotional resources to be spent on our work.
When, Where
and How Much?
The 2026 ASL Interpreter Support Group is:
Where: Zoom
Language: English (contact me if you want a group for DI's that runs in ASL)
When: Monthly, first Thursday, 3:30-5:30pm PT/6:30-8:30pm ET. First 2026 meeting is October 1, 2026.
How much: $30/month or pay for the year upfront for $25/month = $300
* This group is not a replacement for therapy, but rather, a non-clinical support group for personal growth.
About Your Facilitator
Hi! I'm Kara Stella, NIC. I attended Vista Community College in Berkeley (now Berkeley City College), home of the Signing Naturally program spearheaded by Ella Mae Lentz. From there, I attended Ohlone interpreting program, graduating in 1998. I worked as a freelance interpreter, educational interpreter, serving as interpreter coordinator and staff interpreter at Flagstaff Community College.
Magically, I got into the National Park System as a ranger and sign language interpreter. I supported a number of national parks in establishing Deaf services, eventually landing in the lone permanent ASL interpreter position in the National Park Service, in Yosemite National Park. I became an outdoor interpreting specialist, running Yosemite's Deaf services program and, eventually serving as accessibility coordinator for Yosemite.
Since graduating from Internal Family Systems Level 1 training, I have built a new career as a therapeutic coach (see my About Me page). I have held my fellow interpreters in my mind and heart with care - knowing the paucity of emotional support and co-holding in our field. I am uniquely situated to provide that support to others now!
Contact
Feel free to contact me for more information!
Pacifica, CA 94044
415-483-5520
currently accepting new clients