As an adult who is affected by cleft lip and/or palate, do you feel a lack of support and community compared to when you were a child?
You aren’t alone.
As an adult who is affected by cleft lip and/or palate, do you feel a lack of support and community compared to when you were a child?
You aren’t alone.
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood through here.
Those affected by cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) have access to extensive healthcare support within Canada during their childhood. However, don’t you think that support seems to be absent for adults just as they are transitioning into a more independent stage of life?
Are you looking for an accepting community where you can feel safe with like-minded people who have also experienced CL/P?
Do you feel that connecting with others can help you in navigating the unique experiences in adulthood as someone affected by cleft lip and/or palate? If you agree, then the Cleft Voices in Adulthood Support Group can help you!
The Cleft Voices in Adulthood Support Group is a safe space with an expert-led and designed program for adults who have experienced or been affected by cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).
The support group regularly meets to learn and explore:
…and more!
Let's break down the details!
Each meet up is an hour long with the opportunity to interact with others in breakout rooms of 2-4 people
It's all casual —feel free to bring a cup of tea, a snack or dinner!
The first part of the meet up is for us to get to know each other and discuss things like:
The following segment will take place in breakout rooms.
A reflective topic is usually offered by facilitators to support you through your personal journey.
Last, but not least, the closing of the meet-up allows for time to share our insights.
A private community of others journeying into adulthood with cleft lip and/palate
Learning and discussion under the guidance of an expert who has walked in your shoes
Have access to resources and an expert designed program to make positive change
Connect to other members and guest speakers through live chat
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood through here.
Check out these benefits you will gain!
Feel comfort knowing there are others have a similar experience
Be understood and encouraged by fellow community members also affected by cleft lip and/or palate
Learn how to navigate adulthood with cleft lip and/or palate
Gain clarity on how to move forward with life
Learn how to navigate your body’s evolving needs
Have space to discuss, normalise and validate difficult experiences involving cleft lip and/or palate and adulthood
Discover relevant practical perspectives from other community members
Meet guest speakers with experience and wisdom on cleft lip and/or palate
Feel the safety of being understood by people walking in your shoes
Pursue positive change in self-perception with gentle discourse
Find methods to navigate employment and the workforce
Potentially make lifelong friendships and connections
And much more!
Maybe you’re thinking,
“Many displayed fear that the cleft would continue to influence their future adult life, just as it had in the past.”
—The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal 2024, Vol. 61(1) 52‐60 © 2022, American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
People who have cleft lip and/or palate may not fully realise the extent of the additional obstacles they face as they become adults:
Many feel isolated and a sense of loss as their childhood support system ends as they grow into adulthood
Individuals with cleft lip and/or palate may worry that the facial difference would continue to influence their future, just as it had in the past
You may be used to others and yourself rejecting and/or ignoring your emotional needs
Others can be judgemental about appearance, causing those with facial differences to be discriminated against
Employment and schooling is more difficult due to issues with appearance, speech, and/or hearing
Cleft lip and/or palate can cause worry over appearance and the possibility of future children inheriting the facial difference
Public speaking or speech can cause anxiety and frustration due to the reaction of other to our speech
Growing into adulthood is difficult and typically requires a lot of support. As someone with cleft lip and/or palate, we understand how worrying it must feel to make such a major transition while losing the support system you have as your treatment ends.
Most make the mistake of thinking that they shouldn’t need additional support as an adult. However, being alone during such a vulnerable time, would cause a lot of stress. This can amplify the existing confusion and the feeling of being overwhelmed, especially with cleft lip and/or palate.
We believe that support should evolve just as you do, meeting your new needs in the realms of post-secondary education, employment, dating, and more.
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood through here.
That’s a fair concern to have. To solve a problem, it makes sense to feel the need for an elevated mindset regarding the situation. That’s why we have included:
"Will I really make a positive change if I work with people in the same situation? Won’t we go in circles?"
Being surrounded by others who accept you and care for your wellbeing is foundational for internal peace and pursuing positive change.
Learn gentle ways to improve self-perception,
strategically pursue education and employment,
manage dating and relationships,
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood through here.
Still thinking?
Members gain free access to:
Cleft Voices in Adulthood Support Group is designed to provide a foundational support system for your wellbeing.
As you join the community, you’ll begin to realize how to make positive differences for yourself, your dating life, career, and overall quality of life
We highly recommend subscribing for at least 3 months to allow for enough time for you to grow and see positive change.
This is an ongoing online support community, members can join and leave as they see fit.
The support group does not replace professional therapy.
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood through here.
Do I need to share right away?
Not at all! You can choose to do whatever you feel comfortable with.
Our expert facilitators will make sure the support group is a positive and safe experience for you.
Do I need to turn on my camera?
Yes. It feels more comfortable to share when we all see each other.
Can I connect with other participants on the platform or outside?
Absolutely! We highly encourage participants to connect with each other through one-on-one chat and share contact details if they feel comfortable. Many of our participants meet outside the weekly meetings and have formed life-long friendships!
Do I need to engage with other participants outside of the sessions?
It’s totally up to you. You may decide how and where you engage with the other participants outside of the weekly meetings.
Research evidence indicates that support groups create more impactful positive changes when participants engage with each other and combine their various insights, perspectives and learned wisdom.
Will the facilitators be available for individual calls if difficulties come up and I need to speak with someone?
We encourage you to let us know you would like to speak with someone through the Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood Support Group platform’s chat function. You will receive useful perspectives and encouragement from your fellow support group participants while gaining insight from the expertise of the facilitators.
The facilitators are not available for phone calls. If you need further individual support, we recommend exploring professional counselling services. Please see the Q&A below for more information.
What if I need more than what the Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood Support Group community offers?
The Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood Support Group is not a replacement for professional counselling services. If you feel that you need more individual support, counselling could be helpful for you.
You can reach out to Mobina Hasan at Admin@CounsellingForAll.org for a referral to a counsellor that specializes in working with other counsellors.
How will you protect my personal information?
The Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood Support Group is a safe space for you and your information. We have measures in place to prevent doxxing and keep important data confidential. Support group participants are encouraged and regularly reminded to refrain from sharing personal information.
What are you waiting for?
Navigate adulthood with a CL/P community that understands
*If you have joined another Counselling for All support group, access Cleft Lip and Palate Voices in Adulthood through here.
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©2025 Counselling for All is a service name of Chisti and Hasan Foundation.
