“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”- Wayne Dyer
Specialised Therapy
Hearing loss can be a challenging experience for individuals, affecting their ability to communicate effectively, navigate their surroundings, and impacting their overall quality of life. Clients who are going through a cochlear implant can expect adjustment stress.
It involves learning how to interpret new sounds and navigate a different auditory landscape. This can be overwhelming and may result in feelings of anxiety, frustration, and even depression. This is where Cochlear Implant Psychotherapy comes in, providing an innovative approach to help individuals navigate this journey and overcome the challenges associated with hearing loss, hearing impairment, hearing changes.
Along with ENT specialists, Audiologists and Speech Therapists, I form part of the Port Elizabeth Cochlear Implant Group (PECIG).
Services
Cochlear Implant Patients
Cochlear implant patients. Pre-and-post operative support. This can include individual, couple, family support, and psychological assessments.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a disorder where individuals experience “ringing” noises in their ears. I use psychometric assessments to evaluate the impact of the tinnitus and then use a combination of cognitive behavioural exercises, mindfulness, and stress reduction strategies to assist clients.
Spasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is an extremely rare condition. This condition affects the vocal cords and patients struggle to emit sound when speaking. An individual can experience high levels of stress and isolation because their normal communication is inhibited. Providing support to the patient is vital in terms of mitigation of depression and anxiety.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can change the general health and well-being of an individual, if not mentally prepared. Adjustment to a new set of circumstances can cause stress. Communication can be done in many forms and many of my clients find it helpful to engage in a safe environment regarding their challenges with their hearing.
Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is an extreme sensitivity to normal sounds. This condition can cause a great deal of restrictions for the individual, where the general tendency is to avoid people and places so that they can be in a quiet area. They often report feeling isolated and misunderstood.
“Mental health affects every aspect of your life. It’s not just this neat little issue you can put into a box.”
– Shannon Purser
How Do I Know If This Is Right For Me?
Cochlear Implant Psychotherapy is an approach to treatment of hearing loss. It provides personalized, tailored support to help individuals adjust to their new hearing abilities and manage the psychological challenges associated with hearing loss. It offers a range of coping strategies and techniques to improve communication abilities, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve overall mental health and well-being. It is a powerful tool for improving quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
What is Cochlear Implant Psychotherapy?
Cochlear Implant Psychotherapy is a form of psychological support designed specifically for individuals who are planning to, or have had, cochlear implant surgery. It aims to provide emotional and psychological support as they adjust to their new hearing abilities, providing a safe space for individuals to discuss their experiences, feelings, and concerns. It offers a range of psychological techniques and strategies to help individuals cope with the psychological effects of hearing loss and the challenges of adjusting to a cochlear implant.
What are the benefits of Cochlear Implant Psychotherapy?
Another benefit of Cochlear Implant Psychotherapy is that it helps individuals to develop coping strategies to manage the challenges associated with hearing loss. Learning how to manage anxiety, stress, and depression associated with hearing loss, improving overall mental health and well-being. Cochlear Implant Psychotherapy also offers support to family members and caregivers who may be struggling to understand and support their loved ones. It provides a space for family members to discuss their concerns and learn strategies to support their loved ones during the adjustment process. This can help to improve communication and strengthen relationships, reducing the impact of hearing loss on family dynamics.
How to book a session?
Contact me for more!