The Emmeline Centre for: Hearing implants information for parents/guardians

Meeting with a clinical psychologist

As part of your child’s assessment for a hearing implant or ongoing support following hearing implants, you and your child may meet with a clinical psychologist.

The following leaflet is designed to provide you with information regarding what to expect in this appointment.

What is a clinical psychologist?

Clinical psychologists are health professionals trained to support people who may be experiencing difficulties with their emotional wellbeing. Clinical psychologists work in many different settings including schools, hospitals and clinics.

The clinical psychologist that you and your child will meet has experience of working with children with hearing challenges. Sometimes children and parents can find it difficult to make final decisions regarding future medical and surgical procedures. Or they may be experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties associated with their health needs. Whatever your hearing related concerns are at any point in your hearing journey, meeting the clinical psychologist provides an opportunity to chat through your questions and personal challenges in a safe and open way.

What will happen in our appointment?

Your meeting with the clinical psychologist will usually take between 60 to 90 minutes. You will usually meet as a family initially; older children are often seen for part of the session on their own, if they are happy to do so.

The psychologist will ask lots of questions to find out about your child, their hearing and medical needs, development and social aspects of their life. Sometimes, people can feel concerned when they are told they will see a psychologist that they may be evaluated or judged. It is important for parents to know that the psychologist is not evaluating you, your child or your parenting. The psychologist is there to offer support and help families achieve positive outcomes.

To help towards achieving this, the psychologist may also complete cognitive assessments with your child to help you gain an understanding of your child’s development and how they learn.

How often will I meet with the psychologist?

Most people attend for one or two sessions with the psychologist during their assessment. There is no limit to how many appointments you and your child can have. Every young person and family is different, and we are happy to offer support as it is needed.

What should I do if I have further questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about seeing a psychologist in the cochlear implant team, please contact us via the psychological medicine service for children, young people and families on 01223 217589.