This training is delivered in three parts. 

Part One (The Learn Phase) - 1.5 hours online

You will receive an introduction to counselling, statistics pertaining to hearing loss-related mental health and an overview of why counselling support is beneficial for this group. Towards the end of this session, we will also cover listening skills. 

Part Two (The Practice Phase) - 10 hours in person

You will receive an informative introduction to Humanistic Therapy, one of the tenets of person-centred therapy. You will be guided through engaging content followed by thought-provoking questions designed to enhance your learning. You will be provided with scenarios, and practical tips so that you can empower adults and families impacted by hearing loss. You will also get an opportunity to practice those counselling skills. 

Part Three (The Master Phase) - 2.5 hours online

You will now get an opportunity to present a brief case study based on your practice. This is made easy using a template we provide. All case studies are anonymised to ensure confidentiality, but as a group we will come together online to provide feedback, drawing on the humanistic skills we have learnt. 

MED-EL strives to provide person-centred support and this counselling training is our latest addition. 

We have invested heavily in this training and our research indicates that:

• professionals sometimes feel they lack the appropriate counselling skills to support families. 
• professionals have told us that they are over-worked and experience persistent burnout.
• there is a lack of practice of counselling skills during formal training with institutions prioritising theory.

By providing this training, we are demonstrating that the care we provide extends beyond the products and other services we already provide. 

MED-EL is sponsoring a select number of courses. Read more about our deadlines for applications below to find out how this affects you.

This course is a unique opportunity to collaborate with other professionals who have similar challenges to you, and all this is done in a safe space designed to help raise our own awareness so we can better serve those in the Community.

Delivered over three sessions, the course is equivalent to 14 hours of training. A certificate indicating these hours will be awarded upon completing all three phases.

If you are a professional who has experience in supporting families with deaf children and young people or deaf adults, apply before the deadline so your course is sponsored by MED-EL (subject to availability).

MED-EL UK believes there is a real value in learning vital skills that can empower adults and families in the community. This course, which we expect to be popular, is currently being sponsored* by MEDEL UK so reserve your place at your earliest convenience. 

* In order for your course to be sponsored, you must attend all three sessions of the course. Non-attendance may result in a charging of the full value of the course, which is £650 + VAT. 

With nearly 50 years of lived experience of hearing loss, Stuart McNaughton delivers this unique course. 

After working in higher education for nine years, Stuart retrained as a therapist, qualifying in 2020. Since then, he has completed his Clinical Supervision training and has achieved accredited status with the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP). He is also registered with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).

In his work, Stuart strives to support individuals experiencing emotional and psychological distress. 

© 2025 BeHeard by MED-EL Service is supported by MED-EL.