Hi, I'm John Anderson, an independent consultant and licensed mental health counselor specializing in the experience of hearing loss in schools, families, and individuals.

As a person with hearing loss, I understand. I have lived with hearing loss for many decades.

I know firsthand the benefits — and limits — of hearing devices and school support services. I believe they must be combined with social and emotional supports in order to be successful and comfortable in society.

As a result of my personal experience and my training and experience as a licensed counselor, I am confident that people with hearing loss can thrive in the mainstream! But it is a lifetime journey and often a little help is needed. I'd like to help.

I've been focused on helping students aged 5 to 21 but I work with all ages. I'm based in Belchertown, Massachusetts, and provide services in Central and Western Mass.

Career Summary

• Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts; fully insured
• Masters in Counseling Psychology, Antioch New England Graduate School
• Member, Hearing Loss Association of America
• Member, Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor's Association
• 12 years working at Clarke Schools (based in Northampton, MA) focused on helping mainstreamed oral deaf students with self-esteem and self-advocacy
• Communication Access Consultant, Mass. Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (past)
• Internationally known speaker on the experience of hearing loss
• Author, My Hearing Loss and Me: We Get Along Most of the Time (picture book)
• Past career in computer software development for 20 years

My Approach

• There is a personal loss for the experience of hearing loss.
• Emotions associated with this loss need to be respected and acknowledged.
• With support, people can develop the self-esteem and skills they need to participate in society successfully and comfortably.
• The education associated with living with hearing loss is a lifetime journey.
• Respecting our loss and respecting ourselves go hand in hand.

My Hearing Loss History

I grew up in the mainstream with my own progressive hearing loss. I know the struggle.

I'm celebrating 24 years of using a cochlear implant, with no re-implantations. My progressive hearing loss was discovered at age 3. I struggled to keep up in school and to make social connections. Meanwhile my hearing continued to decline.

After many ups and downs, I suddenly lost all hearing at age 32, which was a life-changing event. My skill in lip reading kept me going while I pursued getting counseling for support.

Three years of silence ended with a cochlear implant. It was a miracle when they turned my processor on — I was able to hear the sound of a human voice again.

Slowly I began to make changes and have more successes at work and in a new marriage. I changed careers and became a licensed mental health counselor.

Today I live comfortably in the mainstream, thanks to getting the right supports. I enjoy passing on that support to others.

I look forward to hearing from you. Contact me for more information.