Counseling Services
"The Looking Ahead program was key to my acceptance of my visual impairment. Once I accepted this, I was able to start building a new life as a blind person."
- Adam
Learning to accept vision loss and adjusting to the frustration and stress associated with it is an ongoing process. Our supportive environment, professional staff and variety of program options are here to help you through this process.
Individual Counseling consists of up to 15 private sessions with our Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. The personal stressors that are affecting your life and your ability to cope are generally addressed, however sessions are focused on your specific needs. These sessions are completely confidential.
Looking Ahead offers you the opportunity to work with a group of adults who are facing similar challenges. Sessions address the common barriers that are faced when adjusting to vision loss. The group focuses on topics such as independence, anger management, coping strategies and depression awareness. Looking Ahead meets weekly for 13 weeks. Read about the upcoming topics for Looking Ahead.
Anyone who has Retinitis Pigmentosa knows that vision loss is a certainty, but dealing with the uncertainty of when it will happen often brings unique challenges. Our RP Support Group offers the opportunity to share your concerns and to learn from others. Knowing when to seek help, explaining your changing and inconsistent vision and dealing with family and friends are some of the issues to be explored. This group meets the twice each month, in the evening on the second Monday and in the afternoon on the second Tuesday of every month. See a list of our RP Support Group upcoming topics.
Our Diabetic Retinopathy Support Group is our newest addition to our Counseling Center. Join this group to explore the nature of the disease and discover ways to maintain a healthy lifesyle. We will be discussing the importance of diet, how exercise affects glucose levels and adaptive products that can help you manage the disease. This group meets the third Thursday of each month beginning on August 18, 2011. See a list of our Diabetic Retinopathy Support Group upcoming topics.
Family and Friends are often experiencing stress and frustration when living with and caring for a loved one with vision loss. We offer support to help you improve communication, take immediate steps to foster independence of their loved one and maintain a positive attitude. Counseling is available through individual and phone consultation.
Counseling services are offered at no charge. A brief pre-screening interview is required. Our professional counselor is happy to talk with you about the services that would best meet your individual needs. Please contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
