RP Support Group: Winter 2012
Anyone who has RP knows that vision loss is a certainty, but wondering when our eyesight will change often brings unique challenges. The Guild's RP group offers a supportive environment to candidly discuss these issues with others in the same situation. This group meets for 10 weeks from 1:30 to 3:00 pm every Monday afternoon at the Guild.
Week 1: You're Not Alone
Spring 2012 Session: January 9
It is often refreshing to know there are others out there with similar histories related to their RP. Today we get to know each other through introductions and storytelling.
Week 2: The Adjustment Process
Spring 2012 Sesson: January 16
Today we talk about how having a visual disability can impact our emotional wellbeing. We review the process our psyches take to adjust to adversity and why we sometimes have good days and bad days.
Week 3: Fall into the Gap
Spring 2012 Session: January 23
We review the types of RP and the responsibility we often take on, especially with major life decisions, knowing we have a genetic condition.
Week 4: Walking the Tightrope
Sprign 2012 Session: January 30
As vision deteriorates, so does the ability to depend on our eyes to carry out day-to-day activities. Some say it's like teetering between "the sighted world" and the "visually impaired world." Is there anything we can do to make the transition easier?
Week 5: Decisions, Decisions
Spring 2012 Session: February 6
As vision deteriorates, we often lose control of the ability to run some parts of our lives. Today we talk about letting go of decisions we realistically can't make anymore and how that can sometimes be a relief!
Week 6: Stick Stigma: To Use a Cane or Not to Use a Cane
Spring Session: February 13
A certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) discusses why using a cane truly is a benefit and why a mobility instructor is a good person to have on your rehabilitation team.
Week 7: I Have an Announcement to Make
Spring 2012 Session: February 20
What to do when you can no longer hide the fact that you have significant vision loss and are now ready to publicly face this aspect of your life.
Week 8: Turning into a Pumpkin
Spring 2012 Session: February 27
Will I Make it Back Before Dark? How have the implications of RP impacted life outside of your comfort zone? What can we do to put a little normalcy back into our daily routine and our social lives?
Week 9: Great Expectations
Spring 2012 Session: March 5
It's natural to look forward to vacations or special occasions, but recognizing the challenge to participate can sometimes put a lead balloon on the event. What can be done to better manage in unfamiliar territory or simply accept that it won't be easy?
Week 10: Stepping Ahead
Spring 2012 Session: March 12
Today we say goodbye and empower ourselves to live life to the fullest!
For more information about the Guild's RP support group and our other counseling services, please contact
Lauri Dishman at the Guild.
