Our Services:
| Low Vision Optometric Services | Currently Viewing: Psychological Counseling & Support Groups | Rehabilitation Training | Specialized Programs |
Vision loss affects almost every aspect of a person’s life and can produce a multitude of reactions including sadness, anxiety, and frustration. Relationships can become strained, activities are disrupted, and isolation may result.
Individual and Group Psychotherapy
Our psychotherapists help people with low vision regain a sense of well-being and improve their quality of life. Individual or group sessions are available. When people cannot travel to the Center for individual therapy, sessions may be provided by telephone. Some people elect private sessions that might, from time to time, include their caregiver or loved ones. For others, being involved in a group with other people who have low vision reduces feelings of isolation.
Support Groups
Weekly meetings help participants share ideas for tackling everyday problems, gain insight by hearing how others cope with their vision changes, and gain comfort in discovering that others have faced similar challenges and have persevered. Licensed therapists facilitate all groups.
See our Support Groups Schedule for details.
COPE Group
For people with low vision between the ages of 25-59, Our COPE Support Group meets 2 times per month to discuss social, emotional, employment, family, technology and other related issues. You do not have to be a client of the Center to attend. This group meets Fridays from 12:00 - 1:30. For our current schedule, see our COPE Group page.
Diabetes Groups
Medical research has demonstrated that controlling blood sugar levels helps prevent or slow the progression of complications such as vision loss. Our 12-week Vision Maximizer psycho-educational group meets weekly to help individuals achieve better control of their blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, coping skills and by addressing emotional issues. Ongoing support groups meet twice a month to share information and experiences on dealing with diabetes and vision loss.
Diabetes Support Group for Spanish-speaking individuals
Meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 9:30 - 11:30. Contact Laura at (310) 988-1970 ext. 248 for more information.Atlas Family Resource Project
The Atlas Family Resource Project provides ongoing resources and referrals, education, advocacy, counseling and support for parents and children in our program. Services are offered in English and in Spanish. See page for details.
Peer Phone Calls
Volunteers who are visually impaired provide information, support, and encouragement to persons coping with vision loss. Talking to someone who has faced similar challenges with vision loss and who has found ways to adjust can be a powerful experience. Calls typically are provided on a weekly basis for several months. Callers are trained and supervised by licensed psychotherapists.
Social Service Referrals
Referrals are made as needed and may include direction to transportation programs, Department of Rehabilitation services, special equipment and materials for the legally blind, and information on other community and social service agencies.
More Information
For more information about psychological counseling and support groups, please call Pam Thompson, Ph.D. at 310-988-1970, Ext. 146, or complete our online Contact Us form.
Last Updated: Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 16:40:28