Course Aims
To increase understanding and knowledge of the emotional and psychological aspects of sight loss, and to enable professionals to work more effectively with people with sight loss
Course Objectives:
At the end of the session you will be able to:
- Describe and explain attitudes, fears and emotions in respect of sight loss
- Identify and describe the main themes arising in this area of work
- Demonstrate how to respond to the emotional needs which affect a client's rehabilitation and their ability to cope.
Course Information
It has been compared to bereavement, and many people can become depressed - but what is it really like and what can you do to support people. Various reports have identified the need for emotional support services for people with sight loss. This course is ideal for any professional/worker who works with anyone who is having difficulty coming to terms with the emotional and psychological impact of sight loss. As an essential element of the rehabilitation process, this course will equip professionals with appropriate knowledge and skills to support people at the immediate point of need. Over the two-days a range of emotions and responses will be explored, along with various models of loss, by using case studies and discussion groups and examples of good practice. This course is useful for professionals from social care, health and voluntary sector organisations at any level.
Course Facilitator
The course facilitator is Patsy Southwell. Patsy is a qualified and experienced counsellor who has worked in the sight loss field for many years. Having previously worked for the RNIB emotional support team in Bristol, Patsy still works in the visual impairment field and has recently written a book on the emotional impact of sight loss. Patsy has written this course to provide professionals with the relevant skills needed. See Patsy's profile in menu under 'Staff'.
Course Programme: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Day One
Session One: 9.30am - 11.00am
- Welcome and Introductions
- Course aims and objectives
- ‘One thing I want to cover on the course' - a delegates view
- Ground Rules and Confidentiality
- Theoretical background
- Grief and Loss
- Training video - Sue Townsend's Story
- What is “normal”?
- Training video - John Mortimer's Story - in denial
Session Two: 11.15am - 12.45pm
- Case study - practical session
- Recognising and coping with emotions
- Pitfalls and Positives
Session Three: 1.45pm - 3.00pm
- Transitions and Life-Stages
- Training Video - Coping, identity and cognitive
- Case studies - practical exercise
Session Four: 3.15pm - 4.30pm
- Successful ways of coping and role models
- Families and young people
- Non-finite Grief and Loss
4.30 Close of Day One
Day Two
Session One: 9.30am - 11.00am
- Something I learned from yesterday
- Helping skills - do's and don'ts, active listening, rapport and empathy
- When and where of emotional support and counselling?
- Practical exercise
Session Two: 11.15 - 1.00pm
- Common issues and themes
- Recognising depression. Remedies and research
- Resources for self - small groups
- Group feedback
Session Three: 1..45pm - 3.00pm
- Social Impact of sight loss
- Disability theory, congenital and acquired loss
Session Four: 3.15pm - 4.30pm
- What do families need?
- What are a professional's priorities - and what can you do in your role?
- Group feedback and discussion
- Summing up the course and evaluation
Close: 4.30
A shorter one-day course programme is also available, depending on your professional needs.
Note: All course materials and content are the copyright of Patsy Southwell, all rights reserved.