Introduction
If you are working with a client who has recently experienced sight loss, or you wish to ensure that your
counselling practice is accessible to blind and partially sighted clients, the following information and guidance may be of interest to you.
Psychological impact of sight loss
Of course, each client is unique and it is important not to assume that all blind and partially sighted people who seek counselling wish specifically to explore 'sight' issues. Nonetheless many people do seek counselling support following a diagnosis of sight loss or when their sight deteriorates, and it can be helpful to have some insight into the issues and themes that clients can present.
'Different Horizons : Experiences of Sight Loss - counselling people who are blind or partially sighted' explores sight loss from societal, counsellor and client perspectives; offers practical information on making counselling accessible; and considers how reduced vision could impact on the therapeutic relationship.
Download the report in either Word or pdf format:
Experiencing Sight Loss by Dennis Lewis explores some of these issues from a personal and professional perspective.
Development of emotional support and counselling
Our
Bristol Counselling Service Project Report (Word 245KB) documents the first three years of a face to face counselling project - setting up the service, how counselling delivery has been adapted to meet client need, and an evidence base showing the value of counselling.
You can also read our
Emotional Support Telephone Service Evaluation (Word 148KB), conducted by an external researcher, which shows how important emotional support and counselling is to people who are adapting to sight loss.
If you are developing counselling services for people with sight loss we would be very interested to hear from you - contact us at
ess@rnib.org.uk
Further information
There is a growing body of evidence about the psychological impact of sight loss. Useful sources of papers include:
Training from RNIB