Counseling for Clients with Visual Impairnent

Historically, vision loss has been treated solely as a medical issue, but research now shows that reduced vision causes major social and psychological disruptions and can be a traumatic event. As a result, people experiencing vision loss are at a heightened risk for depression and anxiety. Social supports, independent living skills, and assistive technology can enable people to make a transition to reduced vision, but this population needs social work services to manage life changes and find resources. Because of the unique challenges faced by people with visual impairments, the population would benefit from accessing social workers with specific knowledge. Since people may resist change and deny suffering from mental health issues, an intervention should assist people without stigmatizing them. Motivational interviewing has been shown to motivate people with medical problems to make life style changes. The proposed project can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by enhancing clients' independent living and coping skills and by focusing on strengths that can be developed to compensate for vision loss.