THE GUILD FOR THE BLIND
COUNSELING CENTER

More and more studies show that mental health counseling plays a vital
role in helping individuals adjust more quickly to irreversible vision
loss.

The Guild for the Blind has a licensed counselor on staff to provide
free individual, group and employment counseling services.

Individual Counseling
Clients are eligible to receive up to 15 free one-on-one counseling
sessions with a licensed counselor. These sessions can be conducted in
person or by phone. Counseling for family members and caregivers is
also available.

Group Counseling
Group counseling offers a sense of unity and an opportunity to meet
others often facing the same emotions and challenges.

Our Looking Ahead support group follows a thirteen-week curriculum to
address issues many face during their adjustment process. Topics
include finding appropriate coping strategies, managing symptoms of
depression, avoiding isolation and feeling comfortable out in public.

Our Retinitis Pigmentosa support groups meet once a month to discuss
topics relevant to people with this eye condition. Topic areas include
genetic testing, driving and planning for the future.

Career Counseling
These services are geared for those seeking guidance as they actively
try to enter, re-enter or transition back into the workforce. Clients
receive guidance to find occupations in line with interests, values
and work style; resume development assistance; interview coaching; and
assistance with networking and presentation.

Creating Employment Opportunities (CEO) is a three-week job readiness
training course offering job search skills based on current standards
employers expect. Topics focus on resume writing, interviewing and
organization, along with self advocacy and Social Security benefits
planning.

For more information, call the Guild Counseling Center at 312-236-8569
or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.