Counselling
Caring support to help you understand, accept and manage your vision condition.
Apply for a serviceThe support you need to move forward with strength
Losing your vision and adjusting to life without sight can be a scary and confronting experience, but we’re here to support you.
Your personal support
From your first diagnosis, our dedicated team are on hand to listen with empathy and guide you through your experience. We do all that we can to give you the support you need to understand and accept your vision condition, address any barriers you’re facing and look after your overall health and wellbeing.
What happens in a counselling session?
A one-on-one counselling session is an opportunity for you to talk openly to someone about the feelings and challenges you’re facing around vision loss. Counselling can often help you to build effective strategies that will help you overcome any feelings you might be experiencing and continue to live a fulfilling life.
Who can receive counselling?
Anyone, any age, any stage
No matter how long you’ve had vision impairment or what the extent of your vision loss is, talking to someone can help. This includes:
- People adjusting to recent vision loss
- People experiencing a change in their level of vision
- People with long standing vision loss
- Carers, friends and family members of people with low or no vision.
You can access our counselling services on their own, or in combination with skills training through Occupational Therapy or Orientation and Mobility training.
Where do the sessions take place?
Before starting a counselling session, our team will work with you to find or create a safe space to help you feel calm and supported.
Depending on what you are most comfortable with, we are able to offer counselling:
- In your home
- In a private space at our Training Centre
- At a convenient time over the phone.
How can counselling help me?
Counselling provides a safe environment where you can explore and discuss any challenges you may be facing, your thoughts, concerns and feelings around your vision loss. This can help you with:
Understanding and accepting your vision loss
Developing strategies to cope with changes in your life
Improving your outlook and wellbeing
Making plans for your future
Overcoming barriers to your mobility and independence
Accessing additional information, resources and support
Bec’s story
It’s scary to go outside with barely any vision because your imagination just goes into overdrive. I spoke to some counsellors through Guide Dogs and gradually as my confidence and knowledge of the routes I was taking grew, that anxiety went away.
Bec,
Meet the Counselling team
Our Counselling team is dedicated to helping all Queenslanders impacted by low vision or blindness to overcome the associated emotional barriers, learn to manage their feelings and look to the future with hope and confidence.
How the Counselling team can help you
In addition to offering personal support in private counselling sessions, they may also suggest group programs that may be useful for you to participate in, like the Better Living Program or the Volunteer Peer Support Program. Facilitated by our experienced team, these programs give you the chance to share with people in a similar situation and learn effective strategies to cope with vision loss from others.
Experiencing vision loss can be challenging. We’re here to help you understand the impact of vision impairment and support you to take care of your health and wellbeing.
Dr Janet Cheong, Psychologist
Learn more about your funding options
You may be able to access funding and assistance through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help cover the cost of support and training programs.
Learn more
Learn more about your funding options
You may be able to access funding and assistance through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help cover the cost of support and training programs.
Learn moreComplementary services
Looking for something else? All our services can be accessed on their own or in conjunction with more of our programs.
View all services
Orientation and Mobility
Gain the skills you need to be able to get around safely and independently.
Guide Dog Mobility
A Guide Dog is a loyal companion to help you navigate the world around you.
Assistive Technology
Toddlers can begin using equipment like a cane to help them move around safely.
Occupational Therapy
Receive professional support for everyday skills like cooking, cleaning and personal care.
Alanna is here to guide you through your options and help connect you with the right support.
Alanna
Your Support Coordinator