[humanser] Blind counselors and body language

[Ally Matt]

I have been able to discern the important information throughh voice cues and other audible indicators. I have actually had some clients find my visual impairment a benefit. I had asked a client expressed gratitude that I would not be able to judge her body because I couldn't see. I have had a couple of clients expressed concern about being able to work with me because I am blind, but that has often been resolved once we meet for the first time. I actually think that sometimes I have an advantage in that I can't see things that might distract. I have to focus on what the client is saying and at the tone of their voice.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 31, 2017, at 4:02 PM, Ayoub Zurikat via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello family, I hope you are all well.
> I am currently doing my masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. Thing is, I have had this concern ever since I started the program, and I need advice or feedback.
> So a crucial part of therapy is the therapist's ability to read and interpret client's nonverbal body language. However, being blind I cannot do that. Here are my questions.
> 1- has this been an issue for employment? In other words are counseling centers/employers hesitant to work with blind counselors because of this issue?
> 2- for those of you who are practicing therapists, how do you deal with such an issue? Are their skills that can be learned? 
> 3- am I going to have to limit myself to do therapy with blind/disabled clients because of this?
> 4- do any of you know of internship sites in the Chicago area that are friendly towards blind interns?
> 
> I've been very concerned, and quite stressed because of this. Your feedback and help are so greatly appreciated.
> Thank you 
> _______________________________________________
> HumanSer mailing list
> HumanSer at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/humanser_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for HumanSer:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/humanser_nfbnet.org/ally.matt0%40gmail.com