[humanser] Concerns about nonverbal communication in counseling?

[Miranda]

Hi,
I am not yet in such a position. In fact, I am a college student studying for my bachelors in interdisciplinary studies, with one of my concentrations being human services. After graduating, I plan to pursue my MSW. I want to volunteer in this capacity to obtain some human services experience while still in school.
Thanks for your response, and have a wonderful weekend!

Best wishes, Miranda


Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 12, 2017, at 5:14 PM, Justin Williams via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Maybe if you can connect them with other counselors who are blind they can
> get some incite in to how it works.  Did you give them any of your
> techniques that you use?  If you are still working them out, I understand,
> but if you can, tell them what you do.  Sometimes though, it's hard to
> describe 
> Justin
> -----Original Message-----
> From: HumanSer [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Miranda via
> HumanSer
> Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 5:03 PM
> To: humanser at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Miranda <knownoflove at gmail.com>
> Subject: [humanser] Concerns about nonverbal communication in counseling?
> 
> Hi everyone,
> I previously came to you regarding concerns posed by the volunteer director
> for my local sexual assault response program. While I have not yet pursued
> that opportunity further, I am coming to you with concerns from another
> organization.
> I am being rather abruptly dismissed from wanting to volunteer as a client
> advocate with my local  pregnancy center, simply because the volunteer
> director has concerns about my "limitations" of missing non-verbal
> communication, based on a previously unsuccessful attempt to work with
> another visually impaired volunteer. Part of the email reads, "I have some
> concerns as to how you can effectively serve as a peer counselor with your
> limitations. Communication is a vital part of counseling young women and
> due to your restriction in reading body language and/ or facial expressions,
> part of that communication could be missed. In the past we have attempted to
> work with a visually impaired volunteer counselor and have been
> unsuccessful. I hope you understand our concerns and accept our appreciation
> for your interest."
> I will add that this is after multiple conversations regarding my attending
> the initial training, and my willingness to purchase the training materials
> ahead of time so that I could independently scan them into my computer.
> I recognize that this concern stems from a lack of understanding, and the
> sighted perspective of relying on nonverbal communication every day.
> However, I will admit to being at a loss as to how to respond from the
> practical side of The role of a counselor.
> Could any of you in such a role shed some light and provide insight?
> Thanks as always for your time and encouragement, and have a wonderful
> weekend!
> 
> Best wishes, Miranda
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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