What We Are and What We Are Not

This is a partial reprint from the first post.

The most important commitment should be to confidentiality. If we really want a safe place to discuss topics we can’t discuss elsewhere, we have to know: What is said there, stays there. Who else is there, stays there.

What We Are Not:
Professional Counselors: We walk in as equals with much to learn from each other.
A Medical Team: We can share information about our individual medical treatment plans, but no one should change their own based on anything said in the group and without consulting their physician.

We Can Offer a Place:
To express feelings with other women who understand.
To be heard.
To deal with all our feelings, including isolation and loneliness.
To develop coping strategies for living day-to-day with Parkinson’s and the side effects of treatment and medication.
To freely express the loss, grief, and changes resulting from Parkinson’s.

Possible Topics May Include:
Exercise – Fitting it in your day. What works for you?
Dealing with your children, regardless of age.
Sharing your diagnosis with others.
Accepting help.
Hospitalization – advocating for yourself.
Shifting balance of power with spouse.
Dealing with any changes in your financial situation.
Easing the burden on your spouse.
Is “care partner” the best name for your spouse?
Giving up driving.
Keeping your sense of self.