The Transitions Group provides counseling, support, and education to all members, with an emphasis on facilitating adjustment to those who are more recently injured.
Our weekly group plays a powerful role in the lives of both inpatients and outpatients. Our topic-based group discusses a wide range of issues including loss and grief, overcoming fear, pitfalls of isolation, self-image, guilt, asking for help, dealing with the able-bodied world, dating, redefining your independence, family, and parenting. We even tackle more intense subjects such as self-blame, drug and alcohol dependence, depression, and “is life worth living after a spinal cord injury?” Our emotionally laden discussions are often softened by humor (frequently generated by the group members themselves), making discussions less intimidating and easier to participate in.
Our lunch group immediately follows Transitions, allowing for a more casual gathering. Those who are more shy and reticent in Transitions Group tend to pair with a mentor to discuss issues they may have been too uncomfortable to address in the larger group. We also provide additional support and information. We give individuals with SCI the opportunity to try eating with adaptive equipment or being fed in a public setting. These are important hurdles to overcome to ensure a smooth transition into the community.
If you are interested in attending Transitions Group or want more information, please contact Angela Riccobonno, PhD at angela.riccobono@mountsinai.org to arrange a brief phone evaluation to ensure the group is appropriate for you.