This book is a therapeutic tool for (PwMS), their families, care/counsellors and health service providers to use when addressing the psychosocial issues that affect (PwMS). It also benefits the general populace who have a special interest in MS related volunteer work as well as issues pertaining to disability in general. Reflections of the strengths and limitations of (PwMS) including those of the local Society are also outlined, inclusive of other real life compounding issues. You'll find an overview of social networks, cultural issues, stigma and discrimination amongst others which are briefly outlined. You'll Benifit From: - Insight into the MS condition and how it affect people differently. - Introduction to basic counseling skills which are applicable to all life challenges. - Effective ways to soldier on in life despite copying with MS or any other type of disability. - Firm knowledge and theoretical base on System Thinking Model of counseling as well as personal empowerment strategies.
About the Author: Gertrude Mapara-(Mrs.) is a Volunteer Family/Physical Therapist-(VFPT) with the Zimbabwean MS Society. Her involvement with the local MS Society dates back since 1992. Before engaging in MS work she was employed full-time by St Giles Medical Rehabilitation Center for ten years and another ten years at Jairos Jiri Association. She has been attending CMSC-Actrims meetings since 2002. To date she has submitted three research inquiries, mostly covering psychosocial and cognitive aspects. Her initial presentation was A Systemic Investigation Into Care Issues Affecting the (PwMS) in Zimbabwe. Followed by Case Studies of (PwMS) in Zimbabwe. Finally the third presentation was entitled, "A Study to Identify the Psychosocial Needs of MS Caregivers in Zimbabwe, of which in 2012 she was awarded best poster in honor of Linda Morgante Hope Award. These educational tour trips has seen her travel to most states in the USA and other countries such as Italy. Switerzland, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Gertrude holds a Bachelor of Science Degree-(BSc) with the Zimbabwe Open University-(ZOU). She is a married woman with three children and dedicated to the cause of MS work, of which her current work-in progress is "Therapeutic Documentaries of (PwMS) in Zimbabwe". Her job involves counseling of (PwMS) and their families, doing home, work visits and attendance of stakeholder meetings. She also organizes workshops for MS caregivers, offers physical therapy, aids/appliances to (PwMS) and access to the MS library. She also supervises Social Science Students with a special interest in MS doing their practiums at the Day Care Centre or within the Kuwadzana Extension and Goodhope Farm Communities as part and parcel of out-reach program under Succeed Intergrated People's Agency/Organization, a community faith based organization she spearheaded in (2009).