An 8-Year Telephone Support Group for Home-Bound People with Multiple Sclerosis: Adapting Therapeutic Methods to Overcome Isolation and Immobility

Abstract

This article explores the dynamics of a long-term telephone support group, over eight years, for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a progressive neurological disease that frequently affects mobility and engenders isolation. All of the participants in this group are physically disabled by their disease. The mobility challenges of this population led to the idea of using conference call technology as a treatment modality. Incorporating theory from neurobiology research, this article chronicles the implementation of the group and offers observations about the interplay between individual self-esteem, group participation, and the use of technology in mental health treatment.

Keywords:

• multiple sclerosis
• support group
• isolation
• disability
• telemental health