Those MSS staff members qualified to offer counseling assist consumers and family members in a non-psychoanalytical fashion. Counseling and consultation appointments are available, but no referral is required. T he society has approximately 25 self-help groups throughout Manitoba. These support groups assist consumers, family members and friends. The 'Peer Support' group helps people with the illness through methods of empowerment and education.
Family groups focus on the losses family members experience and effective coping skills.
Both the family group and the 'Peer Support' group rely on the psychoeducation model. For example we frequently use material from the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre at Boston University. A ll of the Society's consultation and support groups are free of charge to participants. These informational seminars deal with the myths and misunderstanding surrounding schizophrenia and the resulting stigma. Often a consumer tells his or her story as we attempt to present the facts about schizophrenia.