Jumpstart Your Relationship

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Teleconference and weekend programs for for couples in collaboration with the National MS Society 

TELECONFERENCE SERIES
Can Do MS and the National MS Society join forces to provide Jumpstart Your Relationship: Reclaim Your Well-Being teleconference series for couples looking for solutions to reduce anxiety brought on by multiple sclerosis.  In this series, scenarios of couples living with MS will demonstrate how couples can effectively manage some of the emotional backlash triggered by common MS symptoms.  Experts from the National MS Society and Can Do MS will review symptoms and treatments, as well as skills for couples to talk about and solve some of issues.

Teleconferences are 90 minutes each week for 6 consecutive weeks. Space is limited.

Find Dates on Our Calendar

Who should attend?
• You’re adapting to life changes related to MS.
• MS symptoms are creating challenges in your relationship.
• You’re finding it hard to exercise good self-care. 
• Intimacy no longer seems possible.
• Cognitive challenges are taking a toll on your partnership.

Space is limited. Register today with the National MS Society at 800-344-4867 or by email

You will receive the course materials once you and your partner have completed a couple assessment form and individual relationship assessments

Click here to complete the couple enrollment - one per couple

Click here to comple the relationship assessment - Each partner needs to complete the assessment

What should you expect in a teleconference?
Pre-registration is required for the teleconferences so that small groups can be formed. The groups will remain together for the duration of the six week teleconference series. This allows participants to become better acquainted and develop more trust, which leads to a deeper level of sharing and growth.  The group format also ensures that participants receive a good foundation for their learning and that new skills build upon others learned previously.

Our objective is to offer the best opportunity for you to learn, including from others who live with MS.  We have come to believe this is more likely to happen in a closed group where participants work together over time, learning and sharing with each other.  An added bonus to this model is that facilitators have an opportunity to get better acquainted with group participants.  We hope this will lead to increased participation between sessions and/or after the series for those who need additional assistance.

Criteria for Participation:
• Couples who are not currently experiencing adultery, domestic violence or separation.
• Couples who are able to commit to participating in teleconferences every week for six weeks.
• Couples who will agree to complete pre and post assessments and offer feedback about the series.

WEEKEND PROGRAMS
The National MS Society and Can Do MS invite you and your support partner to a weekend workshop for couples living with the challenges of MS.
This dynamic program will help you learn to:

1) Break patterns that prevent effective communication
2) Apply successful problem-solving techniques
3) Work as a team to manage MS and your relationship

2010 Program Schedule
 July 24 – 25, 2010 – Beaumont, TX
August 28 – 19, 2010 – Brattleboro, VT
October 23 – 24, 2010 – Lake of Ozark, MO
November 6 – 7 – Central, PA

Questions about the weekend program?
Contact Anna Cotton, Director of Programs, at acotton@mscando.org /970-926-1280 or 800-367-3101 ext. 1280