Jumpstart Your Relationship: Reclaim Your Well-Being is a teleclass series for couples who are looking for solutions to the emotional havoc brought on by MS. 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 Multiple Sclerosis (formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis) will review symptoms and treatments, as well as skills for couples to talk about and solve some of these very difficult problems.
Teleconferences are 90 minutes each week for 6 consecutive weeks
Space is limited. Register Today. 
Program Dates:
Thursdays: April 15 – May 20: 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET
Tuesdays: June 1 – July 6: 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET
Thursdays: July 22 – August 26: 9:00 - 10:30 PM ET
To get started, call 1-800 FIGHT MS (option #1) and tell an MS Navigator you want to sign up for the teleclass series you are interested in. Or you can send an email to couplesprogram@nmss.org and expect a quick reply.
This teleconference series may be a good fit if:
• 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.
What To Expect In a Teleclass:
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.
Incentives for couples who complete all six sessions:
• $50 gift check upon completion of 8 hours of relationship education.
• A follow up call to discuss the results of their assessments.
• A copy of the book Multiple Sclerosis: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier by Shelley Peterman Schwarz.
• Participant Handbook
