In 2007, ESNI’s counselors delivered 2,250 staff hours of service to over 250 clients. Whether working with individuals, couples or families, emphasis tends to be on the impact of epilepsy on family dynamics. Simply put, the power of family of origin must not be underestimated. For example: family dynamics of blame, shame and guilt are powerful influences that have life-long effects on the development and regulation of self-esteem and self-confidence. ESNI staff has found a significant improvement in attitudes and patterns of adjustment when these difficult and painful feelings are expressed and dealt with by a professional counselor attuned to the unique characteristics of epilepsy.

Support groups interrupt the sense of isolation and alienation commonly experienced among the seizure-disordered and their families, as well as providing accurate and reliable information about epilepsy. These groups are facilitated by a staff counselor. The components of the counseling program offer an opportunity for clients to deal with the personal meanings and adjustment to epilepsy.

ESNI operates under the assumption that people tend to fear what they do not understand. Through education and support in dealing with the presence of epilepsy, the client’s own or someone else’s, we can intervene in the stigmatization and anxiety that almost always accompany the condition.

ESNI’s newsletter, EPILIFE, is our most effective communication tool. The 16 page, semi-annual periodical includes news of ESNI events, medical information, news of epilepsy research, relevant legislative information, personal reflections from people affected by epilepsy, and general information deemed to be of value to individuals with epilepsy or those who live and work with them.

This mixed menu serves differing purposes for those on our mailing list of more than 1,500 names. For those who have epilepsy and their families and friends, the newsletter supplies education about epilepsy and awareness of current events relevant to those with epilepsy. Increased understanding of their condition enables them to acquire a greater sense of control.

For human service providers, school nurses, teachers, neurologists and hospital staff, EPILIFE provides up-to-date information on epilepsy and heightens awareness of what it’s like to live with epilepsy. This increases one’s comfort level with the disorder and sensitivity towards those affected by it.

For all readers, EPILIFE creates a tangible bond with ESNI and a reminder that they have our support in dealing with epilepsy.

Community Education Programs are held throughout the year. Generally, neurologists speak on some aspect of epilepsy followed by a question and answer period. The programs are held in hospitals and are publicized via EPILIFE, media releases and mailing and distribution of flyers.

Library Pamphlet Files on epilepsy have been established in each of the 42 public libraries in ESNI’s service area. We regularly supply these libraries with updated information.

In-services are presented by agency personnel upon request. ESNI also provides videos, DVDs and/or literature for school nurses and social service administrators who wish to do their own instruction.

Outreach to neurologists serves many purposes for ESNI. It keeps neurologists aware of ESNI’s services, thereby encouraging referrals of patients to ESNI’s Counseling Program. It provides us with speakers for our community education programs and writers for EPILIFE. Lastly, good relations with neurologists are important to our counselors in their work with clients.