OBJECTIVES
When you have completed this unit you should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of counselling.
- List the characteristics of a good counsellor.
- List the key principles of counselling.
- Describe the process of counselling.
- Provide counselling before and after an HIV screening test.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of taking an HIV test.
- Describe the possible reactions of a woman to a positive HIV test.
- Describe the legal rights of an HIV positive woman.
- Counsel an HIV positive woman who plans to fall pregnant.
- Promote safer sex practices.
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COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved. No part of this Perinatal Education Programme may be altered in any way
without the written permission of the editorial board of the Perinatal Education Trust.
To facilitate the improvement of perinatal care, the Programme may be reproduced for teaching
purposes provided due acknowledgement is given and the material is not sold for financial profit.
While the advice and information in the Programme is believed to be accurate, the editorial board cannot accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may have been made.
ISBN 0 7992 1955-X
35-1 WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
Counselling is a process by which a counsellor helps other people manage difficult situations in their lives so that they are able to find realistic ways to solve their problems. Counselling helps people to make their own choices rather than simply giving them advice or telling them what to do. Counselling empowers people to act on their choices and decisions, and provides them with an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.
| COUNSELLING IS NOT ABOUT GIVING ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS BUT RATHER ABOUT EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO SOLVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS
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35-2 WHAT IS A COUNSELLOR?
A counsellor is a person who helps people manage their own lives as effectively as possible. A counsellor is not someone who has all the answers and can solve other people’s problems for them. Rather, a counsellor helps people make their own decisions in order to take the best course of action in solving their problems. It is important that the counsellor explains his/her role when a person is first given counselling.
35-3 WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A COUNSELLOR?
The role of a counsellor is to:
- Be a good listener.
- Ask appropriate questions.
- Summarize what the person has said.
- Provide relevant information.
- Give emotional support.
- Help facilitate decision making.
35-4 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND EDUCATION?
Although counselling includes the provision of information, it is much more than education. Counselling also provides emotional support and helps people to understand themselves and their problems. It also helps people to make their own decisions and to plan their future actions. Counselling always respects and maintains a person's confidentiality. Counselling requires active listening.
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