MODULE TWO: COUNSELLING - FHI 360 Center for Global Health ...

• People who have lost a loved one to AIDS or who have found out that they
themselves are HIV-positive may be so upset that they are considering
suicide.
• Women who are raped run the risk of being infected with HIV.
• Women who test positive for HIV may fear abuse from their husbands or
partners if they find out. Also, women in abusive relationships are often
unable to negotiate safer sex behaviours such as condom use.
• HIV-positive people may be fired from their jobs due to discrimination.
• Anger is a common reaction among those who have just learned that they
themselves or someone they love is HIV-positive. Anger can also surface
after an AIDS-related death.
• Depression can affect both those who are HIV-positive and those who have a
loved one affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Drug and alcohol use can be a risk factor for acquiring HIV and also a
reaction to living with HIV. People who are HIV-positive themselves or who
have loved ones infected with HIV may turn to drugs and alcohol to relieve
their emotional distress and escape from reality.
YEF Crisis Call Policy
If YEF HIV/AIDS Hotline counsellors receive a crisis call that they do not feel
capable of handling, they should refer the caller to the appropriate service.
YEF HIV/AIDS HOTLINE CRISIS POLICY AND SIMPLE COUNSELLING
GUIDELINES
The aim of this activity is to familiarise participants with the YEF HIV/AIDS
Hotline policy regarding crisis calls and to identify strategies for dealing with
specific types of crises.
Crisis Call Policy
If YEF HIV/AIDS Hotline counsellors receive a crisis call that they do not feel
capable of handling, they should refer the caller to the appropriate service.
General Guidelines for Crisis Counselling
1. Remain calm and stable. Encourage the client to express his/her feelings
2. Allow the client full opportunity to speak.
3. Attempt to determine the type of crisis, what caused it and how severe it is.
4. Deal with the immediate situation rather than its underlying, unconscious
causes that may be left for later.
5. Help the client break down the problem into smaller parts and identify which
parts of the problem that s/he can do something about. Help him/her to set
realistic goals.
6. Help him/her decide exactly what s/he is gong to do when s/he hangs up.
7. Stay focused on the basic practical issues and immediate needs.
8. Have a list of YEF local resources readily available.
Session 7- Pg. 7