Female Genital Mutilation - World Health Organization

menstrual patterns and sexual relationships in a
very tactful manner, as these questions may
embarrass the client and result in communication
breakdown.
● Use “open-ended” questions – i.e. questions that
require more than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, and
thus offer the client the chance to explain things in
some detail.
● Use observation skills continuously to pick up nonverbal
cues, and tell the client what you have
observed to give her the chance to tell you more
about the situation.
● Listen carefully and empathetically (showing
concern).
● Use all your senses to try to understand the client’s
world. It may not be easy the first time you meet
her, but arrange for subsequent visits to explore
more.
● Support the client throughout the interview to give
her psychological strength.
● Assess the client’s intellectual status – that is her
ability to understand information and comprehend
a situation.
Each girl or women should be treated as
a unique individual with unique needs
and problems. Counselling and care
should be tailored to individual needs
and problems, not carried out according
to a formula devised for some imagined,
stereotypical client.
● Remember that, throughout the counselling
session, the emphasis should be on:
– Privacy and confidentiality.
– Patience.
– Creating a trusting relationship.
– Remaining non-judgmental.
– Understanding of non-verbal cues.
– Using facilitation skills.
● Record your findings and share these with clients
wherever appropriate.
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
STUDENT MANUAL
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