What I did is just to talk; nothing else' : the experiences of HIV/AIDS counsellors attached to lifeline, Khayelitsha, Cape Town

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Counselling has been recognised as an important component ofHIV and AIDS care, and anessential part ofHIV testing. Counsellors are involved in a dynamic interrelationship withtheir clients as well as with the organisations in which they work. From a psychoanalyticframework, unconscious anxieties can playa role in the work of the counsellor. Transferenceand countertransference are processes, which are involved in the counselling situation. Whilethese processes can be a source for understanding the client, they may also becomeproblematic for the counsellor when they overwhelm the counsellor. This study explores theexperiences of HIVIAIDS counsellors attached to Lifeline, Khayelitsha in Cape Town.Twenty-nine counsellors were interviewed using individual interviews and focus groupdiscussions. Results explore the counselling training and activity; the difficulties ofcounselling; what helps the counsellor to cope; and the general impact that counselling hashad on the counsellors' lives. The findings reveal the difficult and often distressing aspect ofcounselling persons with HIVand AIDS. A number of issues facing the client, as well ascultural and workplace issues may cause difficulties for the counsellor. In addition, the natureof the disease, and the issues it creates for the patient, can arouse a number of anxieties in thecounsellor related to their own past. The results reveal some possible limitations to anindividual client-centred approach. The study concludes that psychodynamic issues shouldform part of the counsellor's training, and be explored during regular counsellor supervision.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University