COUNSELING

Dr.P.B.Gopalakrishnan
Professor of STD
Government Stanley medical college
Chennai
COUNSELING
 It is a two way interaction between a client
and health care provider.
 It is an interpersonal, dynamic
communication process that involves a
contractual obligation between a client and
counselor who is trained to an acceptable
standard and who is bound by a code of
ethics and conduct.
 It requires empathy, genuineness, and
absence of any moral or personal judgment.
 ELEMENTS OF COUNSELING
Try to understand how a person’s situation
may increase risk and vulnerability
Provide information
Identify barriers
Help people find the motivation to reduce
their risk
Establish goals for risk reduction
Offer real skills
Offer choices/options
 Guidelines for COUNSELING
 Welcome your clients warmly by name introduce
yourself
 Sit closely enough so that you can talk comfortably
and privately
 Make eye contact and look at the client as he/she
speaks
 Use language that the client understands
 Listen and take note of the client’s body
language(posture. facial expression,
lookingaway)
 Seek to understand feelings, experiences and
points of view
Guidelines for COUNSELING

 Be encouraging(nod or say “tell me more about

that”)
 Use open ended questions and close ended
questions appropriately
 Provide relevant information
 Try to identify the clients real concerns
 Provide various options to the client
 Respect clients choice
 Always verify that the client has understood
your advice
 Jointly work out a plan of action with the client
 Decide the date of follow up

Barriers to COUNSELING
 Not reassuring regarding confidentiality

 Lack of privacy

 Not greeting or not looking at the client

 Appearing to be distracted( looking at your
watch or reading paper while the client is
talking)

 Using a harsh tone of voice or making angry
gestures
Barriers to COUNSELING
 Sittingwhile the client stands or sitting far away
from client

 Allowing interruptions during the consultation

 Being critical, judgmental, sarcastic or rude

 Interrupting the client

 Making the client wait for long time

 Not allowing enough time for the visit

 Condom
promotion
CONDOM –WHY


Condom provides dual
protection, helps in avoiding
unwanted pregnancy and gives
protection against STI/HIV
MALE CONDOM
 Barrier method

 Made of thin latex

 Various colours, shapes, types available

 Rate of HIV transmission 0-2% if condom used
correctly

 No full protection against STIs not covered by
condoms(Pubic lice,warts,genital herpes)

Male condom
Male condom-dotted
Male condom-Ribbed
Female condom
FEMALE CONDOM
 Polyurethane plastic pouch

 Covers cervix,vagina and part of external
genitalia

 Much expensive than male condom

 Effectiveness for STIs being studied

 Not very easy to insert

 Impervious to STI/RTI/HIV
Using condom ?-Things to
remember
Condom does not include
spermicide
Use a new condom ach time you
have sex
Use a condom once only
For best results store condom in a
cool, dry place
Do not use a condom that may be
old or damaged
Condom Demonstration
Female condom
Using female condom
 Step1 : Open the package

 Step2 : Put it on

 Step3 :Ensure it is in right position

 Step4 : During sex – Ensure it is in place and

you are protected

 Step5 :Dispose the condom safely

Using condom?-Things to
remember
Do not use condom, if:

The package is broken (not sealed)


The condom is brittle or dried up


The colour is uneven or changed
 To sum up
 Condoms provide dual protection
 Female condoms can increase control of
women over protection
 Condoms are effective only when used
correctly and consistnetly
 Providers must practice demonstration and
return demonstration of condom usage to
every STI/RTI client
 Condom must be available in adequate
quantities in all health centers

THANK you

THANK YOU