Counselling Recently Diagnosed Persons with HIV PHASE, Canadian Psychological Association and Health Canada Module developed by Bill Coleman, Ph.D. BC Centre for Disease Control Vancouver, B.C.

1 Counselling recently diagnosed persons with HIV is different: Stigma, guilt, shame, and fear Sexual implications Death and dying Issues around suffering

2 Counselling recently diagnosed persons with HIV is different: Newly diagnosed persons are often in crisis. They can be overwhelmed with fear and anger. They need support and information about HIV.

3 A diagnosis of HIV+ changes everything.

4 Sleep Appetite Denial Anger Intimate relationships Sexual behaviour Fear Panic Loneliness Suicidal thoughts

5 One’s perception of HIV makes all the difference. (There is life and sex after HIV.) Therapists can help their clients: explore perceptions of HIV learn more about the disease integrate HIV status into their identity.

6 Telling others is a major hurdle.

7 Telling others is a major hurdle Common feelings are: Fear Guilt Shame Alienation Restriction Major issues are: Telling partners Implications of disclosure Guidelines for disclosure Impact on relationships with partner(s), family, friends, co-workers

8 Sex and substance use can still be fun (and safe).

9 Sex is a useful coping strategy, but it can be scary with HIV. It is important to know what is safe. Communication skills and self-esteem are important elements. People can learn to have new and exciting sexual experiences, as well as new, fun and safe substance use. Once can have all this fun while protecting oneself and others.

10 When the client puts others at risk…

11 When the client puts others at risk… What is risk? Ethical guidelines Responsibilities of the counsellor to the client

12 There is help out there.

13 There is help out there For counsellors AIDS service organizations Colleagues Training opportunities Literature Web sites For clients AIDS service organizations Friends (?) Family (?) Other HIV+ persons HIV education