Manual for Male Circumcision under Local Anaesthesia

Male circumcision under local anaesthesia
Version 3.1 (Dec09)
Focusing
Clients are often overwhelmed by emotional or personal problems
related to their particular sexual and reproductive health problems.
They may want to address all the issues at once. If clients start to talk
about problems or situations that will be discussed later in the session,
the counsellor may want to bring the topic of discussion back to the
current issue.
Example:
At the beginning of the first counselling session, the client begins
talking about the most recent situation when he may have been
exposed to HIV. He asks about where and how he can get
condoms.
The counsellor does not want to interrupt the flow of the
discussion, so says: “Using condoms is an excellent way to reduce
your risk of getting an STI or HIV infection. We can talk about that
in a few minutes. Right now, let’s continue talking about your HIV
situation.”
If the client wants to talk about other emotional or personal issues,
such as problems at home or a partner’s drug use problem, the
counsellor should help the client find appropriate support.
Affirming
Affirming is congratulating or complimenting clients on the positive
actions that they have taken. It is important to encourage success.
Complimenting clients helps them feel respected and valued and
encourages them to try to make other changes to reduce their risk of
HIV infection. It may also make them more willing to share information
about other actions they have taken.
Example:
Client: “I’ve recently started using condoms each time I have sex”.
Counsellor: “That’s a really positive step in protecting yourself
against HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Well done!”
Clarifying
Counsellors clarify in order to make sure that they understand a
client’s statements or questions. Clarifying also helps the client
understand his own situation or feelings better and identify uncertainty
or conflict between his thoughts and behaviour.
Educating and Counselling Clients and Obtaining Informed Consent Chapter 3-8