Counselling for HIV infection

Treatment Overview

During counselling, a qualified counsellor helps you cope with or change your thoughts, feelings, or behaviours regarding HIV infection. Your family and caregivers may also benefit from counselling.

• Counselling is often short-term (8 to 20 visits) but may take months or years.
• You may seek short-term therapy more than once as the HIV infection progresses.

Sessions may be individual or as part of a group.

There are several types of counselling:

• Interpersonal therapy focuses on current relationships.
• Cognitive therapy focuses on thoughts and beliefs.
• Behavioural therapy focuses on current behaviours.
• Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unresolved childhood and teenage experiences and their impact on your current thoughts and feelings.

The choice of counselling is based on your individual needs, background, and symptoms.

Why It Is Done

• People who are infected with HIV have a greater risk of developing depression.¹
• Counselling helps you deal with the emotional aspects of the disease.
• Grief counselling helps you deal with end-of-life issues.

How Well It Works

The effectiveness of counselling varies. Some people respond very well. Others find minimal relief. Studies suggest that counselling can effectively treat people with HIV who also have problems with depression.

Counselling sometimes includes becoming a member of a support group. Support groups are often good places to share information, problem-solving tips, and emotions related to HIV infection. The organizations listed in the Other Places to Get Help section of the topic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection often sponsor support groups for people who test positive for HIV, as well as for their caregivers and friends. Contact one of these organizations to find the support group nearest you.

Risks

There are no known risks.

What To Think About

Select a therapist who is trained and experienced in treating people who have HIV infection.

Counselling may be expensive, depending on the type of therapy and the provider. Check with your provincial or private health plan to determine whether coverage for counselling is provided.

For more information, see the topic Depression.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: October 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
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