Key Points

• Key elements of counselling include good interpersonal communication, respect for personal dignity, a non-judgmental attitude, empathy and cultural sensitivity.

• Confidentiality is a critical element to maintain for provision of counselling services to be successful. Sensitive issues should be discussed privately between the counsellor and patient.

• For gender sensitive topics i.e. family planning, it is important to determine whether the patient would be more comfortable speaking to a male/female counsellor.

• Utilize existing counselling aides / manuals from specific program areas to assist during patient counselling as applicable

• Successful counselling requires 3 Basic Skills:

o Listening skills which include active and reflective listening.

o Learning skills which include probing (open ended questions) and summarizing.

o Confidence building and support skills which include affirmation and disclosure (information sharing for referral).