The transformative effect of training in counselling and its application, on the community counsellors themselves
Naeem, S.; Ali, B.S.; Mubeen, S.; Iqbal, A.
Jpma. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 53(9): 388-390
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 14620311 Document Number: 557988
To identify the changes in community counsellors' own level of anxiety and depression as a result of learning counselling skills and to explore their subjective experiences after learning and providing counselling. Quantitative: Repeated Measures. / Qualitative: Focus Group Discussions. A lower middle class semi urban community of Karachi, Pakistan. Twenty-one self selected women from the community. Reduction was seen in the post training scores of anxiety and/or depression in the trainees. As a result of learning and then providing counselling the community counsellors' self esteem, self confidence and sense of competence were enhanced and they developed a more positive attitude towards life. A minimal level of training in counselling skills and their application led to significant positive changes in the community counsellors themselves, though self-selection and information bias cannot be ruled out.