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HIV Counseling Strategies

Testing positive for HIV can shock and terrify a person. It is the beginning of a dramatic lifestyle change in her that she may not be ready to undertake. Counseling and educating an HIV positive individual can greatly improve his quality of life. HIV has no cure, but recent medical discoveries and proper treatment make it possible for a him to live a happy, healthy life for more than a decade.

  1. Information

    • HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. Educating an HIV positive person can help her remain optimistic about her situation. A doctor can provide a lot of information about HIV as well as know where to go for additional information, including how to stay up to date on treatments and therapies. Becoming HIV positive does not only affect the individual, but everybody around her as well. A pregnant HIV positive woman can transfer the virus to her baby, so she must learn about reducing that risk by taking anti-retroviral drugs and by adapting her delivery plans and infant feeding practices.

    Medical Health

    • An HIV positive individual may not want to receive treatment out of fear that others will recognize her. Both clinics and support groups both practice confidentiality. Offering to go together with her to a clinic may help alleviate her fears and encourage her to see learn her options for treatment. A doctor can recommend various medicines as well as where to go for counseling. If she wishes for counseling, a doctor can recommend various organizations that can assist with her mental health. Good nutrition also helps medicines combat HIV. A team of health care professionals can also advise her about healthy eating and exercise programs, which include foods from each food group and even junk foods. Calories and protein will keep energy and muscle mass high and strong.

    Support Groups

    • No vaccine for HIV exists. The HIV positive individual will have to live with the virus for the rest of his life. Encouraging him to continue seeing a doctor for treatment, treating his body well and, if necessary, joining a support group can help him deal with that burden. Not every option will work for everyone, but it will help him to know that others share his hardship. HIV support groups, including church groups, exist both locally and internationally and offer assistance to people, especially in regards to the significant life changes that come with the discovery of HIV in the body. If nothing else, simply offering to support him as a friend and not avoid him can stimulate hope.

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