AEGiS-BKREV: Theory and Practice of HIV Counselling: A Systemic Approach

Theory and Practice of HIV Counselling: A Systemic Approach

Brunner/Mazel, Inc., 19 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003. 192p., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-87630-717-9. $21.95.
Robert Bor, Riva Miller, Eleanor Goldman. 1993.

This book is a companion to a previous publication by the same authors: AIDS: A Guide to Clinical Counselling (London, Science Press, 1988). A systemic approach is a systems approach where the theories and practices are applied to individuals, couples, families, groups, and people. In this context, the word family denotes both blood relationships and acquired or social relationships such as same-sex. "The systemic view considers the reciprocity of relationships. For instance, if something happens to one member of a family, it will affect the rest of the family, whose response, in turn, will affect the behavior of that individual. This means that behaviour cannot be studied in isolation without taking into account the situation in which it occurs." With this in mind the authors proceed to describe the theory of systemic HIV counseling in the first 6 chapters. As with any life threatening disease, bad news has to be given to the patient at some time and an entire chapter is devoted to this task. "Some guidelines are offered for how to prepare patients for the changes that may lie ahead, to cope with the fears they may have for these changes, and how to give bad news, should the need arise."

The second part of the book delves into the clinical application. It covers counselling in pre- and post-HIV antibody testing, secrecy related problems, the worried well, counselling women, children, and their families, the adolescent and HIV, counselling in the terminal care phase and bereavement counselling. This is a well organized section with each chapter building on the previous one. It is excellent for all levels of counselors, providing the latest information that is needed in the counselling process of the HIV infected. The authors are well-versed in how this counselling should be carried out.

The last section of the book, "Medical Aspects of HIV Infection," is an overview of HIV infection, presenting some historical notes, epidemiology and transmission of HIV infection, natural history and classification of HIV infection, and clinical management that includes the special groups of women, children, intravenous drug users, hemophiliacs, immigrants, and refugees. This small book is a must for all counselors. It could become the Bible for those who are faced with counselling HIV patients. The books is highly recommended for all medical libraries, social work libraries, and academic libraries. Obviously, all counselors should have their own personal copy. (H. Robert Malinowsky)

Keywords: Patient Counseling, Counseling, HIV Infection, Psychology

931130
BK930051

Copyright © 1993 - The University of Illinois at Chicago. All materials in the journal are subject to copyright by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and may be reprinted or redistributed for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. For other reprinting, redistribution, or translation, address requests to H. Robert Malinowsky, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, PO Box 8198, Chicago, IL 60680 or electronically to hrm@uic.edu.

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1993. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .