Robert Bor

Genograms in counselling practice: Constructing a genogram (part 2)

In Genograms in counselling practice: a review (part 1), recent literature on the use of genograms was reviewed and the efficacy and utility of genograms in counselling practice was examined. This paper outlines how a family genogram is constructed in a counselling setting. An approach to introducing the relevance of a genogram to the client is described as is the method of gathering and using information. The therapeutic use of genograms is also discussed.

Genograms in counselling practice: A review (Part 1)

Abstract Genograms are an important clinical tool for many counsellor, therapists and other health care professionals and can be used for assessment, gathering information on family relationships and exploring themes in counselling practice. This article reviews the recent literature on genograms and examines the efficacy and use of this tool from a number of perspectives including the use of genograms in health care, psychological counselling and in genetic counselling. The predictive value, and future development of the use of the genogram in counselling are also discussed.

What we say we do: results of the 1997 UK Association of Family Therapy Members Survey

This study represents the first UK national survey of family therapists and systemic practitioners. The aim was to provide demographic information of systemic practitioners/family therapists and also to describe their clinical practice. The sampling frame used was the UK Association of Family Therapy membership list and all members were sent a postal questionnaire. The response rate was 33% with 495 out of 1500 questionnaires returned. Among the major findings were: systemic practitioners/family therapists are most likely to work for an NHS trust, to use family therapy techniques/systemic ideas predominantly, and to treat a broad range of client issues. They are also most likely to work with families, and therapy is relatively short term (five to eight sessions) regardless of whether they treat families, couples or individuals. Most family therapists/systemic practitioners use some measure of outcome, although frequently this will be feedback from clients. Supervision is sought by the majority of AFT members. In spite of some methodological limitations, the study provides interesting insights into the training and practice of UK family therapists and systemic practitioners which appears to differ in some respects from our American colleagues. It also provides a baseline for future surveys, making it possible to describe the developments of family therapy and systemic practice in this country.

Counselling psychology in primary health care : a review

Abstract This paper reviews the development of counselling psychology within the field of primary health care. Issues discussed include liaison between counselling psychologists and other professionals, evaluation of treatment in primary care, family therapy in general practice and general practitioners’ skills in counselling. The need for training and evaluation of counselling are discussed and suggestions are made for further research.

HIV Counselling in the 1990s and Beyond.

Abstract It is 15 years since AIDS was first described in the medical literature. Reports of immune system disorders among gay men in large cities in the USA in 1981 signalled the start of what has now become a pandemic affecting millions of people. The psychological impact of HIV infection has been well-documented and it is widely reported that psychological treatment is mosdy provided for the treatment of adjustment reactions. Counselling for HIV prevention and HIV antibody testing has also been at the forefront of psychological support services. More recenuy, there has been a determined effort among counsellors to develop a range of psychotherapeutic approaches to help people to cope with and adjust to living with terminal illness. Most research published in the 1980s on the psychological impact of HIV addressed the infected individual. This symposium introduces a growing interest in the field for counselling those who are affected by HIV, including families, health-care workers and communities. This t...

Assessment of HIV Counselling and Social Care Services in a London Hospital.

Abstract The use of, and satisfaction with, counselling and social care services was investigated among HIV-infected clients attending HIV specialist climes at Guys Hospital and Southwark Social Services, London. A survey of 71 clients with HIV infection was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The greatest demand was for advice about income support, housing, counselling for the HIV test, counselling for depression or anxiety, psychological support for coping with HIV, help with sleeping problems, mobility allowance, and help with furniture/household appliances. Overall, 57% thought the service was good or excellent; 66% of respondents thought they would use the services in the future. Over nine in ten clients had used the psychosocial support services at some stage since their HIV diagnosis, although only two-thirds anticipated that they would have need of these services in the future. The psychosocial support service will need to remain responsive to the shift in demand for this service...