Counseling the HIV-Infected Client

Abstract

The emerging empirical and clinical literature on the psychosocial issues of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has only begun to guide clinicians in their work with seropositive clients. This article presents a model that provides a conceptual framework for assessing the client's resources as he or she attempts to address the psychosocial issues that may occur as a result of this disease. The model has four components: special characteristics, social supports, situation, and client characteristics. It is hypothesized that these client resources predict or moderate the clients response to HIV infection. Responses to HIV infection are discussed followed by counseling strategies and interventions to address each response or reaction. Case management issues are presented including ethical dilemmas, rethinking clinical goals, the changing boundaries of the therapeutic relationship, transference, and countertransference.