FACILITATING COUNSELLING SESSION

REQUIREMENTS #

1. Serene environment
2. Two comfortable chairs and a table

STEPS #

1. Advance Preparation
   1. Set up an appointment with the patient
   2. Prepare the venue for the session
   3. Ensure patient has taken his/her medication, meal and is well groomed
2. Welcome and receive patient(s)
3. Sit patient(s) in a desired pattern while observing his gestures, mannerism and posture
4. Establish rapport (refer procedure) and explain the procedure to the patient(s)
5. Initiate conversation with brief introduction
6. Assure patient of confidentiality
7. Encourage patient to express problems, fears and conflicts
8. Identify patient’s thoughts and feelings as he/she expresses him/herself
9. Identify with patient his/her perceived difficulties and possible contributing factors to the problem
10. Speak in a calm, soft voice during discussions and avoid being judgmental
11. Allow patient to come out with coping strategies
12. Support patient to implement the strategies if possible
13. Inform the patient that he/she will be monitored on how he/she implements the strategies as well as assessment of his/her progress
14. Set date, time and venue for the next counselling session
15. Summarize and close the session
16. Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
17. Document the procedure and any observation made in nurses’ notes/patient’s folder