Table of Contents
REQUIREMENTS #
- Serene environment
- Two comfortable chairs and a table
STEPS #
- Advance Preparation
- Set up an appointment with the patient
- Prepare the venue for the session
- Ensure patient has taken his/her medication, meal and is well groomed
- Welcome and receive patient(s)
- Sit patient(s) in a desired pattern while observing his gestures, mannerism and posture
- Establish rapport (refer procedure) and explain the procedure to the patient(s)
- Initiate conversation with brief introduction
- Assure patient of confidentiality
- Encourage patient to express problems, fears and conflicts
- Identify patient’s thoughts and feelings as he/she expresses him/herself
- Identify with patient his/her perceived difficulties and possible contributing factors to the problem
- Speak in a calm, soft voice during discussions and avoid being judgmental
- Allow patient to come out with coping strategies
- Support patient to implement the strategies if possible
- Inform the patient that he/she will be monitored on how he/she implements the strategies as well as assessment of his/her progress
- Set date, time and venue for the next counselling session
- Summarize and close the session
- Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity
- Document the procedure and any observation made in nurses’ notes/patient’s folder