An innovative program of counseling family members and friends of seropositive haemophiliacs

Abstract

This paper describes current efforts to construct a set of innovative educational and skill building materials targetted at groups of persons with HIV infection, those at risk for HIV, their families and friends, and health professionals. The ENCOUNTERS family of interactive simulations is designed to provide participants with the necessary communication and behavioral skills to deepen their understanding of HIV, to improve their interaction with others in their interpersonal environment, and to more effectively manage stress generated by HIV concerns The ENCOUNTERS family of simulations are built on the principles of role play, but adds to them principles of simulation gaming. The former technique is strengthened by offering active participation for all group members, increased structure, and the opportunity for participants to take different perspectives on an issue of concern in a supportive small group environment.