The training needs of counsellors in primary medical care

Abstract

Our objective was to discover the working conditions of counsellors in general practice in England, their perceptions of their work, and the adequacy of their training for their work in primary care settings. Results showed no correlations between size of practice, employment of a counsellor, or the number of hours the counsellor worked, nor between level of training and pay. Elements considered to be missing from counsellors' training included training in brief therapy, the medical model of illness, medication, NHS structure and team collaboration. While getting great satisfaction from their work in primary care most counsellors felt unprepared; many were affected by the high level of patient need and by the lack of peer and team support. There is a need for more specialist training and shared training between General Practitioners and counsellors, and for a fee structure based on a standardised postgraduate training for counsellors wishing to work in primary care.