GATHER Guide To Counseling
CONTENTS
Overviews
- Partners for Decision-Making
- Informed Choices
- GATHER Elements
- Six Principles for Counseling
- Poster to Welcome Clients
GATHER Steps
- Greet—Good Connection
- Ask—Why and How to Ask
Responding to Feelings
Can You Talk About Sex?
Advising Without Controlling
How to Listen Actively
Countering False Rumors - Tell—Tailored & Personalized
Tell Clients About Methods
Counseling in the Community
Effectiveness of Family Planning - Help—Key Help
Help Clients Choose
Is She Pregnant? - Explain—So Clients Remember
Explain How to Use
Using Audiovisual Materials - Return—Deserves Attention
Returning Helps Continuing Clients
Special Clients,
Special Topics
- Family Planning & Breastfeeding
- Emergency Oral Contraception
- Counseling Young Adults
- STDs and AIDS
- Meeting Challenges
Tools & Tips
Published by the Population Information Program, Center for Communication Programs, The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, USA
December, 1998
Series J, Number 48
A Partnership for Decision-Making
Counseling is a partnership of experts. The provider knows about family planning and other reproductive health care. The client knows more than anyone else about her or his own life, wants, and feelings. For successful counseling, these experts must share their knowledge.
This partnership has a purpose—to help the client make decisions or solve problems about family planning and other reproductive health matters.
People carry out their own decisions best. This is why good counselors do not make clients' decisions for them. Instead, they help clients make their own decisions. Also, providers give advice on medical matters—for example, whether there is any medical reason that a client should not use a certain family planning method.
The client can make good decisions when the provider and the client share facts and feelings.
Sharing Facts and Feelings
| Share Facts | Share Feelings | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider's Job |
- Give clear, accurate information that the client wants and needs.
- Help the client apply this information to her or his own life.
- Care for the client by showing understanding, respect, and honesty.
Job
- Describe personal situation and health conditions.
- Ask questions and make sure of understanding.
- Express attitudes, preferences, concerns, expectations, and wishes.
