Stigma reduction through group counselling of persons affected by leprosy--a pilot study.
Stigmatization of persons with leprosy causes the emotional harm of social, economic and spiritual deprivation. Individual counselling has benefits in addressing these psychosocial problems but is a slow process and effects few people at any one time. Our experience of group counselling of stigmatized persons achieved the following: addressing common issues to more than one person at a time, encouraging the unity of sufferers, developing compassion for others, understanding the common effects of stigmatization, and beginning to overcome its harmful effects.
Floyd-Richard
M
M
Counselling Department, Green Pastures Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. bmrichard@ compuserve.com
Gurung
S
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D009390:Nepal; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012934:Social Isolation; D013240:Stereotyping; D016896:Treatment Outcome