The transformative effect of training in counselling and its application, on the community counsellors themselves.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the changes in community counsellors' own level of anxiety and depression as a result of learning counselling skills and to explore their subjective experiences after learning and providing counselling.


METHODS
Quantitative: Repeated Measures. / Qualitative: Focus Group Discussions.


METHODS
A lower middle class semi urban community of Karachi, Pakistan.


METHODS
Twenty-one self selected women from the community.


RESULTS
Reduction was seen in the post training scores of anxiety and/or depression in the trainees. As a result of learning and then providing counselling the community counsellors' self esteem, self confidence and sense of competence were enhanced and they developed a more positive attitude towards life.


CONCLUSIONS
A minimal level of training in counselling skills and their application led to significant positive changes in the community counsellors themselves, though self-selection and information bias cannot be ruled out.
Naeem
S
S
Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi.
Ali
B S
BS
Mubeen
S
S
Iqbal
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003153:Community Health Services; D003376:Counseling / Q000193:education*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D011361:Professional Competence; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012923:Social Class; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019037:Urban Health Services; D000078329:Workforce