title: The transformative effect of training in counselling and its application, on the community counsellors themselves.
abstract: 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.
authors: Departments of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Naeem
authors: B S
authors: BS
authors: Ali
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Mubeen
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Iqbal
mesh_terms: 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