title: Microcounseling skills training for informal helpers in Uganda.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Years of political instability, civil unrest, and disease have left scores of Ugandans in need of mental health services. However, there are few formal mental health services available in the country. Professional helpers such as clergy, teachers, and healthcare workers who have strong ties to their communities are frequently placed in formal counseling roles.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop, implement, and evaluate a training model for developing micro-counseling skills designed specifically for informal helpers in Uganda.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-four professional helpers were provided with a one-week, 40-hour training program in microcounseling skills.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following the training program, trainees demonstrated proficiency in basic counseling skills and attained an increased knowledge of those skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This training was readily assimilated and supported the ecological validity of the microcounseling model.
authors.affiliation: Gannon University, Erie, PA 16541, USA.
authors.forename: Paschal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kabura
authors.forename: Linda M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Tobin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002977:Clergy / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000193:education*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003376:Counseling / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000193:education; D014454:Uganda