Microcounseling skills training for informal helpers in Uganda.
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.
Kabura
Paschal
P
Gannon University, Erie, PA 16541, USA.
Fleming
Linda M
LM
Tobin
David J
DJ
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