Psychosocial intervention in the process of empowering families with children living with HIV/AIDS--a descriptive study

Abstract

The notion of 'family empowerment' is of crucial importance in any kind of psychosocial intervention directed to families with children living with HIV/AIDS. The goal is to restore self-efficacy and self-esteem, encourage positive coping and help family members make their own choices. Two settings for psychosocial intervention are described: an outpatient clinic within a larger medical institution and a therapeutic camp for families with children. Different psychotherapeutic and counselling strategies and approaches are briefly presented. Preliminary results based on work with families with children infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS are described. The conclusion is that interventions that involve different settings seem to be most effective, especially for the most vulnerable families. The important issue is also collaboration between different service providers and NGOs.