Psychological Assistance To People Living With HIV/AIDS

On April 08-10, 2008 fifteen clergy from all the dioceses of Armenia participated in a seminar on Psychological Assistance to People Living with HIV/AIDS. The seminar addressed the following topics: general psychological state and peculiarities of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); concept and influence of stigma; forms of individual and group psychological assistance and skills.

The seminar participants tested some of the methods of psychological assistance through practical exercises, which proved its effectiveness during the training.

The seminar was highly interactive, and the participants were actively involved in role plays and exercises.

Most of the participants mentioned that introduction to the psychological consultancy skills as the most useful outcome of the training course. The main recommendations of the participants were related to enriching their knowledge and skills in the field of psychological assistance as well as participation in special training course on general psychology.