Crisis Intervention for HIV Positive Diagnosis

John is in a crisis situation. He is 30 years old and has recently learned that he has contracted HIV because he once was a heroin user and shared a dirty needle. He has now been clean for 1 year and attends a support group for recovering addicts. His fiancé, Jenny, left him after he told her of his diagnosis and he is despondent and feels he has no reason to live. John’s fiancé has not tested positive for HIV. John’s family consists of a mother, a father, and a sister who all live nearby.
Active Listening
 How does John feel today? o John feels fine physically and has never felt sick from this infection. o John is depressed about the break-up with his fiancé.
 What stage of HIV does John have? o John is asymptomatic, which is Stage 2.
 Does John have a treatment plan from a physician? o John has a treatment plan from his physician, which includes three drugs to combat the HIV and one for the nausea (side effect).
 Is he following his treatment plan? o Yes
 Does John need nutritional advice/support? o John does not have a Nutritionist yet.
 Who does John’s support system consist of?
 Mom , 48
 Dad, 49
 Sister, 26
 All family members are willing to come to counseling
Reframe
 This does not have to mean a death sentence for John Counselor
 Knowledge prolongs life
 Refocus on things John has control over
 Medication adherence
 Maintaining a proper diet John
 Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
 Continue Support Group for past addiction
 How does John think his family is coping? Family Counseling
 Ask about future plans- wishes- dreams
 Would John’s fiancé agree to come in for an educational session?
Education
 Provide educational materials and set up resources
 Group counseling LOCATE
 Living with HIV pamphlet FIND
 Websites
Goal Setting
 Medication adherence
 Calender
 Timer
 Pill dispenser
 Family (if unable to self-administer)

 Family therapy
Monitoring
 Weekly 50 minute