Integrated Counseling Skills Role Plays

In a staff meeting, break up into groups of three and do role plays with one person playing the role of the “counselor,” another person playing the role of the “client,” and the third person observing the interaction.

The “counselor” should try to incorporate the steps outlined in “Basic Elements of Integrated Family Planning and HIV/STI Prevention Counseling” (see “Educational Aids”) and the skills identified in “Essential Counseling Techniques and Skills” (see “Educational Aids”).

Have the “clients” invent scenarios of their personal circumstances and situation prior to beginning the role play (for example, a 33-year-old married woman with four children, currently using oral contraceptives, aware that her husband has other partners, etc.).

The “observers” can use the handouts (“Basic Elements of Integrated Family Planning and HIV/STI Prevention Counseling” and “Essential Counseling Techniques and Skills”) as guides to assess “counselors’” technique.

After the role play, the “observer” can provide constructive feedback to the “counselor,” and the “counselor” and “client” can take the opportunity to discuss how they felt playing each of their roles.