How can marriage and family therapy help?
Now that people in treatment live longer with HIV, complex social and emotional needs may emerge that require specialist intervention. Family therapists are trained in working with families where one or more members face a chronic or life threatening illness. They also have special skills in helping people to cope better where there are tensions, secrets and communication difficulties in the family. They are ideally suited to working with individuals, couples and families dealing with the long-term impact of living with HIV. Many therapists have expert knowledge in helping people disclose their illness to other family members. Some will have extensive experience working with couples in same sex (gay or lesbian) relationships. They can also help people who are not infected, who are worried about their own risk, or help people concerned about a loved one who has HIV. What interventions are used? Clients can go and see a therapist on their own, with a partner, or together as a family. The
