Counselling and the family physician

The effective family doctor is a caring counsellor. The counsellor must have an interest in this type of treatment, a knowledge of behavior in growth and development, self awareness, a proper approach, a plan of management, and above all, a caring attitude.The counselling process consists of active listening, awareness of emotions, search for insight, discussion of possible options and a formulation of understanding of the problems, the goals, and the contract. As the counsellor facilitates the patient's laying out of the problem and possible options, direction often becomes evident.