Counseling students’ perceived challenges for self and families with members living with HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT Research has indicated that families affected by Human Immunodeficieny Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome benefit from family counseling services; however, little is known about the perceptions that future counselors have about Human Immunodeficieny Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and its effect on counselors and the families they serve. A descriptive content analysis of responses by 111 master’s level counseling students revealed challenges perceived to confront families living with Human Immunodeficieny Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: psychological health, interpersonal and systemic changes, healthcare cost, and stigma. Additionally, participants’ indicated that they believed counselors would face challenges associated with knowledge and beliefs, Human Immunodeficieny Virus stigma, grief, empathy, and resources and support. Implications for family counseling and counselor preparation are also discussed.