ABSTRACT
TRUTH OR FICTION?
Confidential HIV testing means that the results may be available to anyone with access to a person's medical information, such as doctors or insurance companies.
The HIV virus may remain dormant for no more than five years.
A serodiscordant couple refers to a couple, in which there is one HIV-positive person and one person who is not positive.
An at-risk other refers to persons deemed by the therapist to be in imminent danger of contracting HIV from a client.
In areas in which it is illegal for an HIV-positive individual to choose not to disclose, it is the therapist's duty to warn any individuals who might be at significant risk of transmission.
Mood and physical fluctuations are very common for people who are HIV-positive, thus need not be addressed by the therapist.
Persons living with HIV can find it very therapeutic to plan their funeral, wake or memorial service.
Group therapy for HIV-positive children has revealed themes such as feelings of loss, social isolation, anger; and relational ambivalence were uncommon, especially in the beginning stages of therapy.
The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS has been identified as being relevant to people living with the disease.
Issues pertaining to HIV specifically need not cause tremendous burden on professionals as materials can be obtained utilizing local libraries, health departments, community agencies, and consumer groups.
African American men and women have been significantly impacted by HIV. However, men contract HIV more often from heterosexual contact and women from homosexual contact.
Studies suggest the possibility that homophobic therapists may be less comfortable working with HIV-positive clients, even when such individuals are heterosexual.
If a client grants verbal permission for a therapist to disclose his or her status to an at-risk other, other documentation of consent to release this information is not required.
In the event of physical decline, family therapy can be continued at alterative sites. such as a family home, hospice, or hospital if the client's condition permits.
The death of the HIV-positive family member typically terminates therapy.
