ABSTRACT
Research-based approach For the past nine years in this locality health visitors have linked with GPs and mental health teams to improve practice in the detection and management of postnatal depression (PND). Since then health visitors have been using the Edinburgh Postnatal Screening tool, at six to eight weeks following delivery, to identify those mothers who are likely to be suffering from postnatal depression. There is considerable evidence that non-directive counselling or listening therapy by health visitors is helpful to at least two-thirds of mothers suffering from postnatal depression. Those women identified as suffering from postnatal depression are offered an agreed contract of non-directive counselling visits. Non-directive counselling is also known as ‘person-centred’ therapy because this approach locates power in the client, rather than in the counsellor. The major assumption is that by talking through their feelings with a warm and interested, but non-interfering other person, clients will gradually come to know themselves better, and find solutions to their problems. It is assumed that health visitors already act as counsellors in many situations; however, being non-directive may involve a change in emphasis.
