Vocational counseling for people with HIV: The client-focused considering work model

Abstract

With increased efficacy of HIV antiviral medications and subsequent improvement in health status, many people with HIV face new decisions regarding work. The Client-Focused Model of Considering Work describes the interplay between four domains of influence (medical, financial/legal, psychosocial, and vocational). In each of these domains, persons with HIV can experience both pressures to make work related changes and barriers to making these changes. A nonlinear decision-making process is articulated in four phases. The authors discuss and contrast this model with other rehabilitation models, describe its implications for planning and delivery of rehabilitation services, and cite research results from a career counseling program based on the model.