Counseling and psychotherapy in the Philippines: Jojo's story

• Main Authors: Melgar, Maria Isabel E., Javier, Roberto E.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2015
• Subjects: Depression, Mental—Philippines; Psychotherapy > Philippines; Counseling > Philippines; Psychiatry and Psychology; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/3067
• Institution: De La Salle University

This chapter discusses the therapy of the 54-year-old Jojo, who presented with general life dissatisfaction and depression and felt stigmatized as he had HIV. It describes the role of solution-focused story sharing in enabling him to take small steps in doing something about the predicament he is in and in adopting a more positive attitude about his future. To establish better rapport and understand the context of a client like Jojo, kuwentuhan [story sharing] was used during the private talk with him. The solution-focused approach in Jojo's therapy helped ground counseling goals to address the immediate cause of his depression. The specific counseling strategy used aimed to help the client deal with the losses he experienced after HIV and gain more confidence in reconstructing his future. The rapport built by the counselors and his open attitude helped him see the light and get on with being alive. © 2015 by the American Counseling Association. All rights reserved.