How can Linda respectfully and effectively address the men’s fears?

Question

As an employee of a private, nonprofit HIV/AIDS clinic in a rural North Carolina community, Linda Summerfield’s job was to provide direct services to people with HIV/AIDS as well as to connect them with resources. Aware of their needs, she also respected their need for confidentiality and anonymity in an area where issues surrounding HIV/AIDS were highly charged and prejudice was common. In 1999, Linda was also eager to help six men in her caseload who were struggling with uncertainty, loneliness, and isolation. Aware of their shared needs, she believed in the healing power of group work for such clients. Although initially reluctant, the six men agreed to “meet” via telephone and, despite their apprehension and some technical difficulties, after five weeks all agreed that the experience was helpful. But when meeting via telephone became unworkable, Linda faced decisions over whether and how or where to persuade the men to continue meeting.

Answer 1

The fears that these men present are rational in that they are attempting to protect themselves. They are vulnerable. They live in a community that they experience as homophobic, where prejudice runs rampant. They are aware of recent events related to a young mother with HIV/AIDS, which led the community to openly reject and expel her. Linda also feels protective. By joining her fear with their fear, Linda can frame the feelings as healthy caution and self?protection. This is a rational, healthy feeling with which the clients can promote safety, security, and success as they devise a plan to combat similar challenges: isolation and loneliness. Also, fear can be the impetus for learning more from one another about successful coping strategies for living with HIV/AIDS and for “banding together” to continue the group.