Who were the six clients? How were their circumstances similar and different? [This discussion may be enhanced by Teaching Suggestion #3 below.]

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

While all six men had HIV/AIDS, used the services of Daybreak, and lived in a rural community, there were also important differences. For example, Frank was older and had a prison record. Kevin, Frank, Darrel, and Jason were employed, while Tim and Jeff were not. Frank had a desire to mentor or adopt a young boy. Kevin had responsibility for his elderly mother. Kevin was personable and jovial. To Linda, Tim appeared most scared.