Evaluation of long-term counselling at a community health service for women who are on a low income

Abstract

Aims: Given the lack of research evaluating long-term counselling, coupled with the lack of women-only counselling services, the present study evaluated the long-term counselling service offered by a women-only community health centre. Method: The research ascertained: (1) the characteristics of 155 service users pre-counselling, (2) the views and experiences of 75 service users post-counselling, and (3) pre-post-counselling clinical change in 98 service users via the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation -Outcome Measure (CORE-OM). Results: Unemployment, low income and reports of abuse were related to poorer mental health as measured by the CORE-OM. Content analysis of open-ended questions revealed that women felt supported, comfortable and gained insight through the counselling relationship. They also reported positive changes in their lives, relationships, health behaviours, and psychological wellbeing. Post-counselling improvements were found in CORE-OM scores. Conclusions: Long-term counselling in a women-only environment for socially disempowered women may be beneficial. A researchinformed approach to counselling and therapy evaluation, which acknowledges the social context of psychological distress, should be taken across institutions.

A sanctuary of tranquillity in a ruptured world: Evaluating long-term counselling at a women’s community health centre

“…Women on low incomes report levels of mental health difficulties that are much higher than the norm (e.g. McLeod et al, 2000); and in this study long-term counselling appeared to be effective regardless of the level of initial severity (see Payne et al, 2015). In the UK, given that IAPT services offer mainly short-term CBT or self-help to only about 15% of those with diagnosed mental illnesses (NHS, 2015), there is clearly a need for rigorously evaluated long-term mental health services both in the public and voluntary sectors.…”

“…All 550 women who were provided counselling during 2003–2010 were sent a leaflet about the larger study, in which they were offered an interview pre- and post-counselling (for details of the larger study see: Ciclitira, Starr, Marzano, Brunswick, & Costa, 2012; Payne et al., 2015; Starr, Ciclitira, Brunswick, Costa, & Marzano, 2012). In total, 59 of these participants ranging from 23 to 67 years were interviewed between 2004 and 2011.…”

“…Poverty is also one of the most serious risk factors for mental illness for women worldwide (Belle & Doucet, 2003). Factors affecting women on low incomes include poor social support, living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, physical and psychosocial comorbidities (Payne, Ciclitira, Starr, Marzano, & Brunswick, 2015), reduced access to educational and employment opportunities, and problems with housing (Groh, 2007). While studies have been published on the mental health issues of women in low income groups (e.g.…”