HIV Counseling, Testing and Referral Training

Whetstone Consultations' core work is providing HIV Counseling, Testing, & Referral training. Our unique, skill-building curriculum prepares participants to provide quality prevention counseling regardless of their testing setting. In addition, our training incorporates counseling strategies for the emerging testing technologies. As a result, this 2-day training covers what might otherwise require multiple costly trainings. Contact us at Bill@WhetstoneConsultations.com to learn more.

North Carolina HIV Counseling, Testing, & Referral

Whetstone Consultations is proud to have been selected to provide the HIV Counseling Testing and Referral Training on behalf of the NC HIV/STD Prevention and Care Branch for the fifth year.

Both the Branch and Whetstone Consultations recognize what a crucial role health care providers and human services workers play in the prevention of HIV in our communities. Therefore we both are committed to providing high quality training to the individuals and agencies who work on the front lines with clients all across North Carolina.

The Training

This 2-day State funded skill-building training is specifically designed for persons who provide one-on-one or group HIV counseling. It reflects CDC and NC recommendations and is ideal for counselors from a variety of testing and counseling settings. Some of these settings include county health departments, HIV community based organizations, substance abuse treatment facilities, and organizations that provide HIV counseling and testing.

Intended Audience

This training is specifically designed for individuals who counsel and test persons for HIV.

This intensive training is NOT a basic HIV information course nor is it for persons providing non-counseling functions within their organization. Because it is required that all persons have a basic understanding of HIV disease each applicant is required to pass the HIV knowledge entrance exam prior to registration.

The Application Process

  1. Complete and pass the HIV knowledge entrance exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be forwarded to the application.
  2. Choose the training dates and locations that you could attend.
  3. Complete and submit the on-line application form.
  4. You will receive and must respond to the confirmation e-mail from Whetstone Consultations' office in 3-10 days after the application is received. Because of the demand for this course you may be placed a waiting list.

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What to Expect:

What past participants have said after attending the training.

In my 20 years of working in health care and going to trainings this is the BEST training I have ever attended. Thanks so much!

I will be a better clinician how that I am aware of the client's expectations.

This is the only multiple day training that I have attended that actually kept my complete attention at all times.

A great training that gave me a chance to actually play out the roles that I will be doing in real life.

I am leaving here feeling very empowered to do my job.

Absolutely enlightening in more ways that just HIV counseling!

Purpose of the HIV CTR Training

Persons charged with the important task of counseling individuals about HIV must draw upon a variety of competencies. Counselors need to not only have an in-depth knowledge of the disease, testing, and resources but also possess the skills that will help clients explore, express, understand and accept their own unique life and health risk circumstances.

This training prepares health care providers working in HIV/AIDS to use client-centered counseling concepts and skills. This is the foundation for prevention counseling with clients.

Counselors proficient in this method use skills to help clients assess testing options, interpret the HIV test results and help develop and implement a plan of action that reduces the likelihood of becoming infected or infecting others.

Objectives of the HIV CTR Training

As a result of attending this training, participants will:

  • Learn the components of quality HIV prevention.
  • Clarify communication boundaries and address issues of privacy and openness in sexual and drug use communication.
  • Discuss the subjective nature of risk-taking.
  • Increase their knowledge of Hepatitis and it's links to HIV
  • View and discuss the use of a self-administered risk assessment.
  • Learn and utilize two essential concepts of HIV prevention counseling.
  • Learn and practice six primary skills of HIV prevention counseling.
  • Learn a model to help clients identify risk, set goals, and take action.
  • Identify questions that can help a person discern both the benefits and barriers to behavior change.
  • Explore effective criteria for making client-centered referrals.
  • Discuss the major points of the NC HIV/AIDS Public Health Law related to HIV counseling and testing.
  • Explain the concepts and process of HIV testing, including various testing technologies and how to adjust prevention counseling components.
  • Learn and practice giving HIV test results.