In 2,000-2,500, describe the attributes needed to become a competent health psychologist. Consider including information on counseling techniques, 

Attributes Needed To Become A Component Health Psychologist

Health psychology focuses on how biological, social, and psychological factors influence health and illness. Health psychologists use psychological science to promote health, prevent diseases and improve patient’s healthcare. Therefore, it is essential in the medical industry to explore motivations to embrace health promotion and illness prevention. Health psychologists are more focused on understanding how people react to, cope with, and recover from illness. Assisting people in making choices that positively impact their health and their family’s well-being, the workforce, and communities is at the heart of this dynamic field.

When it comes to HIV and AIDS patients, Health psychologists have an important role in designing behavioral change strategies and framing public health responses to the pandemic. Counseling these patients has become a core element in a holistic model of health care, in which psychological issues are identified as fundamental to patient management. Health psychology in AIDS has two core aims: preventing transmission and supporting those affected, whether directly or indirectly. Healthy psychology in the field of HIV is very important because changes in behavior can prevent further spread. Counseling is done in several stages of the disease, including pre-test counseling, post-test Counseling, and Counseling done during combination antiretroviral therapy. A good counselor must acknowledge a set of techniques and adjust some skills to make the Counseling more effective. These skills can bring in a good relationship between a counselor and a client. These skills can be practiced by verbal communication and demonstrated to the client by non-verbal communication. They include:

Good communication skills

Before testing for HIV, accurate and latest information about transmission and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections must be given to the person undergoing the test. After the testing, negative people are given information on risk reduction, while patients who test positive are advised to cope with the diagnosis. Counseling during HIV care is also critical in that it determines a realistic assessment of individual adherence and supports the complex adjustment to a daily routine of taking medication. As a therapist, you must possess good listening skills and be capable of hearing what your clients say and identifying the underlying meaning or issue behind their words and their nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and body language. You must also be able to communicate knowledge, compassion, and treatment options to the clients. The tone you use, intonation, expression, and choice of words are fundamental in communicating verbally. Written communication is also essential because you are the record-keeper for your clients, clinicians, and other necessary institutions.

Empathetic

When psychologists meet a new patient, one of the first steps is always establishing a good rapport or connection. Creating rapport is very important because it encourages the patients to build trust with the health professional to open up about their feelings. Empathetic psychologists always have an easier time establishing a strong rapport. Psychologists are encouraged to use a careful tone of voice and communicate well to convey their genuine concerns and, at the same time, maintain a professional bearing. New qualitative research suggests that individuals with HIV are subjected to non-judgmental, empathetic care from their primary healthcare providers. Health psychologists are more likely to adhere to their life-saving drug regimes. (Nelson et al., 2019). Empathy, however, should not be confused with Sympathy. Sympathy is a shade of compassion towards the person living with HIV. It indicates a power relationship, but empathy, on the other hand, tries to bring equality between the counselor and the client in question. In simple words, empathy can be explained by “Putting one’s feet into the client’s shoes.” When the health psychologist tries to empathize with the clients, he/she will share his /her emotions and socio-economic and environmental background, leading to a more pragmatic design of the behavioral change plans. A psychologist must accept who their patient is fundamentally and support them fully. Supporting them means that you cannot withdraw your support if the patient does something wrong or disagrees. The support helps create a connection with your client, allowing you to sort through the human conditions and characteristic difficulties, address your client’s distinctive situation, and find meaningful solutions.

Patience

Clients may ask similar questions again and again; hence, patience is highly required. It happens due to lit