From directive expert to non-directive partner: A study of facilitating change in the occupational self-perceptions of health visitors and school nurses

A group of health professionals participated in a ten-week course in counselling skills for working with families whose children have special needs. A comparison group received no such training. Occupational self-perceptions were measured during training and at one-month follow-up. Significant shifts were found in perceptions of self as 'expert' to self as therapeutic 'partner'. In particular, training produced positive changes in self-perceived counselling skills, internal locus of control, and self-esteem. It was concluded that training conceived along interdisciplinary lines can promote a belief amongst health-care professionals in the efficacy of working in partnership with families; that such an effect provides further support for working in such a way; and that appropriate provision of similar courses therefore should be incorporated into strategic health-care planning.