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Counselling Training for Speech-Language Therapists Working with People Affected by Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Systematic Review

Authors :
Sekhon, Jasvinder K.
Oates, Jennifer
Kneebone, Ian
Rose, Miranda
Source :
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. May-Jun 2019 54(3):321-346.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Background: Speech-language therapists use counselling to address the psychological well-being of people affected by post-stroke aphasia. Speech-language therapists report low counselling knowledge, skill and confidence for working in post-stroke aphasia which may be related to a lack of counselling training specific to the needs of this client group. Aims: To identify current training in counselling for speech-language therapists to address psychological well-being in people affected by post-stroke aphasia. Specifically, the intent was to establish the objectives, content, amount, teaching methods and outcomes of counselling training provided to speech-language therapists working with people affected by post-stroke aphasia. Methods & Procedures: Eleven databases were searched from inception to January 2018 using terms relating to counselling, psychological well-being, speech-language therapy, stroke, aphasia and training. Studies using any research methodology and design were included. Nine studies were critically appraised and synthesized as a systematic review using the Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis and Analysis (SALSA) framework. Main Contribution: Information on counselling training came from the UK, United States and Australia. Student speech-language therapists received training in goal-setting and generic counselling skills. After qualification, speech-language therapists received counselling training from mental health professionals within stroke workplaces, from external providers and further education. A range of teaching techniques and counselling approaches were described. Self-report and themes from qualitative data were the primary measures of counselling training outcomes. Moderate correlations were reported between counselling training and levels of speech-language therapists' knowledge, comfort, confidence and preparedness to counsel people affected by post-stroke aphasia. Conclusions: Research in counselling training for speech-language therapists working in post-stroke aphasia is limited, with a small number of primarily low-quality studies available. Training in generic counselling skills and brief psychological approaches with support from mental health professionals in the stroke workplace enabled speech-language therapists to feel knowledgeable, skilled and confident to address the psychological well-being of people affected by post-stroke aphasia. Evidence about the effectiveness of counselling training on speech-language therapists' confidence and competence in practice and on client outcomes in psychological well-being in post-stroke aphasia is required.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1368-2822
Volume :
54
Issue :
3
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1213516
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research<br />Information Analyses
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12455