Traditionally, when a client came to a clinic for family planning
counseling, only the provider was considered an expert. This
resulted in a diminished role for the client. The provider and
client need to work as a team in order to meet the desired goal
of informed choice. A useful way to consider the interaction
that happens in a counseling session is to recognize that there
are two experts in the room.
Clients are experts because they know their own situations
and needs best and may know what kind of methods they want to
use. Providers are considered experts because they are expected
to have technical knowledge and skills. They can determine whether
or not a client is medically eligible to use a method and can
provide necessary information about the method to the client.
The provider’s job is to help a client apply the technical
information to personal circumstances and lifestyle. When both
areas of expertise are combined, the goal of informed choice
is more likely to be met.
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