Worried People Approach Clinic (Press, 15 September 1986)

New Zealand's first A.I.D.S. diagnostic and counselling clinic, the Bruce Burnett clinic in Auckland, has been operating for three months and has served approximately 400 individuals, according to the clinic's first counsellor, Mr Dick Johnstone. Speaking at an A.I.D.S. counselling conference in Christchurch, he noted that the majority of clients are classified as the "worried well," including many heterosexual and bisexual men who experience guilt over having engaged in sexual activity outside of their relationships, such as with prostitutes or other men. Of those who sought counselling, about 80 opted for blood testing, with 12 to 15 testing positive for the A.I.D.S. antibody. It's important to clarify, Mr Johnstone explained, that a positive result does not necessarily mean that an individual has A.I.D.S., but rather that they may be a contagious carrier. The trends observed in the clinic indicate that there are no distinct "at-risk" groups; instead, the focus should be on "at-risk" sexual activities. Notably, the clinic recently recorded its first case of heterosexual transmission, where the antibody was passed to a woman from her male partner, who only had sexual relationships with other women. Most of the positive cases have involved bisexual men transmitting the virus to their female partners. The clientele is diverse, with individuals from various demographics, including an elderly grandmother, men in their sixties, and even an infant of a few months, which illustrates the misconception that only homosexual men are at risk of contracting A.I.D.S. Symptoms commonly associated with A.I.D.S. can be similar to those of depression or anxiety, leading some individuals to mistakenly believe they are infected. Mr Johnstone advocates for a shift in sexual practices upon receiving a positive A.I.D.S. antibody test, especially promoting the use of condoms to ensure safer sex practices. He emphasises that enhancing safe sexual practices can lead to a more fulfilling sexual relationship. The counselling process at the clinic prioritises pre-testing counselling to help individuals grasp the implications of a potential infection and how to cope with positive results. A significant part of the clinic's approach is encouraging couples to undergo counselling together, as discovering a partner's positive antibody status can be a traumatic experience that requires shared understanding and support. Mr Johnstone, who has a background in drug addiction counselling and has worked for a Presbyterian Support Service crisis centre, has been appointed to the Auckland clinic for three years. To manage the emotional demands of his role, he regularly seeks counselling from a supervisor and a clinical psychologist.

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