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Abstract

In Thailand, as in most countries, mental health treatment is focused on a medical model. A new approach using Gender-Sensitive Empowerment Counseling as a form of intervention for women with depression was employed in this study. This qualitative study describes clients’ perspectives on receiving Gender-Sensitive Empowerment Counseling. Participants were fourteen women with depression who received empowerment counseling. In-depth interviews were used for data collection. Data analysis is content analysis. Five themes emerged: attitude change, feeling empowered, self-confidence, becoming more assertive, and greater self-love. Health care policy and service should integrate gender analysis and empowerment into the treatment modality. Supporting gender-sensitive workshops for therapists is significant for working with women with depression.

Author Biography

Associate professor Dr. Somporn Rungreangkulkij is a director of WHO CC Center for Research and Training on Gender and Women’s Health at Khon Kaen University. Her research focuses on using gender to understand women’s and men’s mental health.

Assistant professor Dr. Netchanok Kaewjanta is an expertise on men with depression.

Assistant professor Ingkata Kotnara is an expertise on adolescents with depression.

Kesorn Saithanu is an expertise on older people with depression.

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