Table 6 Themes summary
| Themes | Counselling sessions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 to 4 | 5 to 8 | |
|
Referral process and intervention uptake How the referral process was handled was linked to the number of counselling sessions received |
Did not take up the intervention because they didn’t know what to expect Did not meet with the counsellor on day of referral Had other pressing things to attend to | The referral process was not explained for four of the participants while four participants asked to be referred to the counsellor |
Four of the five service users interviewed reported having the referral explained to them and informed on what to expect from the counselling sessions Introduced or walked to the counsellor |
| Benefits of enhanced dosage |
Reported improved interpersonal relationships, being more socially active, reduced internalised stigma, improved sleep and increased self-confidence Improved self-reliance and self-efficacy | ||
| Design of the counselling manual |
Helped service users feel safe and not exposed while sharing their experiences Vignettes presented depression factors in a way that was relatable for the service users | ||
| Reasons for dropping out and not taking up intervention |
Not knowing what to expect from the counselling intervention Contextual factors |
Feeling better Ill health Job opportunities and Contextual factors | |
| Motivation to continue with sessions | Self-observed improvement of symptoms provided an incentive for participants with expectation for further improvement |
Self-observed improvement of symptoms provided an incentive for participants with expectation for further improvement Counsellor qualities: as empathetic, able to contain participants’ emotions, explained structure of the intervention, displayed competency, set appointments and followed up service users | |