One of the potential reactions of helping professionals to clients who have HIV/AIDS is stereotyping how the infection is acquired. This reaction can affect the perceptions of the helping professional about the relational and psychological impact of the disease while working with the client. For instance, the helping professional may not be in the best state of mind while attending to the client (Rohleder & Swartz, 2005). The helping professional could find it uneasy to work around the client and especially if he or she knows the client in person.

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In a situation where the client is a relative or a close friend to the helping professional, the helping professional could find it challenging to maintain that closeness while working with the client because of potential questions regarding the manner in which the disease was contracted. In other words, the helping professional could assume that the disease was contracted through immorality or unwillingness of the client to adhere to the proposed safety measures such as using protection during sexual intercourse.

Another potential reaction of helping professionals to clients who have HIV/AIDS is the level of hope for the client to have a satisfying life. This reaction can impact the perceptions of the helping professional regarding the relational and psychological effects of the disease while working with the client. For example, the chances are that the helping professional will have doubts on whether the client will be able to accept that he or she has contracted the disease and move on (Perakyla & Peräkylä, 1995).

The helping professional could also lack the required mental balance to accept the fact that he or she has to convince the clients to change and adapt to a lifestyle that is suitable for their conditions. Additionally, the helping professional could find it difficult to convince the client about some of the things that he or she should do to maintain a good relationship with relatives and friends because they are important individuals who can help them have satisfying lives.