Support discussions and sexual counselling for PLWH
Page last reviewed 17.9.2026
Hivpoint offers free and confidential support and crisis discussions
For many people, finding out about their HIV infection is a great shock and personal crisis. It is important that no one is left alone in this crisis. In addition to being upset about the infection itself, a new HIV diagnosis can raise a wide range of questions. HIV can also raise questions as a result of a new life situation.
Examples of questions that you may have:
- Can I live a normal life with HIV?
- Who should I tell about my HIV infection? And how?
- How to tell my child or family about HIV?
- How does HIV affect family life—or does it?
- Will HIV affect my relationships and my sex life?
- Can I have children?
- Does HIV affect career choices or do I have to tell my workplace about the infection?
Hivpoint’s support and crisis meetings will help you reflect and think about all these issues.
We can organize the meetings at Hivpoint’s office in Helsinki and if necessary, also elsewhere. Maybe you feel most comfortable meeting at a park or in a cafe? We’ll make that happen! Meetings can be held face-to-face, by phone, or over video call. We can speak in Finnish, English, Russian and Somali. We can also use an interpreter if needed.
You can also bring your partner or other relative with you for our counselling session. We can also match you with a person living with HIV, who has gone through the same situation before and can provide you with peer support.
Sexual counselling for people living with HIV
Hivpoint offers free and confidential sexual counselling to people living with HIV and their partners. In our discussions we are sensitive to diversity in sexuality, gender and relationships. All of our employees who provide sexual counseling are trained sexual counselors.
During sexual counselling, you can discuss topics such as the following:
- The effect of HIV infection or other illness on one’s sexuality
- HIV infection and relationships
- HIV infection and sex
- My own sexual identity
- My gender identity
- My body and its’ acceptance
- Sexual dysfunction (such as erectile dysfunction or orgasmic problems)
- Sexual pleasure
- Reluctance
- Relationships and intimacy
Book an appointment for counselling
When HIV raises questions, you don’t have to face it alone. Seek help and support.
Book an appointment for a support session or sexual counselling.
Batulo Essak
batulo.essak@hivpoint.fi
Call or send a message (Whatsupp) 040 778 9861
Discussions are held at Hivpoint’s office in Helsinki as well as remotely. We offer sexual counselling in Finnish and English and the use of an interpreter is also possible if you need and want to.
HIV Finland (Positiiviset ry) also offers support services for those who have just heard of their HIV infection. Read more about them here.