https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120882 2026-06-01T14:40:55Z 2026-06-01T14:40:55Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129215 2024-11-29T10:08:27Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Psychiatric nurses’ perceptions about their work experience : implications for counselling Abstract: Occupational stress has an influence on both organizations and employees, resulting in burnout, employee turnover, absenteeism, lack of motivation, and poor performance. Employees in the health care sector have been found to be particularly vulnerable to occupational stress, which has a significant impact on their performance, well-being, and job satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to explore how nurses working in the mental health setting perceive their experience as professionals and how this experience affects their lives. Twelve participants divided into three groups contributed to this study by sharing their experiences. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data acquired from the group sessions. Consequently, data was coded and clustered, and themes were identified. The extracted themes include: the effects of transition from student to nurse, communication, workload, lack of staff and clashes with other professionals, support and counselling. A key implication that emerged from the study is the need for the introduction of formal support such as counselling, supervision and better communication between staff and management. Recommendations for further research with the aim to gather more information from a managerial perspective, policy, and counselling practice are presented. Description: M.Couns.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121840 2024-05-07T09:23:39Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Guidance teachers’ and counsellors’ lived experience of psychosocial teams in Maltese church schools : implications for counselling Abstract: This study explored the lived experience of guidance teachers and counsellors working in secondary schools’ Psychosocial Teams (PSTs) within the Secretariat for Catholic Education and the implications of this on counselling. A qualitative approach using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was considered the best research methodology as the focus of the research question was on participants’ lived experience in PSTs. As is usual in IPA, audio-recorded, individual semi-structured interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of seven participants. The interview guide explored factors contributing to PST effectiveness, PST benefits and challenges and ulterior factors impacting PST effectiveness. Findings suggest that building and maintaining good working relationships within and beyond school PSTs were significant factors which impacted PST effectiveness. Collaboration and communication also emerged as important elements in participants’ lived experience. Although variations in the development of PSTs exist, participants greatly valued these teams as a source of support and a platform to share views, ideas, and experiences. Interestingly, parallel teams, such as Well-being or Pastoral Care teams were found to co-exist and function alongside PSTs. The prospect of having In-house PSTs was viewed positively yet difficult to implement due to a lack of human resources and financial costs. Recommendations elicited from this study include greater investment in PST relationship building and maintenance; further research into existing parallel teams; further research into the experiences of other PST members for a wider perspective and a comparative study on already existing in-house PSTs. Participants also recommended further training on collaborative techniques, not only for PSTs members but also specifically for the relatively new Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs). Description: M.Couns.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121838 2024-05-07T09:14:04Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Becoming an online counsellor during the COVID-19 pandemic : a narrative inquiry Abstract: The COVID-19 global pandemic changed the way professionals work, forcing many to shift their practice online. This study explores the experiences counsellors practicing in Malta who took their practice online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical framework guiding this study draws on Jarvis’ (2006) Theory of Human Learning, which builds from John Dewey’s (1997) Theory of Experience. A narrative design was deemed the most suitable approach to answering the research questions: What are the experiences of counsellors moving their practice online due to the COVID-19 pandemic? How has this impacted their ways of working with clients? Using an intermediary, a purposive sample of four warranted counsellors voluntarily agreed to participate in this study. Data were generated using semi-structured qualitative interviews and data were analysed using a collaborative analysis approach to ensure accurate representation of the participants’ voices as well as thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: Addressing a need through working therapeutically online; Dealing with new challenges; and Adapting and learning to be an online counsellor. The findings show that the participants experienced challenges and difficulties in taking their practice online during the initial period. Difficulties pertained to challenges with the technology as well as issues relating to online ways of working as therapists, namely safety, privacy, confidentiality, and their ability to maintain a therapeutic relationship. By being flexible, open to challenges and adaptable, the participants engaged in a process of learning, and with time and experience, working online became seamless and normal. They identified many advantages to online counselling. The implications of this study reflected the need for counsellors to be flexible and prepared to adapt their ways of working, particularly during moments of crisis, such as a global pandemic. Description: M.Couns.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z