https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120880 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:52:02 GMT 2026-04-07T20:52:02Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129214 Title: There’s no magic wand but there’s ability : the benefits of counselling for persons with intellectual disability Abstract: The aim of this dissertation was to comprehend how persons with intellectual disability (ID) could avail themselves from counselling, through analysing the approaches to use when counselling people with ID, and the struggles faced by counsellors when offering therapy to the said cohort. I sought to achieve this by looking through the lens of the helping professionals and the individuals with ID. The dissertation’s aim suited the choice of Semi-structed interviews (SSI) and Thematic Analysis (TA). Six professionals and four persons with ID participated in the interviews. The professional-participants stated that when it comes to counselling people with ID, nothing is set in stone in relation to the approaches used. They argued that the ID and the presenting issue determine the approach. The most acclaimed approaches by the professionals were the person-centred approach and the play therapy (creative techniques). Distinctively, the professional participants gave prominence to trust and dignity, treating them as core values when counselling people with ID. They affirmed that counselling affects positively, and in different ways, individuals with ID. Personal limitations, that comprise lack of training, knowledge, resources, personnel and research, were regarded by the professional-participants as the main challenge when counselling the said cohort. Speaking about the persons with ID participants’, strikingly they declared that, when need be and according to their issue, they do seek help from professionals. These participants articulated their eagerness for having their basic need of being listened to and understood met. They also voiced out the importance of having counsellors who are able to listen to and understand them. Taking into consideration the findings and analysis, it is being suggested that further research could be pursued to counter the knowledge dearth related to counselling people with ID. Closely related to this, it is highly recommended that individuals with ID are directly involved in future research. This dissertation distinctly exposed that it is ideal to have a specialisation course within counselling. It also revealed the necessity for more training in the field of counselling persons with ID. Description: M.Couns.(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129214 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128695 Title: Exploring the role and impact of nonformal education on young people at risk of early school leaving Abstract: This study explored the role and benefits of NFE on young people at risk of early school leaving. The research explored the participants' views on the formal and nonformal education centres and programmes they attended when they were young. Since the research explored the participants' subjective views, a qualitative methodology using an interpretive approach was considered most appropriate. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight participants. The participants' ages varied from 21 – 31 years, who were early school leavers and attended nonformal education centres. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The participants explained the importance of being seen, heard and acknowledged as one of the main benefits of the NFE programmes/centres. Through that, they could find ways to know themselves and eventually their purpose and what they like to do in terms of career. Recommendations for future practice for NFE centres/programmes to collaborate, creating a bridge for young people who need to be exposed to such programmes. The study concludes with implications for practice and further research. Description: M.Couns.(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128695 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122396 Title: Let the little children come to me : stories of adults who experienced residential church-based care in Malta Abstract: The aim of this research was to give voice to the narratives of persons who lived in Maltese residential church-based care homes as children. A complementary aim was to contribute to the counselling profession with a deeper understanding of children in care, to offer an informed therapeutic service. A research gap was noted regarding the experience of being raised in church-based residential homes, since existing research focused on cases of abuse. Narrative inquiry was conducted in order to explore the rich layers of co-researchers’ experiences and the meaning they derive from them. In-depth semi structured interviews were conducted with five participants recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, and a thematic analysis was carried out. Findings showed that the stability of relationships in care is crucial. The challenge of dealing with stigma and institutionalisation emerged strongly. Accounts of abuse within the church home, as well as in the family of origin, elicited feelings of anger and loyalty. Co-researchers spoke of the different ways they managed emotional and psychological pain. The need for better planning and options for children leaving care emerged. These findings were presented in the form of an allegory to protect anonymity and bring out the nuances of co-researchers’ experiences. Recommendations included the need for counsellors and other staff to be trained in working with this client group. Adding an in-house counsellor to the residential staff team was suggested. Co-researchers recommended that staff turnover be addressed. Semi-independent residential homes, where young people can transition out of care at their own pace, were highlighted, together with the need for aftercare social work services. Co-researchers felt Catholic practices in church-based homes should be child-friendly. Mechanisms should be in place to ensure children’s voices can be heard and they can be involved in decision-making affecting their lives. The children should be informed of how to report any abuse they witness or experience which is of utmost importance. Description: M.Couns.(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122396 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121992 Title: “For better or for worse.” : tracing the stories of Roman Catholic female survivors of domestic violence Abstract: This study explored the narratives of Catholic women who survived domestic violence (DV) and the role that religion played in the process of seeking help and/or leaving the abuse. A narrative approach was utilised to explore the experiences of five women who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Due to the centrality of their experiences within the research, they are referred to as co-researchers. Data was collected through face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Individual accounts were first analysed through thematic analysis and presented in narrative form through the metaphor of a film chosen by every individual co-researcher. This allowed for nuanced descriptions of experience, whilst protecting the co-researchers’ identity. An overarching narrative was then identified: 1. I endured abuse; 2. This is how I coped with the abuse; 3. Then I asked for help; 4. This is me - The aftermath of support. The co-researchers reported several feelings such as shame, as well as a loss of identity and self-worth following their abusive marriage. They felt responsible for protecting their children from suffering along with them. Whilst prayer and other religious practices were utilised as a source of hope, comfort, and a medium to express anger towards God, prayer groups did not yield any perceived benefits for any of the co-researchers. Whilst clergy members were supportive, the co-researchers felt that religious leaders disregarded their wellbeing by putting religious doctrine first. Supportive friends and family were deeply valued. When psychological help was sought, co-researchers experienced interpersonal and intrapersonal change, and a shift in their religious beliefs and practices. The research also explored recommendations for practice and further research, to understand the Maltese population’s perception of DV, including that of the clergy and religious leaders, as well as to explore the use of positive religious coping strategies in counselling. Description: M.Couns.(Melit.) Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121992 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z