Bridging the gap : personal experiences of irregular immigrants of integration and counselling in Malta and Finland

Abstract

This study explores the potential needs and impact of counselling on irregular migrant integration. The study explores the lived experiences of 12 irregular immigrants arriving in Malta and Finland using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Literature suggests the practical benefits of counselling in the integration and adaptation of migrants through psychological assistance, on both the individual and community level, with prominence given to trauma counselling. This study illustrates that counselling for integration necessities a more holistic approach. The national context shows important differences in the processes that influence the impact of counselling on the integration of migrants in the respective countries, particularly the legal process and the perceived lack of social support. The analysis showed that counselling has an important role to play in facilitating the needs of irregular migrants and their exploration of the past, themselves and their interaction with society. The study explored the potential barriers to counselling, both practical and in awareness, as well as restrictions and needs within the therapeutic relationship that challenge current models of interaction. In conclusion, the study presents a model for counselling with irregular migrants based on a holistic resiliency approach that cuts across systems of interaction and barriers, and has implications for the profession as well as individual therapeutic interactions.