Inside and beyond the counselling room : the experience of social justice advocacy among Maltese counsellors

Abstract

This study explores the experience of social justice advocacy among Maltese counsellors, both inside and beyond the counselling room, drawing on recent literature labelling this as the fifth force in counselling. The research question is: what is the experience of social justice advocacy among Maltese counsellors? Sub-questions include how social justice advocacy is practised inside the counselling room with the client, how it is experienced beyond the counselling room on behalf of the client, and what motivates counsellors to undertake social justice advocacy and its impact on them. A qualitative methodology was used, using one-time, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five Maltese counsellors. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings highlight that social justice advocacy is considered integral to the counselling profession by the participants. Motivations for this include personal experiences of injustice, participation in voluntary work, and family influence. The study emphasises the importance of cultural competence and client empowerment in social justice advocacy within the counselling room. It also explores the unique context of Malta, its small island politics and the significance of collaboration with other professionals. The study highlights the personal impact of social justice advocacy on counsellors, the importance of self-care, and ethics. Whilst social justice advocacy beyond the counselling room was referenced, participants focused mainly on social justice advocacy inside the counselling room, suggesting that a be1er balance can be struck between the inside of the counselling room and the beyond. It recommends further training and reflection on social justice advocacy in counselling.