Growth in counselling : counsellor perspectives and implications for practice

Abstract

Within counselling, the concept of growth is leveraged metaphorically through both images and words, and its prominence and prevalence vary over time and across different professional and cultural contexts. This study aimed to explore how counsellors in Malta understand the concept of growth, what factors they feel have shaped this understanding, and the role that this understanding plays in their work to support clients in achieving increased wellbeing. This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with five warranted counsellors in Malta. The interviews made use of visual and linguistic stimuli to support and enhance the typical interlocution process of the interviews. Collected data were subjected to Thematic Network Analysis (TNA) and Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Findings indicate that for these counsellors, effecting a process of personal growth involves navigating both intrapsychic and external factors, involves engaging in a cycle of discovery whereby sense-making resources are mobilised and personal limitations are encountered and negotiated, and involves active self-direction through adverse circumstances to shape oneself through the mobilisation of personal agency. Participants identified the important relationship between their personal experiences of growth as individuals, through their own counselling and during their professional work, and the potential and possible outcomes for their clients. Participants acknowledged that their individual experience of growth could support their work with clients by providing a reference point through which to make sense of their clients’ experiences but could also pose a potential danger to their work with clients by obscuring the client’s experience and journey with their own.