From role-play to counselling : the lived experiences of Maltese trainee counsellors’ first steps to mastery

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived in-training experiences of Maltese trainee-counsellors, and the effects of these experiences on their lives. I wanted to listen to the seven participants and to capture their meanings of their experience, whilst following the first steps in becoming a counsellor myself. Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA) using semi-structured interviews was deemed the most appropriate research design for the research question. Six themes emerged from the data: the voyage through training, where participants spoke about their motivations to enrol in the experience, and the emotional growth triggered by training. The Practicum was considered fundamental but was also responsible for unforeseen challenging experiences triggered by the in-training counselling experiences. The second theme addressed the external effects which included the training and practicum effect on their family followed by the training effect on their social life. The internal effects were addressed where health impacts, rumination about the course and clients and personal changes were discussed. Participants referred to their personal growth as skills learnt and fitting in the shoes. Participants found different type of support from family, supervision, personal therapy, peers, University and faith. Coping skills was another theme elicited. The main aim of the research was to build an awareness about the challenges experienced by trainees, in an attempt to make these first steps easier and more plausible when designing a course for a counsellor. Recommendations elicited from the data include decreasing the amount of stress triggered by such training, ensuring support during this training experience and further research into this area.