The perceptions of Maltese social workers regarding the counselling profession

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore how the counselling profession is perceived by Maltese social workers. The research attempts to point out how social workers define the counselling profession and how they distinguish between the objectives of counselling, and those of other professions. It is also the scope of this dissertation to discover how Maltese social workers envisage both, the role of the counsellor, as well as the personal characteristics of the counsellors. Furthermore, this research study analyses the perceived advantages and disadvantages of attending counselling sessions. It also points out the perceived challenges that hinder potential clients from attending counselling as well as the perceived measures that empower people to make use of counselling. The qualitative research study is focused on Maltese warranted social workers. The research participants have been practicing social work in Malta for the past three to ten years. A thematic analysis methodology is used to analyse the outcomes of the semi-structured interviews. It is noted that this dissertation seems to be the first research study that addresses the perception about the counselling profession, specifically by social workers. This research suggests that the counselling profession is not yet recognised as an established profession by all Maltese social workers. It exposes the misconceptions about the objectives of counselling, and also reveals the comparisons that are made with regards to the profession of psychology. The perceptions of Maltese social workers about the potential clients of counsellors are also explored.