Interpreter-facilitated counselling : exploring the experience of practitioners working with forced migrants in Malta

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of mental health professionals (MHP) and interpreters working with forced migrants in an interpreter-facilitated setting, in Malta. The researcher invited a total of six practitioners - three MHP and three interpreters – to reflect on their experiences of their work with forced migrants in the local context. The dissertation attempts to answer the following questions: (1) how do practitioners in Malta experience their work in interpreter-facilitated counselling with forced migrants, and (2) what are the implications on future practice and training? The study uses phenomenological methodology, employing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in order to shed light on the research question. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews of approximately 50 to 60 minutes. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed, including notes about non-verbal data. On completion of data collection, data analysis followed. The data analysis used the IPA framework, with a focus on deep immersion in the raw data in order to elicit superordinate and subordinate themes. The immersion in data included repeated reading and noting. The findings indicated co-researchers’ awareness of the complexity of this modality of counselling, which is linked to context in which practitioners are operating as well as the complex dynamics of the process itself. They also reflected the deep impact on practitioners’ personal and professional lives, and the clear need for structured training and supervision. The findings have direct implications on the future of policy, research, training and practice of interpreter-facilitated counselling with forced migrants in Malta.