MACP Newsletter 2.pdf - Shireburn Software Ltd

The Official Newsletter of
MACP
July 2013
no. 3
Inside this issue:
Interview with Vivien Cassar Vice-President of MACP
The Value of Counselling with Elderly Individuals
European Association for Counselling Conference in Geneva
BACP Conference in February
Getting to Know the Committee Members...
A word from the President
It has long been our wish to be in continuous communication with our esteemed members
and keeping our newsletter published on a regular basis. However, the past months
have been very busy working on the proposals for the legislation following our two Extraordinary
General Meetings held between the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013.
Thanks to your attendance and contributions, these two meetings were very fruitful. .
The Executive Council continued meeting regularly, besides busily preparing for the
activities held. Lately we had two seminars; one by Anne Stokes and the other by Colin
Lago. These were well-attended and both topics were found to be interesting. The next
training will be held between 14 & 16th November November and the speaker will be Val
Potter. More details will be forwarded in due course.
Upcoming is the International Conference organised by the International Association for
Counselling which will take place in Istanbul, Turkey in September. This will be organised
by the Bogazici University of Istanbul where keynote speakers will delve deeper into how
internet counselling can be conducted effectively: “Counselling and Technology Use:
Real Lives Virtual Contexts.” Those who might be interested in joining us, can contact us
through email on info@macpmalta.org or visit the IAC website: www.iac-irtac.
Have a relaxing summer!
Carmen
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
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Upcoming Events 2013-14
Look OUT!
1. Training Week - November 2013
2. Research Conference in Counselling - University of Malta
3.European Association for Counselling Malta Conference
4th - 6th April 2014
Become a Member
Practicing counsellors, students and kindred professionals
are invited to become members of the Malta Association
for the Counselling Profession. For further details
visit our website or contact the MACP secretary, Paul
Cutajar on: secretary@macpmalta.org
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
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Interview with Vivien Cassar Vice-President of MACP
by Silvia Galea
SG : Good morning Vivien. We met several years ago for the first time when you visited me as a
counsellor on behalf of a client at my place of work. Tell me a bit more about yourself.
VC: I cannot but start from my ‘unusual’ childhood because it had an enormous impact on me and who I
am. Since my father was in the British army we travelled around a lot. I changed 4 primary schools and 2
secondary schools during my school life. Of the latter, one was a boarding school
in Germany and my GCE’s were done in Singapore where we spent three years.
Now I am retired from the education division where I was a teacher of Maths and
later a counsellor.
SG: How did that change come about
VC: Well when I got married in the early seventies married women had to resign
from service and I did likewise although I taught for a year at a church school.
When the children started coming (we have four) I was at home for 14 years doing part time teaching
of English as a foreign language to German students mainly. I enjoyed it tremendously, it was exhilarating
meeting so many people from different backgrounds but after a while I felt the urge to go back
to schools. Being away for such a long time I felt I needed some kind of refresher course. At the time a
course for a diploma in guidance and counselling was open and I applied.
SG:What does being retired mean to you
VC: I can’t say I really retired! I lectured at university, did work for the education division and long life
learning sector besides voluntary counselling with an NGO. It is surprising how much work there is
around for experienced people in the field of education. And the field of education and counselling really
complement each other. Of course we are also always planning activities for our four grandchildren.
Another aspect is trips abroad that are not limited to school holidays.
SG: How does your counselling in the voluntary sector differ from the work in a school setting.
VC: First of all I am working more with adults. This is the other side of the story, so it gives an interesting
aspect of the fuller picture. I feel I can really guide parents in a way that I would not have been able to if
I had not had the experience of listening ‘through the eyes’ of the youngsters I worked with in schools. A
big thanks goes to them for providing such a wealth of narratives.
SG: What characteristics do you believe have enhanced your work
VC: I believe that the continuous training I have had through both education and counselling workshops,
conferences and seminars have helped me to reflect continuously on my practice. Through these
I have had feedback on various aspects of my work. Perhaps the ones I appreciate being blessed with are
enthusiasm, sunny disposition, creativity and caring. It is important to be passionate about what you do
otherwise it falls flat. Of course a number of people have been influential in shaping who I am, not least
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
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my husband who has supported me in giving me space to be me and reach my aspirations.
SG: Do you have any particular thoughts on counselling as it has developed
VC: Perhaps what I am seeing since I first started is a less rigid aspect. When we first started training
there seemed to be more demarcation in how one is ‘supposed’ to do it. Now I can see more flexibility in
the stance a counsellor takes and it can be changed according to the needs of the client as well as from
session to session. On the other hand, the aspect of counsellor/client relationship has increased in importance
and is continuously being backed by research. The idea of supervision was not given so much
importance either.
SG: Any regrets
VC: I have had a very satisfying life in all areas so not many. Through MACP contact with some top people
in counselling has been enriching both personally and professionally. Of course the academic training
that is being offered makes me wish it had come before. I feel I still have things to offer but lack the energy
sometimes to follow through.
The Value of Counselling with Elderly Individuals
Populations are ageing worldwide (Myers, 1990).
Lower birth rates together with a lengthening of the
life span are two major contributing factors to the
forecast of an ever-increasing greying population
(Lanzieri, 2011). Given these predictions, the probability
that counsellors will progressively encounter
more elderly persons and their families as clients, is
practically inevitable (Myers & Harber, 2004). Nonetheless,
it appears that the counselling profession
worldwide has been slow in responding to the
needs of ageing individuals (Myers, 1984). Children,
adolescents and adults, receive much attention in
this line of work, however care and consideration
is very rarely given to the ageing population and
very often overlooked in this field (Orbach, 2003).
Louisellle Grech - Vice-Secretary
counsellors and therapists too have the tendency
to perceive older clients as excessively rigid, and
unwilling or unable to change. Of significant impediment
is also the counsellor’s own dread and
trepidation of their individual personal ageing process
or of that of their loved ones (Yalom, 2008).
Besides, the likelihood that many in the current cohort
of elderly persons have been brought up with
the belief that difficulties need to be resolved personally,
does not make them receptive and amenable
to seek support (Blando, 2011; Myers, 1990).
These arguments, together with a lack of recognition
and acknowledgement from academia, may
very generally account for this lacuna within the
realm of counselling (Maples, 2007; Myers, 1990).
According to literature, the reasons for this exclusion,
so to speak, may be various (Blando, 2011; Cohen,
1977; Gay, 1988: Maples, 2007; McDonald & Haney,
1988; Myers, 1990; Orbach, 2003). Freud himself, for
instance, believed that therapy was not suitable for
clients over the age of 50, since, in his opinion, they
lacked mental elasticity, and consequently, were not
considered as educable (Gay, 1988: Orbach, 1996).
The notion that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks
seems to have significantly influenced and reinforced
negative perceptions and stereotypes - namely, that offering
counselling or therapy to an elderly population
is basically an unproductive endeavour, an absolute
waste of time and energy (McDonald & Haney, 1988).
Consistent with this idea, Cohen (1977) implied that
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
Yet new scientific breakthroughs in the last decades
have, in effect, have demonstrated and established
the malleability, adaptability and resilience of even
the very old brain, expounding its ability for plasticity
and thereby generating opportunities for positive
change even throughout adult life (Cohen, 2005;
Guns, 2008; Hof & Mobbs, 2009; Tyler et al., 2010).
Additionally, literature based on numerous studies,
has confirmed that counselling and therapy with
elderly clients is not only effective, but worthwhile
and valuable (Blando, 2011; Cohen, 2005; Haight
& Gibson, 2005; Hill & Brettle, 2005; Knight, 2004;
Kunz & Gray Soltys, 2007; Maples, 2007; Myers,
1984; Myers, 1990; Myers & Harper, 2004; Myers,
Poidevant & Dean, 1991). A psychoanalytic ap
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proach for instance, with its focus on issues such as
loss, childhood experiences and transference, has
been reported to have categorical constructive outcomes
in the work with older individuals (Blando,
2011). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is also considered
to be an effective and efficient approach
with older adults (Blando, 2011). Its concentration
on the present, the fact that it is highly structured,
practical, goal-oriented, emphasizes skill enhancement
and self-monitoring and is also psycho-educational,
make CBT another favoured technique
(Blando, 2011; Haight & Gibson, 2005; Myers, 1990).
According to psychiatrist and geriatrician, Robert N.
Butler (1975), Reminiscence Work is considered as
a very generative and restorative approach when
working with elderly clients. Although it can be
organized individually, it is customarily conducted
in groups and may operate effectively at different
levels (Blando, 2011). It not only increases
social interaction, but fosters a sense of accomplishment
and self-worth; it encourages creativity,
and amplifies feelings of belonging and togetherness,
often also aiding in alleviating
depression (Blando, 2011; Knight, 2004; Orbach,
2003; The Benevolent Society, 2005).
Similar but not quite the same, is the procedure of Life
Review, also introduced by Robert N. Butler. This approach
has a more structured slant and is frequently
carried out individually (Blando, 2011). Founded on
Erikson’s principles of human psychosocial development,
the challenge in the particular life stage is
Age is a question of mind over
matter. If you don’t mind, it
doesn’t matter.
Leroy Paige
to strive towards integrity, to put life in perspective
and to assimilate past psychological themes into a
new level of psycho social understanding and meaning,
hence the term Life Review (Woodward, 1997).
Striving to make sense of the life lived, encourages
and supports reorganization, reconciliation and
resolution (Butler, 1975; Woodward, 1997). The
emphasis here therefore is on analytic and cognitive
functioning and understanding (Blando, 2011).
Resolving feelings about past failures or guilt about
mistakes, grieving changes and losses encountered
throughout life, remembering and celebrating successes
and the many positive things that have happened
during the years, are amongst the issues that
are contended with during a Life Review session
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
(Blando, 2011; Kunz & Gray Soltys, 2007; Myers, 1990).
Another analogous approach is that of Guided
Autobiography, developed by James E. Birren, a
gerontological theorist in the area of neuro-cognition
and psychology. This approach encourages
individuals to write their personal life story over
a number of sessions and share it with others in
the group (Birren & Cochran, 2001). This method
not only facilitates a deeper and more profound
understanding of the past but also supports the
rich ness, intricacies and appreciation of how individual
personal identity is fashioned by the
“crosscurrents” in life (Birren & Cochran, 2001, p. 5).
Contrary to what seems to have been a long-standing
belief that counselling with older adults is futile, in
effect is, or could be, a viable and promising prospect
of service. As Blando (2011) so aptly claims, focusing
on wellness, on strengths, on resilience and on the
qualities that believe and allow people to grow and
thrive, may not only result in the improvement of
the overall functioning of the ageing individual, but
may, in addition, be a positive and constructive development
within the counselling profession itself.
In view of the changing demographics and the remarkable
increase in the projected global number
of older persons (Lanzieri, 2011; Longman, 2010;
Myers, 1990; Riedel-Heller, Busse & Angermeyer,
2005), described by Maples (2006) as “The Silver
Tsunami,” it may be timely, and of the essence, that
this predicament be given heed, and that counselling
services are made more available and accessible
to elderly individuals who live in the community as
well as to those who live within a residential setting.
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References:
Birren, J. E., & Cochran, K. N. (2001). Telling the stories of life through guided autobiography groups.
Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press
Blando, J. (2011). Counseling older adults. New York: Routledge
Butler, R.N. (1975). Why survive being old in America. New York: Harper & Row
Cohen, G. D. (1977). Mental health services and the elderly: Needs and options. In
J.E. Myers. (1983). A national survey of geriatric mental health services Journal of Mental Health Counseling,
5, (2), 69-74. Retrieved from http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/J_Myers_National_1983.pdf
Cohen, G.D. (2005). The mature mind: The positive power of the aging brain. New York: Basic Books
Gay, P. (1988). Freud: A life for our time. London: W.W. Norton & Company Ltd
Guns, B. (2008). Rewire your brain rewire your life: A handbook for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
California: WingSpan
Haight, B., & Gibson, F. (2005). Burnside’s working with older adults: Group process and techniques (4th
ed). Boston: Jones & Bartlett
Hill, A., & Brettle, A. (2005). The effectiveness of counselling with older people: Results of a systematic
review. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 54, 265-272. Retrieved from http://usir.salford.
ac.uk/1098/1/op_cpr_final_proofs.pdf
Hof, P. R., & Mobbs, C.V. (Ed). (2009). Handbook of the neuroscience of aging. California: Elsevier Inc
Knight, B. G. (2004). Psychotherapy with older adults. (3rd Ed). California: Sage Publications Inc
Kunz, J. A., & Gray Soltys, F. (2007). Transformational reminiscence: Life story work. New York: Springer
Publishing Company
Lanzieri, G. (2011). The greying of the baby boomers: A century long-view of ageing in European
populations. Population and Social Conditions, Eurostat Statistics in Focus. Retrieved from http://
epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-SF-11-023/EN/KS-SF-11-023-EN.PDF
Longman, P. (2010, November). Think again:Global aging. Foreign Policy. Retrieved from http://www.
foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/10/11/think_again_global_aging
MacDonald, P. A., & Haney, M. (1988). Counseling the older adult: A training manual in clinical gerontology.
(2nd ed). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers
Maples, M. F. (2006). Gero-counselor prepare: The silver tsunami is headed our way. Retrieved from
http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas05/Vistas05.art07.pdf
Maples, M. F. (2007). Spirituality, wellness and the ‘silver tsunami’: Implications for counseling. Retrieved
from http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas07/Maples.htm
Myers, J. E. (1984). Aging and counseling: Developing a partnership. Gerontology and Geriatrics Education,
4, (2), 67-73. Retrieved from http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/J_Myers_Aging_1984.pdf
Myers, J. E. (1990). Aging: An overview for mental health counsellors. Journal of Mental Health Counseling,
12, (3), 245-259. Retrieved from http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/J_Myers_Aging_1990.pdf
Myers, J. E., & Harper, M.C. (2004). Evidence-based effective practices with older adults. Journal of
Counseling & Development, 82, (2), 207-218. Retrieved from http://www.uncg.edu/ced/jemyers/
jem_info/docs/Myers,%20Harper,%202004-Evidence-based%20Effective%20Practices%20with%20
Older%20Adults.pdf
Myers, J. E., Poidevant, J. M., & Dean, L. A. (1991). Groups for older persons and their caregivers: A review
of the literature. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 16, (3), 197-205. Retrieved from http://
libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/J_Myers_Groups_1991.pdf
Orbach, A. (1996). Not too late: Psychotherapy and ageing. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Orbach, A. (2003). Counselling older clients. London: Sage Publications Ltd
Riedel-Heller, S.G., Busse, A., & Angermeyer, M.C. (2005). The state of mental health in old-age across
the ‘old’ European Union - a systematic review. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 113, (5), 388-401
doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.2005.00632.x
The Benevolent Society. (2005). Reminiscing handbook. Reminiscence Manual Version 1. Retrieved
from http://www.bensoc.org.au/uploads/documents/reminiscing- handbook-jan2006.pdf
Woodward, K. (1997). Telling stories. California: Occasional Papers Series Retrieved from http://
townsendcenter.berkeley.edu/pubs/OP09_Telling_Stories.pdf
Yalom, I.D. (2008). Staring at the sun: overcoming the dread of death. Great Britain: Piatkus Books
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
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International Association
For Counselling
Annual IAC Conference 2013
IAC Conference 2013
8-11 September, 2013, Boğaziçi University
in İstanbul, Türkiye
We would like to invite you to our joint
international counselling congress;
the 2013 International Association
for Counselling (IAC) Conference and
12th National Congress of Psychological
Counselling and Guidance, which
is being hosted by Boğaziçi University
in İstanbul, Türkiye in September 8-11,
2013.
For more information, please visit the
our website or contact us through the
following social media coordinates:
http://www.iac-pdr-istanbul2013.org
Still in time to register - Book your place
Become a Member of the European Association for Counselling
and get accredited as a Counsellor at a European Level through
MACP
(terms and conditions apply)
Special Offer
€25 instead of €50
For more information visit: www.eac.eu.com
or write to: info@eac.eu.com
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
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EAC Conference in Geneva
26-28th October 2012
Jesmond Friggieri
The slogan behind the EAC Geneva Conference and the Annual General Meeting, which was held during
the Conference was “EAC the driving force behind European counselling”.
The EAC Annual General Meeting
This was an important Annual General Meeting for the EAC as new Statute and Operating Regulations
were brought to the Assembly for approval for almost 20 years of operation. The aim of the new Statutes
and Operating regulations was to make the EAC more efficient and effective within the European
context.
The Statute and Operating Regulations
were approved. This was the first time that
MACP was represented in the EAC General
Assembly as it was preparing to become a
member of the the same association. Actually,
in 2013 MACP was approved as an interim
member and is participating actively
within the organisation.
The Conference
The conference consisted of three key note
speeches by prominent psychotherapists
Photo: www.eac.eu.com - Opening of the Conference
and counsellors namely:
1. Prof Emmy van Deurzen who spoke
about “Counselling and the major challenges of depression and anxiety”: Happiness is at the centre
of the humanity and the role of the counsellor is to bring the ray of hope and relief from the burden of
depression and anxiety that might overwhelm any individual in everyday life especially during illness.
2. Prof Colin Lago who focused on “Relational Challenges to Successful Therapy” , contended that
difference, diversity and the therapeutic dialogue are at the centre of any therapy. The successful
counsellor-client dialogue is based on the common essence of any dialogue which includes:
- immediacy of presence,
- emergent unanticipated consequences.
- the strangeness of others,
- the collaborative orientation,
- the vulnerability of the human being,
- the mutuality between the two actors within the dialogue,
- the temporal flow and
- the genuineness and authenticity that should underlie any dialogue.
3. Prof Andew Samuels who is a Jungian psychanalyst spoke about the “Collective Fields of Emotions”.
The inner distress of humans is shared by the society and the ability of the counsellor is to facilitate the
process of decoding this negativity. The collective feeling is based on four aspects:
- Economics and inequality
- Leadership
- Violence and aggression
- Promiscuity.
The Conference has also a number of workshops held by speakers from all around Europe presenting
different approaches to counselling.
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
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BACP Summit and ‘An Evening with Irvin Yalom’
4th & 5th February 2013
Carmen Galea
An Evening with Irvin Yalom
Irvin addressed the delegates before being interviewed
by his son, Victor, and then took part in a live
Q and A session. This exciting event was followed
the next day with a one-day conference where we
explored how we can best deliver an effective 21st
century service and examine the dilemmas faced by
therapists in balancing personal commitment to a set
of core values against the increasing need to compete
for funding based on commercial principles.
The conference was organised by The British Association
for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) (http://
www.bacp.co.uk) primarily for its own members. Other
National Counselling associations were invited to attend.
Photo: http://www.lesoir.be/
The BACP Summit
The summit focused on:
- Counselling as an established profession in the health sector.
- Helping clients improve their social relationships, improves mental health
- No one survives without community and no community thrives without the individual
- Objective/s of the mission or general overview of the mission
- The importance of professionalism.
The outcomes were a set of values that the Counsellor should endorse:
- Aspiration for altruism - Accountability
- Integrity - Respect for others
- Celebrating success - Vision & discernment
- Kindness, compassion & continuity - Retaining what works & hange to meet
challenge
The Summit also discussed the following 5 themes:
1. The role ‘Talking Therapies’ has in the 21st century in improving the public’s health
2. Core values and the ethical dilemmas in the 21st century
3. Evidence measures in the 21st century: building a new evidence base
4. Technological development is transforming how we engage with self, peers &
Professionals. How does this impact what we view as therapeutic practice in the
digital age
5. Establishing a profession in the ever changing NHS and the challenges we all face
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
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Getting to know your Executive Committee (part 1)
Bios and Profiles of MACP Board Members
Carmen Galea – President
Carmen Galea is a school counsellor in the primary & secondary schools within a College,
with a special interest in family therapy, play therapy techniques & sandplay. As a
visiting lecturer at the University of Malta she addresses issues of child abuse & neglect
to undergrads and introduces basic counselling skills to MCouns students. She is the
President of the Malta Association for the Counselling Profession (MACP) and a founding
member on the Management Committee of Home-Start Malta. She is the membership
chair of the International Association for Counselling (IAC) and the co-ordinator of the Hans Hoxter Fund
offered by IAC
Vivien Cassar – Vice President MACP
Vivien Cassar is a retired school counsellor. Her areas of expertise are working with children
and parents; adult training in personal and social skills. She is a member on various
boards including the Executive Council of MACP, St Jean Antide Foundation (NGO). Offers
her services as a counsellor in the community through the above Foundation.
Paul Cutajar - Secretary MACP
After qualifying as a School Counsellor in 2006, Mr Paul Cutajar joined the team of
counsellors at the Secretariat for Catholic Education. Furthermore, given his postgraduate
training in Systemic Practices, since 2002, he also works with families within
the local government social work agency, SEDQA. Therefore his main areas of interest
are counselling children and adolescents, and also individual and family counselling. In
addition to his qualifications in counselling and systemic practices, Mr Cutajar holds a
post-graduate certificate in education, an Honours Degree in Theology and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy,
Psychology and Sociology. He has also completed his Master Degree in Counselling, with a specialization
in Health Counselling.
Louiselle Grech – Vice Secretary MACP
Besides being a qualified PSD teacher (BA Psychology & Social Studies; PGCE Lifeskills),
Louiselle currently holds the post of Acting Counsellor at St Margaret College. She is
responsible for the Counselling and Guidance duties of both a Primary and Secondary
School of the College. Although she has worked with children for the past three
years and with adolescents for the last eighteen years, other areas of interest include
reminiscence work and the elderly. In addition to a Certificate in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Louiselle holds a
Diploma Social Work and a Diploma in School Counselling. She has also just completed a four year part
time Master’s course in Counselling with the University of Malta.
Dr Ruth Falzon – Treasurer MACP
Dr Ruth Falzon is a lecturer within the Department of Counselling at the University of
Malta . Her areas of expertise include Personal and Social Development (PSD) and Learning
Disabilities/Specific Learning Difficulties. She designs and coordinates the PSD teacher-training
programmes and PSD modules at the University of Malta. Her publications
and research interests include studies on PSD, Emotional Literacy, dyslexia and quality of
life, and counselling skills and dyslexia. Dr Falzon is treasurer of the International Association for Counselling
and the Malta Association for the Counselling Profession; a member of the executive councils of the
Malta Dyslexia Association and Homestart Malta; and president of the Association for Professionals in
Learning Disabilities and her community primary school. ruth.falzon@um.edu.mt.
(to be continued)
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
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