Is there an increased uptake of and an increased awareness of the benefits of counselling services and other social supports within the changing culture of the travelling community in Ireland in 2008?

Abstract

This study set out to explore the attitudes of members of the Travelling community towards social supports and in particular counselling, in the Ireland of 2008. The aim of the study is to identify the opinions both negative and positive held by Travellers towards the counselling profession, in order that therapists can best provide the conditions needed in order for meaningful engagement to take place in the counselling room. The quantitative research method in the form of a questionnaire was completed with each of the sample population in a one on one interview administered by the researcher. The sample population consisted of clients who use the services provided at Exchange House Travellers Service. The questionnaire was, deliberately, designed to be kept as brief and succinct as possible so as not to cause the sample population to lose interest prior to completion of the interview and in consideration that many of the interviewees may be under time pressure to collect children from school or to be elsewhere getting on with their daily lives. There were seven questions asked on each questionnaire plus a section for any other relevant information depending on whether the respondent would or would not consider talking to a counsellor if they were having a difficulty.