Melati Sumari

Family intervention for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addiction: an exploratory study

Abstract Objective: To explore the experiences of families who undergone a family intervention program at a drug treatment and rehabilitation agency located in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Specifically, families were asked to comment on their experience in attending the program and how much of their improvement was due to the program and other factors. Methods: Data were collected through use of a semi-structured interview with eight family members who underwent the family intervention program at the agency which consists of family psycho-education, family support group and family retreat. Observations were also conducted. Results: Five themes emerged from the analysis: therapeutic alliance between counselor and participants; helpful things participants received from the program; helpful things participants did themselves during the time they were involved in treatment; helpful things participants learned in the program that they are continuing to use; and unhelpful elements in the program. Conclusion: Findings support that the family intervention program has positive potential in supporting family members in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addiction.

An Exploratory Study on the Conceptualization of Wellness among Families affected by Substance Abuse

Significant attention has been shown in research on wellness for individuals with substance abuse or dependence. However, wellness among families affected by substance abuse has received limited focus in addiction research. Given the neglect of family perspectives in this field, this qualitative study explore the conceptualization of wellness as perceived by families with substance abuse. Individual interviews were conducted with five mothers of addicts, in one treatment setting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to identify important dimensions of wellness and their interpretation by families. Data was analysed using constant comparative method. Findings supports previous literature that wellness is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon encompassing dimensions related to the family’s everyday life and situation. Protective and environmental factors that promote or prevent development of wellness were identified. This study provides the opportunity to learn from families affected by substance abuse and factors that have supported them in maintaining their wellness while living in an environment that challenges their ability to maintain a healthy balance. Factors and strategies that promote wellness identified in this study may assist in the development of further investigations and interventions that support wellness.

Counseling Supervision for Counselor Development in Malaysia

A mounting body of research confirms the clinical wisdom that supervision is a critical component of counselor development. Recent supervision research has unraveled some of the important elements of supervision that can contribute to the effectiveness of and satisfaction with counseling supervision. The process and characteristics of counseling supervision have been extensively studied in the western countries and many theoretical approaches and models of supervision have been developed. Notwithstanding the broad acceptance of supervision, there has been little empirical investigation in the local context that explores this topic. This lack of normative information makes it difficult for Malaysia to develop its own model of counseling supervision that is agreed upon by most institutions. Encouraging news for the supervisors is that the Malaysian Board of Counselors or Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia has taken the initial step in training supervisors suggesting an awareness of the importance of quality supervision. This paper draws on recent literature to illustrate the need for quality research in counseling supervision to contribute to counselor development. Some issues and challenges in developing the Malaysian model of supervision are also discussed. Suggestions for future research are also presented to tie-up the whole discussion. Keyword - Counselor Education, Supervision, Malaysian counseling, professional development.