This thesis examines the counseiUng needs of ethnic migrant groups, in
particular the counselling needs of Maltese-Australian females and their female
descendants. Research indicates that some Maltese migrants in Australia have
experienced acculturation difficulties. Maltese- Australian women record a high
prevalence of depression. Reports indicate that children of Maltese- Australian
migrants experience lower self- esteem and more parent-child conflict than their
Anglo- Australian peers. Research indicates that some members of the Maltese-
Australian community, in particular Maltese -Australian females experience
more mental illness than other groups and that this may be attached to
experiences of unresolved acculturation stress. Children of Maltese- Australian
females are at risk of being affected by trans-generational acculturation stress
Theraputic interventions for Maltese-Australian females need to target specific
cultural needs, identity confusion and experiences of unresolved acculturation
stress. An integrated trans- theoretical model of counselling was recommended
and included a culturally focused Narrative, Existential and Family therapeutic
model for Maltese- Australian females and their female descendants.