Teresa W Ngigi

Use of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) with East African Immigrant Women In Trieste, Italy Teresa W Ngigi

Global migration caused by wars, natural disasters, and the search for a better life, is causing substantial demographic shifts around the globe. Italy, a leading entry port toward other countries in the EU, receives a large number of immigrants every month, especially in the spring, early summer, late summer, and early fall (Rapporto Onu, 2013.) Immigration has become a pressing issue that challenges Italy's status quo. As the number of legal and illegal immigrants grows, new needs arise. Among them, the integration process for these immigrants. Professional counsellors face the challenge of expanding their understanding and knowledge of effective techniques and approaches to work with diverse cultures. A review of existing literature shows there is little research devoted to counselling immigrants, and that, in Italy, counselling as a profession is just beginning, and accomplishments in this area are scarce. This qualitative, phenomenological, and heuristic study interviewed six East African immigrant women who have been in Italy six years or less, to assess their mental health needs and whether Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) could be used as a tool in counselling them. This study is also aimed at contributing towards helping mental health practitioners gain awareness of the complex issues of immigrants, developing cultural competency, acquiring skills and helping promote mental health for immigrants. The study concludes that REBT could be a good starting point in counselling immigrants, but the integration of other theories might be necessary to meet their complex needs. Cultural sensitivity is crucial in this process.