The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of learning and consequent development of twelve students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate counselling program at a higher institution of learning in Malaysia. The students’ ages ranged from 20 to 24 years. Participants outlined their learning experiences after taking a three-credit semester-long course on Islamic-based counseling, which was an attempt at integrating religion and spirituality into counselor training. An experiential learning theory served as the framework of reference, and a qualitative research design was adopted. Results revealed four major themes: (1) increased understanding of counseling, (2) better understanding in regard to the self and relationship with God, (3) applicability to daily practice, and (4) enhancing professional competence as a counselor. Finally, implications for research, counselor education and training, and clinical practice are discussed.

This qualitative study aims to describe issues of marriage and family life in the Malaysian Muslim context viewed from the experiences of the counselling practitioners. Data collection involved interviews of ten counselling practitioners from three different counselling service centers in the Klang Valley. Findings show that the issues affecting Malaysian Muslim couples and families are influenced by the transition and changes in life. It can be concluded that as society and its systems face the challenges of globalization, family as the nucleus of the community needs to be protected. Counselling can be seen as having the potential to provide preventive measures. Therefore, it is necessary for counsellors to be equipped with comprehensive skills and approaches. This highlights the importance for Islamic-based counselling interventions that incorporate both elements of 'aqli and naqli (scientific and revealed knowledge) which support the Muslim client. It is hoped that this study raise some awareness to improve the counselling services offered to the Muslim couples and families. Effective services will then help enhance the well-being of the family institution and the society (ummah) as a whole. � Serials Publications.

The study reported here explains the development of a Malaysian Family Functioning Scale (MFFS) that can be used by researchers and practitioners in the field of marriage and family therapy. Results show that the MFFS validly measures the functioning of Malaysian families. Items used in the instrument were developed based on data gathered from Focus Group interviews with family experts and consolidated with findings from previous studies. A total of 121 items for the MFFS were produced and tested using a pilot test. Following the pilot test, an initial scale of 121 items was administered to 233 participants. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) conducted on the items in the MFFS resulted in the extraction of four factors consisting of 30 items. Confirmatory factor analysis using data from 350 participants was subsequently conducted to verify the validity of the four factors discovered through EFA, which are Communication, Cohesion, Rules, and Roles. The study reported here shows that the MFFS is a reliable and valid measure that can be used by researchers and practitioners to understand the level of family functioning across different ethnic groups in Malaysia. There may be valid applications to other collectivist societies as well.

A family is a social unit in society. The societal culture where a family exists contributes to the functioning of the family. A review of the literature on family functioning indicates that most studies on family functioning were conducted by researchers in Western countries, particularly in the United States, and were conducted using a Western sample. In most studies, quantitative measurements were used to measure family functioning. No family measurement has been developed so far to measure family functioning in a collectivist culture such as that found in Malaysia. Therefore, we decided to use a qualitative approach in order to explore and understand family functioning in a collectivist society and focused on Malaysia as a case example. Focus group discussions were used to gather the data. Eleven family practitioners from different settings participated in a three-series discussion. Six themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) family role, (2) parenting styles, (3) family rule, (4) communication, (5) value orientation, and (6) cohesiveness. The method used yields rich data and highlights the importance of understanding an issue within its cultural context. The implication for family practitioners and future researchers is discussed.

A family is a social unit in society. The societal culture where a family exists contributes to the functioning of the family. A review of the literature on family functioning indicates that most studies on family functioning were conducted by researchers in Western countries, particularly in the United States, and were conducted using a Western sample. In most studies, quantitative measurements were used to measure family functioning. No family measurement has been developed so far to measure family functioning in a collectivist culture such as that found in Malaysia. Therefore, we decided to use a qualitative approach in order to explore and understand family functioning in a collectivist society and focused on Malaysia as a case example. Focus group discussions were used to gather the data. Eleven family practitioners from different settings participated in a three-series discussion. Six themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) family role, (2) parenting styles, (3) family rule, (4) communication, (5) value orientation, and (6) cohesiveness. The method used yields rich data and highlights the importance of understanding an issue within its cultural context. The implication for family practitioners and future researchers is discussed. � The Author(s) 2019.

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. � 2014 Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved.