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Exploring Horticultural Therapy for Neurodivergent Populations Across the Lifespan
No full textIn this capstone I explored the therapeutic possibilities of horticultural therapy (HT) for neurodivergent populations, specifically autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A systematic literature review was conducted of three topics as themes: Benefits of Horticultural Therapy; Understanding Neurodivergent Needs; and Horticultural Therapy Across the Lifespan. The primary research question of this project was: How can HT be adapted to effectively promote social, emotional, and cognitive development for neurodivergent individuals, with attention to autism and ADHD? I hypothesized that HT interventions designed with sensory regulation, executive functioning, and group format accessibility in mind would yield benefits related to emotional wellbeing, social learning, and attention. The methods included a systematic review and thematic synthesis across roughly forty peer-reviewed articles, meta-analyses, feasibility studies, and applied program reports. There was no collection of original human-subject data. The literature reviewed indicated that HT reduces anxiety, depression, and stress across populations, improves executive function and attentional capacity related to ADHD, and promotes social connection and cooperative learning among autistic participants. The research reviewed also indicated that both indoor and telehealth models produced enhanced accessibility to programming, and participation was influenced by both cultural and ecological contexts. This indicates that HT is an adaptable and inclusive intervention that can and does accommodate neurodivergent needs. This study contributes to counselling practice by offering evidenced-based recommendations on how to design accessible, neurodiversity-affirming HT programs. As an application of this research, a 4-session workshop was developed to demonstrate a way of translating these findings into practice
Barriers to Integrating Doula Services in Hospital Settings: A Case Study of Healthcare Provider Communication and Coordination
No full textImplementation plan for doula integration in a hospital settin
Emerging Drone Risks and Protective Measures: A Study on the Western Interconnection Electrical Grid
No full textThe Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD-BA) program is a research-based program designed to prepare leaders for positions in the private and public sectors by enhancing knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business, administration, and technology management. Upon completion of the PhD program, students are expected to have a broad knowledge in fields of business and technology management and an understanding of at least one specialized area of studyThe rapid growth of low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has introduced new risks for U.S. critical infrastructure. The problem to be addressed by this study will be the threat that current and emerging aerial drone technologies pose to the Western Interconnection electrical power grid, as perceived by subject matter experts (SME) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study is to analyze and identify the severity of risk posed by current and emerging commercial aerial drone technology to America’s Western Interconnection Electrical Grid Infrastructure. Data were gathered via an IRB-approved anonymous survey of 24 subject matter experts (SMEs) with follow-up interviews. Open-ended responses addressed (a) perceived UAV risk levels, (b) SME concern, and (c) adequacy of counter-UAS measures and interagency coordination. Thematic analysis revealed that SMEs view the grid as vulnerable due to gaps in detection, statutory authorities, and coordinated response protocols. Most rated current protections only slightly or moderately effective, with no SME identifying safeguards as highly effective; interagency coordination was assessed as minimal to moderate. Findings highlight the need for stronger policies and cross-agency collaboration. Recommendations include integrating counter-UAS scenarios into training, expanding statutory authorities, and investing in layered detection and mitigation systems. The study contributes stakeholder-driven insights at the unclassified level and offers guidance for regulators and practitioners seeking to strengthen energy infrastructure security against evolving aerial threats
Therapist-Perceived Barriers to Mental Health Counselling for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Understanding the Challenges of the Therapeutic Relationship
No full textThis capstone examines the perspectives of mental health practitioners on the challenges of building therapeutic alliances with survivors of intimate partner violence in mental health counselling and how these challenges influence the survivors’ engagement in treatment. From a trauma-informed care framework, this manuscript aims to identify the specific challenges that mental health practitioners encounter when working with survivors, develop an understanding of how they impact treatment participation, and provide recommendations for practitioners to overcome such challenges. The methodology adopted is literature review synthesis and critical analysis. Studies were selected and compiled to determine numerous themes, including practitioner preparedness to work with intimate partner violence survivors, considerations for building therapeutic alliances, specific population considerations, and the influence of practitioner burnout. Trust was found to be one of the most critical factors required for building therapeutic alliances with survivors, and present in almost all themes. The findings of this capstone provide information for mental health practitioners on the challenges and implications of building therapeutic alliances, such that stronger alliances can
support positive therapeutic results. Recommendations for building therapeutic alliances are provided, such as demonstrating empathy and empowering clients to contribute to building trust. Finally, this capstone lays the groundwork for future research that contributes to the limited body of literature specifically looking at the perspectives of mental health practitioners, along with quantitative studies to test the efficacy of strategies to build strong therapeutic alliances
Exploring a Defense Agency’s Organizational Barriers and Determinants to Cloud Migration: A Qualitative Single Case Study
No full textGovernment mandates require agencies to migrate agency data from an on-premise data center to the cloud because of the several benefits cloud computing offers. Cloud migration can be a complex and difficult undertaking for organizations; however, the potential benefits of migrating are substantial and could save taxpayers billions of dollars. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to identify how the barriers and determinants influence the migration of data from an on-premise data center to the cloud within a defense agency. The study used a combination of two models to guide the framework: the technology, organizational, and environment model and the diffusion of innovation. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 participants who were credentialed to speak at an expert level about barriers and determinants encountered during an effort to migrate a defense agency’s data to the cloud. The target population included defense agency employees directly participating in cloud migration activities, policy, and decisions. A total of 25 participants was identified based on their direct involvement and expertise with the cloud migration effort, and based on those parameters, a solicitation email was sent to the entire pool to volunteer their time to be interviewed. Interviews were conducted using Microsoft Teams. Transcriptions and recording features were utilized to capture transcripts. A software named Dedoose was used to organize and analyze data for thematic analysis. The study’s results indicated that barriers or determinants that influenced cloud migration for the defense agency included a lack of training, planning, interdepartmental communications, processes, top management messaging, a lack of framework, unwillingness to accept change, and migration benefits. Interview data suggested how each determinant and barrier influenced the migration effort. Organizational leaders could incorporate the results of this study into the strategy of their cloud migration efforts. The study’s results have the potential to save costs and avoid significant delays. Researchers can build on this study in several ways; for example, exploring different conceptual or theoretical frameworks to study the problem or consider studying the problem in the context of other organizational units
Integrating Nature-Based Therapy Interventions in Schools: Supporting Students with Anxiety in a Post COVID-19 World
No full textThis capstone explores the impact of heightened anxiety in children and adolescents in the post–COVID-19 era and examines nature-based therapy (NBT) as a complementary intervention to support student well-being. Drawing from recent research, this capstone highlights the prevalence and neurobiology of anxiety, the ways in which the pandemic intensified mental health challenges, and the potential of integrating natural environments into school counselling practice
Understanding the Determinants of Wearable Smart Device Adoption: A Quantitative Analysis
No full textWearable smart devices offer opportunities to improve patient care and operational efficiency, yet adoption among healthcare professionals remains uneven. This study investigated psychological, social, and contextual factors influencing adoption, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A quantitative correlational survey of 270 Oregon healthcare professionals measured seven independent variables (Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Attitude Toward Using Technology, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Self-Efficacy, and Anxiety) against Behavioral Intention. Multiple linear regression analysis, following verification of statistical assumptions, revealed the model explained 48.1% of the variance in adoption intention. Attitude Toward Using Technology and Social Influence emerged as significant positive predictors, while Anxiety was a significant negative predictor. Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, and Self-Efficacy were not significant, and Facilitating Conditions approached significance. These results suggest that emotional readiness and peer influence outweigh technical or usability considerations in shaping adoption decisions. Effective implementation strategies should focus on reducing technology-related anxiety, strengthening professional support networks, and aligning device use with organizational culture. Future research should examine longitudinal adoption patterns and extend the model to include constructs such as trust and ethical considerations to better support sustainable digital health integration
A Project Manager's Skillset and Emotional Intelligence Effects on Project Outcomes
No full textWith advances in technology and globalization, the automotive industry’s new product development has evolved quickly, becoming more demanding and fluid. With existing challenges and evolution, it has exacerbated project failures and increased wasted funds in the industry. According to the Project Management Institute, failure rates are not decreasing, and millions of dollars are lost annually, despite the development and implementation of new tools and procedures. The problem addressed in this study is the high rate of project failures in new product development among automotive Tier 1suppliers in Michigan's automotive industry. An explanatory case study was selected to evaluate the theory by developing an understanding of the phenomenon. The purpose was to better understand the contributing factors of project management related to project failure within Michigan’s Tier 1 automotive supplier new product development industry, with the goal of decreasing failure rates. The research was constructed within a theoretical framework grounded in existing emotional intelligence theory. Interviews lasting between 35 minutes and an hour, with open-ended questions, were completed by 14 participants. This was followed by a focus group and data analysis conducted using NVivo 15. Research question one and the four sub-questions focused on the effects of a project manager’s emotional intelligence on project outcomes. This will help determine whether emotional intelligence directly improves project outcomes or indirectly through enhanced communication, organization, and workflow. Research question 2 focused on the hard skills required for project managers. No matter the required level of hard skills, there is an identified need for them to work in tandem with a project manager’s emotional intelligence. It was also discovered that the techniques and statistical analysis developed by the Project Management Institute for determining project failures do not align with those used by individuals in the automotive new product development industry. Recommendations for further research include determining what is considered a project failure in the industry to determine whether failure rates have fluctuated. Additionally, it is recommended to investigate the use of emotional intelligence measurements during interviewing processes and to include emotional intelligence training in organizational requirements, which would benefit project outcomes and organizational success
Un Petit Sac à Dos Avec Quelques Viatiques: Object Relations, the Expressive Arts, and the (Re-)Animation of Resourceful, Pleasurable, and Adaptive Object-Life in the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors
No full textThe torture experience represents a profound affront to both intrapsychological and interpersonal life. The rehabilitation of torture survivors, who often present with complex post-traumatic impairment, has become a sub-specialization of psychotherapeutic practice. Torture survivors often present with significant alterations to what are otherwise believed to be stable personality traits and psychodynamic structures. As such, a psychodynamic approach to the rehabilitation of torture survivors, which targets the psychodynamic structures that subtend the personality, may be reasonably indicated. The purpose of this project is to provide an overview of the core concepts and practices of object relations informed psychotherapeutic modalities and expressive arts therapy. In light of the clinical, psychodynamic, and intergenerational consequences of the torture experience for both survivors and their families, this research project will also integrate core concepts and practices from object relations informed psychotherapeutic modalities and expressive arts therapy in the formulation of a novel psychotherapeutic approach: object relations informed expressive arts therapy (OR-EXAT). The purpose of this innovative psychotherapeutic approach is to advance both theoretical and practical considerations in the rehabilitation of torture survivors
Lightning Moments: Recognizing and Facilitating Transformative Potential in Individual and Group Therapy
No full textThis capstone synthesizes research about transformative change processes, group therapy dynamics, and ritual and ceremonial elements to address how therapeutic practices may facilitate profound personal transformation rather than incremental change. Many clients seek fundamental life change but encounter approaches focused primarily on coping skills, creating a gap between client aspirations and available interventions. The research hypothesizes that integrating elements derived from traditional ceremony and ritual practices, including sacred space creation, collective witnessing, and seasonal rhythms, can enhance group therapy’s capacity to support second-order change rather than incremental change. Through a literature review an analysis of traditional practices including Indigenous talking circles and cross-cultural seasonal ceremonies, key facilitating factors for profound transformation are identified and synthesized into an evidence-based framework. The study culminates in a practical program design for transformative bereavement groups at a Vancouver-based bereavement organization, demonstrating how these elements can be therapeutically integrated. This work provides practitioners with tools to recognize and optimize transformative moments, expanding therapeutic options for clients seeking profound healing while bridging ancient ceremonial wisdom with contemporary group therapy practice