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Substance-Induced Psychosis and Spiritual Emergency: Therapeutic Approaches that Promote Alternative Paths to Growth
No full textSubstance-induced psychosis (SIP) presents significant challenges in mental health due to its prevalence, complex symptomatology, and potential progression to primary psychotic disorders. This capstone project explores the intersection of substance-induced psychosis (SIP) and spiritual emergencies, proposing a specialized counselling program for individuals recovering from cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP). Building on existing literature, the study examines current therapeutic approaches, identifies gaps in treatment, and evaluates the role of existential and narrative therapies in recovery. The project critiques conventional interventions, emphasizing the need for holistic, meaning-centred care. It introduces a structured 12-session program integrating psychoeducation, existential therapy, and narrative therapy to reduce shame, promote empowerment, and support families. This model shifts the focus from symptom management to fostering personal growth and resilience, offering a transformative approach to CIP recovery
Treatment for ADHD in Western Culture: What are the Alternatives?
No full textThis capstone carefully examines the systemic and cultural dynamics shaping diagnostic and treatment trends of in children and adolescents within Western culture. There is a critical analysis of underlying factors contributing to overdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and the overprescribing of stimulant medications (SMs). Further explored are the implications of SM use on the developing brain, highlighting research gaps and limitations. The primary aim of this study is to identify alternative treatment options and address the need for cultural inclusive and informed treatment methods. A comprehensive literature review was conducted over several months, where data was synthesized and findings were dispersed throughout the capstone, as well as three key themes in chapter two. The findings within this capstone reveal influence of broader Western social systems on diagnostic and treatment trends, necessitating the consideration of alternative, holistic, and culturally informed treatment methods. Significant gaps within the research are also addressed, focusing on the lack of cultural inclusivity in the perpetuation of systemic issues in ADHD care, with a primary focus on the experiences of Indigenous populations in Canada. The findings underscore the need for incorporating alternative approaches to ADHD treatment which prioritize cultural diversity, in efforts to dismantle and decolonize Western paradigms. By addressing systemic inequities and incorporating cultural perspectives, future practices can better support equitable and inclusive care
The Impact of Mirror Neurons and Embodied Simulation on the Therapeutic Relationship
No full textThis capstone explores how mirror neurons and embodied simulation impact therapeutic relationships in counselling practice. The mirror neuron system is a key brain mechanism that aides in understanding the actions and emotional intentions of others during social interactions. It facilitates embodied simulation, which is a cognitive process that enables individuals to grasp others' actions, emotions, intentions, and sensations by internally simulating these experiences within their own bodies, as if they were performing the same actions or experiencing the same emotions themselves. This process underpins processes such as forming interpersonal connections, empathetic attunement, and language comprehension. Counselors knowledgeable about mirror neuron functioning and the resonance of embodied simulation experienced with clients may become more effective in aiding emotional regulation and the processing of challenging subject matter. The aim of this capstone is to allow practicing counsellors and professionals in helping fields to gain a new perspective on how understanding the impacts of neuroscience, particularly mirror neurons and embodied simulation processes, can deepen therapeutic relationships. Such understanding may foster an embodied connection with clients that goes beyond conscious reasoning, thereby enhancing the practitioner's ability to address a diverse range of client needs
The Research Design and Methodology Workflow Manual for Doctoral Students
No full textIn the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the ability to conduct rigorous and meaningful research is both a foundational skill and a transformative journey for doctoral students. As academic disciplines become increasingly interdisciplinary and data-driven, the need for accessible, structured, and pedagogically sound guidance has never been more urgent. This Open Educational Resource (OER), The Research Design and Methodology Workflow Manual for Doctoral Students, answers that need with clarity, purpose, and innovation.
Supported by a grant from National University, this project reflects a commitment to academic equity, excellence, and student empowerment. By removing barriers to essential research resources, this manual democratizes knowledge and provides a roadmap for students navigating the complex stages of the doctoral research process— from identifying a research problem to selecting appropriate methodologies, aligning theoretical frameworks, and executing ethical, evidence-based inquiry.
Designed with both novice and experienced researchers in mind, this manual offers step-by-step workflows, real-world examples, and decision-making tools that align with current scholarly expectations. Whether used as a primary learning tool, a supplemental guide, or a reference during dissertation development, it encourages critical thinking, methodological precision, and scholarly integrity. We are proud to present this OER as a living document—one that will continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of doctoral students and the broader academic community. We thank National University for its generous support, and we invite educators, mentors, and students alike to explore, adapt, and contribute to this collaborative resource
Building Therapeutic Alliance with Children with Autism
No full textIn therapy, the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of change. Effective communication and social skills serve as the foundation for building relationships, but what occurs to the relationship when communication and social skills do not align with those of the therapist? This capstone examines the mechanisms that impede the therapeutic alliance between autistic children and neurotypical counsellors. It reviews the literature on deficit-based models of autism and discusses concepts such as the theory of mind and motivation to elucidate the challenges that autistic children face when forming relationships. Additionally, it explores the contemporary strength-based neurodiverse perspective of autism, including concepts like the double empathy program and differences in neurotype. Findings emphasize the importance of adopting a neurodiverse lens to foster stronger therapeutic alliances. The findings from this literature review are important for understanding barriers to creating a therapeutic alliance, focusing on cognitive and social processes
Dismantling Weight-Stigma in Counselling Using the Weight Inclusive Approach and Self-Compassion
No full textIn our society it is unsafe to be fat. Fat people experience weight-based discrimination on a daily basis from everyone around them – especially from medical and mental health providers. Our hatred of fatness has patriarchal and racist roots; however, people have been wrongly convinced that it is founded in concerns about health. Anti-weight bias is the cause of much physical and mental turmoil for people living in larger bodies, and if these biases go unchecked, they are often perpetuated by mental health practitioners. Despite the growing research that outlines the harms of diet culture and anti-weight bias, there is still a gap in the research and education for counsellors about how to navigate conversations about body size with clients. Further, antiweight bias is an intersectional issue: it has deep historical roots in white-supremacy and sexism. This capstone project aims to speak to the gap in knowledge by offering mental health practitioners tools for practicing in a more weight-inclusive manner. Counsellors educating themselves and their clients about the harms of anti-weight bias and fostering self-compassion has been found to have greater health outcomes for clients than losing weight. This capstone seeks to increase awareness about the harms of the weight-normative approach, and give counsellors a deeper understanding of a way forward that seeks to empower and uplift every body
The Negative Effects of Perceived Scarcity and Strategies to Alleviate Them
No full textPerceived scarcity has drastic negative effects such as, increased stress, anxiety and lower subjective well-being despite individuals not experiencing actual scarcity. This review will explore the effects of perceived scarcity and its effect on executive function, prosocial behaviour and risk-taking behaviour. It will then look at ways to overcome the negative impact of perceived scarcity. Utilizing Mullainathan and Shafir's scarcity theory as a framework, this review will methodologically filter through recent research articles on how perceived scarcity influences these phenomena based on the aforementioned themes. This review found that perceived scarcity increases cognitive load and leads to cognitive tunneling but does not always lead to worse decision making. It also found that those experiencing perceived scarcity have disproportionate risk-taking tendencies and engage in less prosocial behaviour. Lastly, abstract thinking and focusing on increasing prosocial behaviour are key methods to reducing perceptions of scarcity. These implications demonstrate ways to escape the feelings of scarcity and provide clinical insights to help clinicians aid individuals suffering from perceived scarcity
The Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities: Coping and Acceptance
No full textThis capstone project uses a phenomenological literature review to explore how families who have a child with a developmental disability cope and find acceptance with the diagnosis. There is an emotional and structural shift that affects the family unit once they receive a diagnosis of their child having a developmental disability. This project draws on theoretical frameworks such as family systems theory, ecological systems theory, ambiguous loss theory, the meaning-making model, and the family resilience framework to examine the emotional, relational, and cultural dimensions within the family unit. Key findings highlight that acceptance is shaped through resiliency, meaning-making, cultural and spiritual values, and support systems. Gaps in the literature include a lack of support for siblings, culturally responsive practices, and families facing systemic barriers such as stigma and inadequate services. The family resilience and meaning-making support model is adapted as a strength-based, inclusive, and culturally informed model for practitioners to utilizing their services
The Update on CPTSD: Is it a Distinct Disorder that Requires Different Treatment?
No full textThis capstone explores the experiences of complex trauma and whether CPTSD is a distinct diagnosis that needs attention. The focus will remain on CPTSD as a construct with adults. Although there is growing awareness of complex trauma and literature on being trauma-informed across several fields, many individuals and communities go unsupported in addressing and understanding the symptoms of CPTSD. Very few have access to trauma-specific treatment that considers the unique aspects of CPTSD, including attachment, developmental, and long-term trauma symptoms. The research is complicated and limited in understanding CPTSD since its recent inclusion in the ICD-11 as a new development; testing of assessments and treatment modalities are just beginning to assess for validity and reliability. Previous to the ICD-11, there has been a variety of definitions and explanations of what CPTSD is, which adds to the confusion. Although these are discussion points in the literature, there is limited information on the impact on clients and whether our treatments can be effective. Many argue for and against CPTSD as distinct, and do not see a need for treatment that differs from what is already available. This capstone looks to understand the complications of determining CPTSD as distinct and developing or applying specific treatments through a socio-ecological, developmental, and attachment-based lens. These therapeutic modalities seek to understand individuals within multiple moving contexts and environments that influence their trauma, development, attachment systems, and CPTSD symptoms and treatment. Tailored treatment, community support, psychoeducation, and ethics are pillars to better understanding how to approach CPTSD. This capstone highlights the need to include the voices of those with CPTSD and the therapists who provide treatment for complex and developmental forms of trauma to address the barriers to accessing appropriate care and diagnosis. Social justice and appropriate treatment can help to ensure that individuals feel seen and supported in healing and navigating their journey with trauma
Roll for Resistance and Joy: Reauthoring Identity for Trans and Non-binary People of Colour with TTRPGs
No full textTransgender and non-binary people of colour (TNB-BIPOC) face considerable minority stressors, socioeconomic disparities, and discrimination based on the intersection of race and gender. Combining concepts of constructivism, intersectionality, and disenfranchised grief, this capstone tackles how TNB-BIPOC can reauthor harmful narratives around their multiply disenfranchised identities into those of resistance, particularly by using TTRPGs. TNB-BIPOC can use roleplaying games as a creative possibility for reauthoring disenfranchisement narratives using character creation as a symbolic and narrative form of resistance. This capstone offers a call to action for therapists to educate themselves and complement the worldmaking processes and counternarratives that TNB-BIPOC already use to increase identity cohesion and resilience