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Outreach Psychotherapy: A Means to Bridging the Gap in Access to Mental Health Services for Seniors in Care
No full textThis capstone project explores how outreach counselling programs may aid in greater access to mental health services (MHS) for the older adult population. It will specifically look at older adults (OA) in care facilities (ie. assisted living, long-term care, and palliative care). The objective of the literature review is to analyze the current data on this topic, and understand the information gathered/how well this answers the research question. As well, it will aim to see where there are gaps in the current literature and make informed suggestions for future clinical research and practice. A systematic literature review was conducted using Boolean methods with specific search parameters, inclusion and exclusion criteria. Scholarly databases were accessed, and only the use of peer-reviewed articles were included in the review. Major findings included age-related barriers that OA face, the prevalence of physical and mental health comorbidities, as well as common mental health concerns and methods of treatment for this population. This capstone project can be used as a guidepost for clinicians working in the field of geropsychology, in terms of future training for specialization with this population, future research to expand on the themes found, as well as understanding and developing new policies to advocate for the needs of OA adults and their mental health
Discrimination within the Queer Community
No full textAs a microcosm of society, the queer community is one that experiences unique forms of discrimination due to the dominant scripts and social values of the larger society. This capstone explores how these dominant norms manifest in the queer community, focussing on racism. This paper reviews current literature on the ways in which racial identities are navigated and received from an intersectional lens, and explores how history has always been rooted in the prioritization of white identities over other racial and cultural identities. The capstone then concludes with a proposed workshop to educate future counsellors who wish to be socially just allies to the queer community and those who are further marginalized within the queer community
The Struggle to End School Shootings in the United States — An Analysis of Parents’ Acceptability of School Shooting Prevention Measures
No full textSchool shootings in the United States continue to be a persistent and devastating problem with escalating frequency and deadly consequences—despite decades of prevention efforts (Anestis et al., 2024; Carter et al., 2019; Fink, 2023; Minshew, 2018). This applied culminating project investigated parents’ acceptability of 12 measures that have been used or considered to prevent or respond to shootings in U.S. K-12 schools. Using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (Sekhon et al., 2017) and its seven constructs as the study’s framework, a mixed-methods research design was used to assess parents’ knowledge and perspectives of the 12 measures. Findings from a sample of 44 parents in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area revealed sound knowledge and varying levels of support and concern across the measures, supporting the comparatively sparse existing research on parents’ perceptions of school shooting prevention measures and also indicating points of contrast. Ultimately, the study stressed the central role of parents, along with other key stakeholders, including politicians and the public, in pushing for a comprehensive, evidence-based national school shooting prevention policy
Sexual Health Education in Canada and its Societal Impacts
No full textThis capstone explores the significant gaps in comprehensive sexual education across Canada and the impact of inconsistent and patriarchal influences on adolescents. The research delves into how these deficiencies disproportionately affect subgroups such as girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, and boys, highlighting the ways systemic gaps expose young people to physical and emotional harm, as well as heightened vulnerability to online sexual predators. Building on these findings, the capstone examines what a truly comprehensive sexual education program should encompass, using a feminist theoretical framework. This approach emphasizes the importance of an inclusive, equitable curriculum that challenges traditional gender norms, acknowledges diverse sexual identities, and empowers youth to make informed decisions about their sexual health. Additionally, the capstone emphasizes the crucial roles of counsellors, educators, and parents in mitigating the harms caused by inadequate sexual education. By breaking down stigmas surrounding sexual health and equipping key stakeholders with effective tools and resources, this study advocates for fostering open dialogue and informed support systems. Through its exploration of these interconnected elements, this capstone aims to provide a roadmap for advancing sexual education in Canada, ultimately creating safer, more equitable environments where young people can navigate their sexual health with confidence and autonomy
Ambiguous Loss, Parenting, and Autism: An Exploration of Challenges and Supports
No full textParenting is inherently challenging, and raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) adds a unique set of difficulties that surpass typical parenting experiences. The revelation of an ASD diagnosis ushers in a new reality for families, marked by uncertainty and the struggle to comprehend the implications of the diagnosis while managing their child's needs in an often-unsupportive environment. This situation frequently leads to a profound sense of ambiguous loss, a continuous feeling of mourning due to the unpredictable and evolving nature of the child's development. This paper investigates the emotional responses and needs of parents confronted with an ASD diagnosis for their child, emphasizing the concept of ambiguous loss and exploring the corresponding treatments and interventions necessary to support these families effectively
Increasing Self-Compassion in Prison Populations
No full textThis capstone project explores the literature on increased self-compassion in incarcerated individuals. Adults in the penal system with intersecting identities, a history of trauma, and the development of maladaptive coping skills are negatively impacted by the facilities in which they are held. Indigenous people are severely impacted due to the lack of culturally sensitive programming, which ultimately perpetuates systemic harms and hindrances to accessing traditional Indigenous healing and teachings. This capstone explores the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions like animal companionship, peer-led mutual support groups, restorative justice programming, and compassion-focused therapy to enhance self-compassion among prison populations. The findings of this literature review indicate that programs incorporating compassion-based interventions delivered through a trauma-informed lens show promising results when integrated into correctional therapeutic programming. These findings indicate the importance of a humanistic, trauma-informed, compassionate approach when working with those who are incarcerated
Exploring Multiracial Identity and Its Impact on Mental Health: Implications for Narrative Therapy
No full textMultiracial individuals identify with two or more racial or ethnic groups. These individuals' biological parents' origins lie in two or more different racial or ethnic categories, including those with a multiracial family history (Atkin et al., 2022; Franco & McElroy-Heltzel, 2019; Zamora & Padilla, 2024). Considering the expanding multiracial population, this scholarly investigation focuses on better understanding and supporting multiracial individuals' needs, mental health, and well-being. It emphasizes narrative therapy and existing and recommended practices. This capstone analyzes previous race-related theoretical frameworks and qualitative studies. The research will explore the influences that primarily affect multiracial individuals' identity and mental health. It will also explore narrative therapy as a therapeutic modality and its effectiveness for this population. This capstone contributes to a growing population's need for specific counselling-related services, indicating this population would benefit from a multiracial integrated care model
Treating Eating Disorders in Sexual Minority Populations
No full textThis capstone investigates the complex and nuanced world of eating disorders and disordered eating in sexual minority populations. It delves into the lack of research into eating disorders generally, and especially in the minority community. It explores the complexities that contribute to a greater occurrence of disordered eating behaviours in sexual minorities due to intricate integrations between enacted stigma, discrimination, minority stress, societal pressure, and isolation. Gendered ideology affects many aspects of being in Western society. It is particularly harmful to those who do not fit into the firm, gender binary. This can also be impactful when there is no proper social and professional support. Gender minorities have a dual model of disordered eating reinforcement when trying to fit certain gender prescriptions, whilst also coping with isolation through food control. Medical and mental professionals need further education about the unique position sexual minorities face about proper physical, mental, and emotional care. This capstone addresses the issues and provides suggestions for professionals working with sexual minorities with preventative interventions for sexual minorities in treatment for eating disorders
A Discussion on How Shifting the Paradigm of Understanding Surrounding Neurodiversity Will Influence Therapeutic Practices and Benefit Neurodivergent Individuals
No full textThis capstone explores how shifting the paradigm of understanding surrounding neurodiversity will influence therapeutic practices and benefit neurodivergent (ND) individuals. The purpose of this capstone is to create systemic change in the way healthcare professionals view and treat ND individuals. Integrating a neuro-affirming lens in therapeutic practices will facilitate a framework through which healthcare practitioners can create inclusive environments that recognize strengths and accept differences. Rather than reinforcing harmful narratives through pathologization, mental health professionals can apply this neuro-affirming framework which will promote improved understanding and empathy, enable the creation of tailored treatments and supports, and empower ND individuals. Scholarly research revealed several therapeutic modalities that, through the application of the neuro-affirming framework, could be adapted to support ND individuals, including applied behaviour analysis (ABA), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution focused therapy (SFT), motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, and family therapy. Through the application of the neuro-affirming framework, mental health workers can tailor supports and empower ND individuals rather than reinforcing harmful narratives through pathologization. When applied with a neuro-affirming lens, techniques like psychoeducation, mindfulness and somatic approaches, and interest- and strength-based approaches have been used successfully with ND individuals. This capstone has demonstrated the effectiveness of the application of the neuro-affirming lens in creating individual and systemic improvements to mental health treatments and outcomes for ND individuals
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: Considerations for Developing an Effective, Ethical and Culturally Appreciative Practice
No full textThis capstone explores the emerging field of psilocybin-assisted therapy through a critical, ethical, and culturally appreciative lens. While clinical research increasingly supports psilocybin's efficacy in treating conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction, the commodification of this traditionally sacred medicine raises complex questions. Drawing from current literature, Indigenous scholarship, and personal reflection, this paper examines the ethical responsibilities of therapists, the risks of cultural appropriation, and the urgent need for inclusive and decolonized practices in psychedelic therapy. It highlights the historical misuse of Indigenous knowledge, such as the unauthorized sharing of Mazatec healer María Sabina's sacred mushroom practices, and advocates for respectful integration of Indigenous frameworks. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for therapists, researchers, and institutions emphasizing collaboration with Indigenous communities, honoring underground practitioners, and adopting culturally grounded models such as Two-Eyed Seeing. Ultimately, this work calls for a shift toward more equitable, relational, and spiritually aware approaches to psilocybin-assisted therapy