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My Search for Raspberries: Cultivating an Authentic Indigenous Counseling Approach
No full textFor my capstone paper I used Indigenous Research Methodologies to ask the question: “In the context of colonization, what does it mean for me to be an Indigenous counsellor in the 21st century in colonially called Canada?” Using the metaphor of research as going walking for berries, my harvests/themes/knowledge bundles was the ways in which counsellors can use Indigenous research methodologies as a guide on how to approach counselling, and not just as a guide for researching for the writing of papers
Exploring the Potential Influences of Music Therapy on Treating Psychogenic Aphasia
No full textThis systemic literature review synthesizes existing research on music therapy interventions in trauma treatment, psychogenic aphasia (PA) cases and treatments, and clinical applications for music therapy integration to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and narrative exposure therapy (NET). Despite benefitting from language centre stimulation like traumatic brain injuries, PA may be less dependent on the same mechanism of recovery. Research
regarding the difference in effective therapeutic care strategies appears to be lacking, particularly from a biopsychosocial perspective. Can music therapy more easily integrate with narrative or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat PA? How can music therapy theoretically increase a client’s perceived sense of security during these therapies? How can music therapy theoretically reduce anxiety associated with the exposure time of narrative and CBT therapy to support overcoming psychogenic aphasia? A textual narrative approach is used to present a pan-theoretical perspective, its themes, and sub-themes. Findings are discussed in relation to potential future research. This paper advocates for individuals experiencing psychogenic aphasia, reducing the dismissiveness of their unique experiences (CPA, 2017) that predisposed them to aphasia. It could provide increased
hope for effective non-medicated care of traumatized psyches, better aligning with traumainformed counselling while empowering clients to transition more autonomously to their lives from clinical care
Healing Classrooms: Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Practices for Refugee Students in the Canadian School System
No full textThis capstone explores the impact of trauma on refugee children in Canadian elementary schools and the role that trauma-informed practices can play in supporting their social, emotional, and cognitive development. The central research question guiding this work is: How can trauma-informed practices be used to support the well-being and resilience of refugee students in a Canadian school setting? Drawing on current literature, the paper examines the effects of both pre- and post-migration trauma, highlighting how displacement, war, loss, and ongoing resettlement challenges can deeply affect refugee children’s learning, relationships, and sense of safety. The theoretical foundation is grounded in trauma-informed education frameworks and culturally responsive pedagogy, emphasizing principles such as safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration. The capstone stresses culturally attuned and trauma-informed supports to help refugee students succeed. Key recommendations include integrating restorative practices,
fostering emotionally safe environments, and equipping educators with the tools to respond with empathy and cultural sensitivity. Ultimately, this paper calls for a shift in school culture that not only recognizes trauma but actively nurtures healing and resilience for refugee learners
Organizational Value Engagement and Leadership Commitment to Accountability for Accurate Financial Data Collection Among Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Users
No full textThe problem explored in this study was the ineffective management of ERP systems in organizations, resulting in inaccurate financial reporting. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems provide improvements in the internal control and risk management of financial accounting systems by linking multiple business activities within one platform, which in turn boosts the effectiveness of corporate financial management. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the role that finance department leaders' organizational values, engagement, and commitment play in promoting accountability in the collection and accurate reporting of financial data among ERP system users. The study used a conceptual framework blending stewardship theory on leadership's motivation for what is best for the organization, complemented by institutional theory underscoring how culture, norms, and regulatory structures influence organizational behaviors. The qualitative descriptive research methodology and design were employed to understand and analyze the intricate experiences and views of business leaders on accountability for the accurate collection of financial data in ERP systems. The participants were 10 leaders in the United States responsible for ERP users to ensure accurate reporting of financial data. Semi-structured interviews with 13 protocol questions were the method for gathering data. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis through the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software NVivo. The execution of Braun and Clarke's six-step analysis process produced five themes involving leadership responsibilities, plus technical and human aspects. The study results reveals that aligning managerial motivations and organizational norms significantly impacts ERP effectiveness. The study discloses that accurate financial reporting requires both technological solutions and addressing human behavior, leadership oversight, and strategic alignment. Recommendations for future research include ERP integration techniques for greater effectiveness, examining the impact of initiatives aimed at behavioral change, investigating leadership accountability models, and examining the cost-effectiveness of ERP decisions. The implication of materialized themes offers leaders direction and bolster recommendations for future research to improve the effectiveness of financial reporting for businesses
Somatic-Based Therapy: Supporting Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in the Criminal Prosecution Process
No full textThis capstone project demonstrates the effectiveness of somatic-based therapy in supporting women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) who are navigating the criminal prosecution process. IPV is a prevalent global issue, particularly in Canada. Women are at a higher risk of facing IPV than men due to the presence of unique cultural, economic, social, and psychological factors. Additional systemic barriers are prevalent for women IPV survivors during the process of criminal prosecution of IPV. The challenging experiences during the legal process are heightened for women from diverse ethnic and sexual backgrounds. Survivors’ risk of retraumatization during the legal process is increased due to a lack of a holistic trauma-informed understanding of IPV within the justice system. Somatic-based therapy can be effective in supporting survivors during the legal process because it provides empowerment, practical tools to reduce retraumatization, and long-term trauma healing
Sustainable Self-Care for Counsellors: A Framework to Address Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue, and Boundaries
Get PDFThis capstone project examines the personal and systemic barriers that make it difficult for counsellors, especially women, to engage in meaningful and consistent self-care. Although strong evidence shows that self-care helps protect against compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma (VT), and burnout (Barton, 2020; Wicks, 2012), many counsellors still find it challenging to put these practices into action. The literature review suggests that this may be linked to the empathic nature of those drawn to the profession, as well as a tendency to prioritize others' needs over their own (Lakshmin, 2023; Laverdière et al., 2019). This project addresses that gap by developing a self-care workshop tailored specifically for female-identifying counsellors. It draws on research about mindfulness (Wicks, 2012), boundary-setting (Gibson et al., 2021), and self-compassion (Neff & Germer, 2018), along with research discussing how systems of oppression influence women’s perspectives of self-care (Chemaly, 2018; Domínguez-Castillo et al., 2023; Martínez-Jiménez, 2022). The workshop encourages participants to reflect on how societal expectations and systems of oppression impact their well-being and provides tools to help them create a realistic and sustainable self-care plan (Chemaly, 2018). By supporting counsellors in caring for themselves, this project aims to promote ethical, lasting practice while also encouraging a cultural shift toward greater self-compassion within the profession
Experiences of Learners Regarding Knowledge Retention and Application at a Government Agency in Rhode Island: An Exploratory Case Study
No full textThe problem addressed in this study was many learners do not retain the knowledge or apply the skills they have learned after attending mandatory training. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore the state agency learners' experiences regarding their knowledge retention and application of skills after attending mandatory training. Participants included nine agency employees (learners) from diverse divisions who had attended at least two trainings and had a minimum of six months’ tenure. Data collection involved qualitative methods, grounded in Malcolm Knowles' Adult Learning Theory. Additionally, participants emphasized that training must be directly relevant to their job and supported by supervisors to be effective. Recommendations include adopting a blended, multimodal training approach, providing take-away resources and reinforcement opportunities, and equipping supervisors with tools to reinforce learning. Malcolm Knowles’ theory of andragogy emphasizes that adult learners differ from children. Adults see themselves as self-directed and want greater autonomy in their learning. They bring prior experiences that shape and enrich the learning process. Readiness to learn is tied to real-life roles and responsibilities, making adults more motivated when content is immediately relevant. Their orientation to learning is problem-centered rather than content-centered, with a preference for practical application over abstract theory. Motivation tends to come more from internal drivers, such as personal growth, job satisfaction, or improved self-confidence, than from external pressures. Finally, adults need to understand the purpose and value of what they are learning before fully engaging. Future research is recommended the researcher uses diverse methodologies such as multiple case studies, quantitative correlational designs, and ethnographic approaches to explore the complex dynamics influencing workplace learning and training transfer in public sector environments
A Scoping Narrative Review of End-of-Life Psychotherapy with Recommendations for End-of-Life Canadian Sexual and Gender Minority Clients
No full textLike all people, Canadian sexual and gender minority clients ("index clients") face subgroup-specific challenges and hindrances when approaching their own end of life (EOL), and deserve equitable care and support in congruence with their own values, preferences, and needs. EOL is the final transition in the life span and because of this transition's significance, the equality of EOL counselling is of critical importance. A review of shared index client histories and of common and subgroup-specific EOL priorities and experiences are provided. Standardized and individualized EOL psychotherapies are reviewed to explore their applicability and potential adaptations for index clients. The review concludes with preliminary recommendations to improve the future of index clients' psychotherapeutic care and suggestions for future research
Treating Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Biopsychosocial Perspective
No full textThis project explores current alignment between research-supported treatment methods and the biological, psychological, and social factors that underpin ADHD in adolescents
From Perfect to Present: Reframing Music Performance Anxiety as a Pathway to Flow through Emotional and Somatic Awareness in Perfectionist Vocalists
No full textMusic Performance Anxiety (MPA) and perfectionism are highly prevalent among vocalists, often impairing both technical execution and emotional presence during performances. While perfectionism in its maladaptive form is linked to burnout, self-criticism, and disrupted flow (Hill et al., 2010; Stoeber, 2021), emerging frameworks such as excellencism (Gaudreau, 2019) offer a more adaptive perspective that aligns with psychological flexibility, growth mindset, and sustainable performance. This literature review synthesizes research across psychology, performance science, and somatic practices to explore the complex interplay between perfectionism, MPA, and flow states in vocal performance. Findings indicate that while MPA can manifest in significant physiological and psychological symptoms, (Cohen & Bodner, 2019); Lewis & Hendricks, 2022), moderate levels of anxiety may also serve as a catalyst for flow when paired with effective coping strategies (Spahn et al., 2021); Jiang & Tong, 2024). Interventions that integrate cognitive reframing, emotional acceptance, and somatic regulation emerge as central to helping vocalists redirect performance pressure into focus and expressive freedom (Gross, 2015; Flamini, 2020). Clinical implications emphasize the importance of tailoring intervention to vocalists' unique needs through approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), breathwork, body mapping, and mindfulness. Taken together, this review positions the body and mind not as separate entities, but as interedependent mechanisms that, when regulated, support the attainment of flow and foster a healthier relationship with vocal performance