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Narrative Therapy Approaches for Athletes in Transition: A Clinical Framework for Identity Reconstruction
No full textAthletes often face identity struggles in the face of major life transitions, including career-ending injuries, retirement, motherhood, or changes in competitive levels. These moments can trigger psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression, alongside larger existential questions like, “Who am I without my sport?” This capstone research project explores how narrative therapy can support athletes in reconstructing their sense of self when their athletic identity has been disrupted. By examining how athletic identity theory and transition theory can be integrated, this capstone offers a clinical framework for counsellors to support athletes in navigating these challenges. The findings emphasize the importance of helping athletes externalize problem-saturated stories and create new ones that integrate their experiences beyond sport. This work aims to provide practical tools for clinicians while addressing the growing mental health needs of athletes experiencing life transitions
Cyberbullying in Adolescents: Exploring the Impacts of Cyberbullying Victimization and Perpetration
No full textAs adolescents become increasingly more dependent on technology and social media, the rates of cyberbullying have also risen drastically (Trompeter et al., 2022). The nuances and details of cyberbullying are complex, leaving many adults struggling to understand exactly what cyberbullying looks like for current adolescents. Previous research has helped provide clarity on traditional bullying and what can be done, but cyberbullying has proven to be its own unique form of social aggression. Most adolescents who engage in cyberbullying do not fit the typical profiles of victims and perpetrators – as many online perpetrators may also be victims of traditional bullying (Liang et al., 2024). This capstone provides insight into the realities of cyberbullying, the consequences of victimization and perpetration, why cyberbullying occurs, and potential interventions. It also gives tangible recommendations that can be applied for different stakeholders such as parents, teachers, counsellors, and schools
Solution Focused Somatic Spiritual Brief Therapy (SFSSBT) Expressed Visually in a Double Pyramid Mind Map as a New Holistic Cross-cultural SFBT Technique
No full textSolution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) has been proven to be a positive, evidence-based therapeutic counselling approach for individuals and groups cross-culturally. SFBT is built on a positive solution forward focused therapeutic formulation, addressing the initial and or presenting issues or problems, bridging towards growth, inner resources, hope and change. The introduction of Solution-Focused, Somatic, Spiritual Brief Therapy (SFSSBT), including Mind Mapping, is based on a generalist holistic theory of a three-part, mind, body, spirit, problem, bridge, solution, process of change. SFSSBT utilises a double pyramid mind map as a physical, aural or visual representation of change within a psycho-therapeutic counselling session. SFSSBT is a client-centred SFBT approach to counselling that focuses on how change occurs, word by word and is witnessed emotionally, somatically, spiritually and visually, based on the clients’ personal resources and cultural narrative. SFSSBT allows for a new holistic counselling technique that is client-centred, simple, positive and a co-collaborative approach, adaptable for clients that are physically, socially, spiritually and cross-culturally unique
Building Emotional Resilience Through Scary Video Games
No full textWhile traditionally dismissed as mere entertainment, horror video games may serve as emotionally immersive environments that support key therapeutic processes. This capstone explores how fear-based digital gameplay can contribute to emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and resilience-building, drawing theoretical parallels with evidence-based practices such as exposure therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Through a critical review of emerging empirical literature and clinical theory, the manuscript investigates the potential for horror games to offer controlled simulations where players confront, regulate, and reframe emotional responses. Findings suggest that horror gameplay may promote psychological growth when players are able to maintain a sense of agency and safety. Importantly, these experiences often unfold in socially rich contexts that mirror the co-regulation and support mechanisms central to counselling work. Cultural, developmental, and ethical considerations are addressed, emphasizing the need for practitioner discernment and client-centred adaptation. The manuscript concludes with modality-specific recommendations and clinical vignettes, positioning horror gaming as a promising yet underexplored adjunct to counselling psychology practice. By challenging conventional assumptions about fear and therapeutic engagement, this project argues for a more expansive and inclusive view of how clients cultivate resilience in both real and digital worlds
An American Paradox: A Monolingual Nation in a Plurilingual World Volume 2 // Brain Based Lesson Plan Samples for Plurilingual Students
No full textThe American Paradox includes two volumes. In Volume I, The American Paradox describes how the paradox lies in the nation's persistent commitment to monolingual language policies despite its foundation as a land of immigrants enriched by linguistic and cultural diversity. Volume I provides a rationale for understanding the American Paradox and explores this contradiction more deeply by examining how the dominant emphasis on English-only education continues to shape policy and practice, even as research in neuroscience (Alexander, Aragón, Bookwala, Cherbuin, Gatt, Kahrilas, & Styliadis, 2021) and history highlights the benefits of embracing plurilingualism.
The editors of American Paradox have chosen to embrace the newest technologies to create the most up-to-date resource for teacher candidates and educators in the field. Editors today are greatly assisted by an advanced array of tools that optimize both creativity and organization, ensuring their work evolves into coherent and polished content that is both insightful and accessible. At the forefront are AI engines, transformative resources that analyze content, offer real-time suggestions, and ensure alignment with intended audiences. These engines, powered by natural language processing, identify inconsistencies in tone, structure, and flow while proposing enhancements to maximize pedagogical impact
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Historical Trauma on the Asian Population in North America
No full textThis capstone explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the historical trauma experienced by the Asian population in North America. It specifically examines how the surge in racism, xenophobia, and racial discrimination during the pandemic has intensified pre-existing historical trauma, leading to significant mental health concerns within this community. The rise of anti-Asian sentiment during this global health crisis has reopened old wounds. Still, it has also compounded the emotional and psychological distress that many Asian individuals have carried for generations. This paper highlights the critical importance of psychologists’ awareness of the unique struggles faced by Asian individuals, mainly how the intersection of historical trauma and the pandemic has created new challenges in mental health care. It emphasizes the need for practitioners to understand the cultural context and historical factors that influence the mental health experiences of their Asian clients. This capstone advocates for trauma-informed care and culturally adaptive practices within therapeutic approaches. Through an extensive literature review, the literature review identifies significant gaps in the existing body of research and calls for additional empirical studies to understand better the long-term mental health effects of COVID-19-related discrimination on Asian communities. The capstone concludes by offering recommendations for improving clinical practices, urging the mental health field to prioritize culturally competent, trauma-sensitive interventions and to develop a more nuanced understanding of the intersection between historical trauma and contemporary social crises
In Step Together: A Relational Model for Integrating Therapy Dogs into Nature-Based Walk-and-Talk Therapy
No full textThis capstone explores the therapeutic possibilities of integrating walk-and-talk therapy with canine-assisted interventions, grounded in trauma-informed, relational, and nature-based approaches to care. Drawing from current literature, practice-based insights, and interdisciplinary theory, the capstone examines how movement, animal presence, and outdoor environments can support emotional regulation, therapeutic engagement, and accessibility across diverse populations. The literature review identifies core themes within walk-and-talk therapy and therapy dog interventions, emphasizing how each supports nervous system regulation, relational safety, and client-centred practice. Although both modalities show promise on their own, research on their combined use remains limited. In response, this capstone introduces the In Step Together model, a flexible and ethically grounded framework for integrating therapy dogs into outdoor, movement-based sessions. The model is organized into four phases: preparation, grounding, walking dialogue, and integration. Each phase centres on co-regulation, consent, and responsiveness to both clients' and canines' needs. The project concludes with reflections on ethical considerations, therapist training, and future directions for research and practice. It advocates for mental health care that is more inclusive and culturally responsive and that honours the healing potential of relationship, environment, and interspecies connection
A Holistic and Multi-Professional Approach to Women's Health
No full textThis capstone addresses the complex and multifaceted domain of women's health, with a focus on exploring the potential for a holistic and multi-professional approach to care. The primary aim is to examine how such an approach is defined within the existing literature and to assess the extent to which it is currently implemented in practice. Two central themes guide the literature review: multi-professional collaboration and emotional regulation. The review highlights the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in supporting women's health and presents a comprehensive definition of holistic care. It further investigates current research on the contributions of various health practitioners and therapeutic modalities, including polyvagal theory, emotion-focused therapy, and somatic interventions. Based on these findings, the capstone offers recommendations for clinical counsellors to engage in collaborative practices that promote integrative and holistic care for women experiencing reproductive health challenges
How Can Polyvagal Theory be Used to Support Yugoslavian First-Generation Immigrants Experiencing Trauma?
No full textThis capstone explores how polyvagal theory (PVT) can support first-generation Yugoslavian immigrants experiencing trauma. Through a trauma-informed lens, with a focus on safety and a strengths-based approach, the capstone utilizes over 70 academic articles to examine the nuances of PVT, the prevalence of trauma, and its impact on this population. The literature review highlights the connection between trauma and first-generation Yugoslavian immigrants, emphasizing how PVT can aid trauma recovery by promoting autonomic nervous system regulation. Best practices for working with this population include fostering a therapeutic alliance, employing culturally sensitive trauma-informed interventions, and using PVT techniques such as deep breathing and body scans. This capstone aims to raise awareness about the trauma challenges faced by first-generation Yugoslavian immigrants and demonstrate how PVT can support their trauma healing