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Navigating the Alliance with Adolescent Clients and Their Caregivers
No full textResearch indicates that the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client is the most important aspect for effective treatment. However, existing studies supporting this notion primarily focus on adult clients, leaving a gap in understanding the unique dynamics involved with adolescents – a vulnerable and distinct population. While the general principles of building a therapeutic alliance are applicable to adolescents, there are notable differences that should be considered. One particular difference involves the role of the adolescents’ caregivers. Therapists have an inevitable relationship with the caregiver of the adolescent clients, and understanding the importance and implications of this relationship is crucial. Therapists must balance between maintaining an alliance with the caregiver and fostering a strong alliance with the adolescent. This paper will address the differences in the alliance when working with adolescent clients, including the benefits and obstacles to establishing strong alliances with both parties. This paper aims to explore the nuanced challenges of building therapeutic alliances with adolescent clients and their caregivers, shedding light on both the advantages and obstacles faced by clinicians. Additionally, this paper will explore the critical aspects of client autonomy and confidentiality and their role in alliance-building. Finally, attention will be given to current limitations, considerations for future research, and practical implications for clinical practice
Children at the Checkpoint: Promoting the Mental Health of Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation in the West Bank
No full textThis capstone explores the mental health impacts on Palestinian children living under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank, focusing on how chronic exposure to political violence affects their psychological well-being. The study is guided by ecological development theory, which emphasizes the influence of a child's social environment, including family, school, and community, on their mental health. The research highlights the severe psychological consequences for children, including anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These conditions are exacerbated by factors such as home demolitions, military checkpoints, and child detention. The study also critiques the Western biomedical model for its inadequacy in addressing the collective and ongoing trauma faced by these children. Instead, it advocates for culturally sensitive, multi-layered interventions, emphasizing the importance of structural change and resilience-building at individual, familial, community, and policy levels. The findings underscore the critical need for mental health practitioners to consider the sociopolitical context and follow local leadership when designing interventions for Palestinian children. The capstone concludes by calling for a broader, more culturally attuned approach to mental health that prioritizes the voices and experiences of those living under occupation, with the ultimate goal of supporting their resilience and psychological well-being
Untwisting the Two Identity Strands in the LGBTQIAA+ Community
No full textGary Simeon Walker-Roberts, Ph.D. (they/ them/theirs), is a proud LGTBQIAA+ scholar who began their educational journey at the local community college in California. After earning an Associates of Arts in Arts and Humanities at Los Medanos College, Dr. Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies, Gender and Sexualities at California State University, East Bay (CSUEB). Thereafter, they earned a Master of Arts in English at Arizona State University and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in E-Learning at legacy Northcentral University, now known as National University (NU). Dr. Gary is a Professor in the Global Innovation, Social Emotional Learning, and Education Technology (GSET) of the Sanford College of Education at NU. Dr. Gary enjoys their role as Professor, Dissertation Committee Chair, and Subject Matter Expert where they successfully facilitate doctoral candidates to reach their terminal degrees. Dr. Gary is a proud member of the National University System’s Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (S-JEDI) Council where they champion the Inclusive Excellence Framework with a focus on LGTBQIAA+ inclusion and equity at NU. Lastly, Dr. Gary is a prestigious 2023 Award-winning National University Faculty Member: Jerry C. Lee Presidential Award.This Open Education Resource (OER) educational white paper untwists the two identity stands (gender identities and lovealities/sexualities) that form the LGBTQIAA+ Community. Many people ask, “How did gender identities (beyond the binary gender system) and lovealities/sexualities (beyond the romantic love/sex between a male and a female) become twisted together to form one community?" Dr. Walker-Roberts to provide their insight on the question by covering the following topics: LGBTQIAA+ key identity terms, a brief history of two events that forced the identities to form a community, and gender identity and lovealities/sexuality terminology. A comprehensive review of each identity strand is provided independently from each other. A re-imaged conversational flow is presented so people can avoid the unproductive apologetic cycle when incorrect assumptions are made regarding the two ways in which people identify. When people face new ideas, skills, concepts, and beliefs, they must accept using the growth heartset theory before relying on the growth mindset theory. The growth mindset theory is well-known, whereas the growth heartset theory is new. An explanation of the characteristics of the growth heartset theory is explained in this OER educational white paper
More Than Words: Importance of the Body’s Nervous System and the Value of Somatic Experiencing
No full textAcknowledging the mind and body's connected relationship can emphasize the value in messages that the body is sharing. The body is always in communication with us and one of the ways is through physical sensations. By increasing the level of awareness to these sensations, we can be in the here and now to notice what the body is saying. However, experiences of trauma could interfere with this mind body connection. This is because the body protects itself through various responses (fight or flight response, dissociation, numbness, etc.). Therefore, creating a separation between the mind and body. This capstone shares the understanding that trauma is not our fault, but our responsibility. Also discussed are various methods to bring the body back to a regulated state. This title is called 'More than words' because it could take more than talk therapy to heal and process the trauma
Virtual Embodiment
No full textThis paper explores the efficacy of indigenizing school counselling by offering remote somatic and expressive therapy online to students in rural and underserved communities. The literature review highlights the effectiveness of somatic therapy as an intervention, particularly for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant therapeutic practices. The theoretical framework is grounded in cultural competence and accessibility, aiming to bridge gaps in mental health support through innovative delivery methods. Key findings from the research reveal that remote somatic and expressive therapy can significantly improve emotional well-being and resilience among students in rural and underserved communities. The feasibility and effectiveness of the remote delivery model demonstrate its potential to overcome geographical barriers and resource limitations, providing an accessible alternative to traditional in-person counselling. Based on these findings, future recommendations suggest that the British Columbia School Counsellors Association (BCSCA) revise its policies to include remote expressive therapy as a viable option for school counsellors serving rural and underserved communities. This policy change would institutionalize the provision of culturally competent and accessible mental health services, promote the decolonizing of school counselling, and honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action
Barriers to Help-Seeking Behaviour for Male Victims of Sexual Violence
No full textThe research towards male victims of sexual violence is increasing. However, not many studies examine specifically the barriers present that prevent male victims of sexual violence from engaging in help seeking behaviour. Through a search of relevant of articles in PsychINFO and Google Scholar, I conducted a literature review of cisgender and transgender male sexual assault, with emphasis on barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these barriers. Barriers exist for male victims of sexual violence, negatively impacting men’s willingness to access support. Shame and embarrassment regarding the assault negatively impact men’s willingness to seek help. Men fear how others will respond to their disclosure of sexual violence. Furthermore, masculine norms in society negatively impact men’s willingness by positing that they should not express their emotions and should be able to protect themselves from sexual violence. Lastly, the logistics of accessing resources serves as a barrier. Services are quite rare for male victims and often when they are available, they either are too costly or have too high of waiting lists. To overcome some of these barriers for men, it is imperative that there is an increase in advertising of services. The desire for peer support services by victims is noted by the research, highlighting the desire of men to talk to other men who have experienced the same trauma. By overcoming barriers to help-seeking, we can shed more light on male sexual violence
Transformational Leadership: Developing a Culture of Curiosity, Growth, and Professional Development
No full textThis capstone study examines the role of transformational leadership in fostering professional learning communities dedicated to continuous growth and development. Research indicates that by engaging with the learning team, school leaders can cultivate a collaborative community of teachers who pursue ongoing improvement through their colleagues, thereby enhancing the team's overall capacity. When teachers collaborate, they are more effective in solving problems and addressing challenges than when working alone. Transformational leadership leverages in-house expertise to broaden knowledge and understanding across the team. Professional learning communities enable transformational leaders to strengthen teacher
self-efficacy and collective efficacy as teachers witnessing student achievement realize the impact of their efforts. In the 21st-century, where learners evolve rapidly, a single individual cannot address all needs; instead, a collaborative team is essential. Transformational leaders develop a shared
purpose, motivating and encouraging teachers to work towards continuous improvement. School leaders must build supportive and trusting relationships with teachers, allowing them to take risks without fearing failure. This involves fostering continuous collaboration through collegial
visits whereby teachers observe teaching practices and engage in constructive discussions that promote critical reflection. This enhances the team’s efficacy, as they collectively see their efforts positively influencing student success and achievemen
How Social and Structural Stigma Prevent Women Who Engage in Sex Work from Accessing Counselling Services
Get PDFThis paper is an examination of existing literature that discusses how stigmatization of sex work prevents women who engage in sex work from accessing counselling services. It will explore current sex work legislation throughout the world and how government policies on sex work can increase stigma associated with sex work. The aim of this paper is to understand how social and structural stigma affect the ability for women who engage in sex work to seek out counselling supports while considering if the decriminalization of sex work alone has been an appropriate measure to promote the well-being of women who engage in sex work. Research suggests that while decriminalization of sex work is a necessary first step, it will not be adequate on its own without extensive sociocultural change in attitudes toward women who engage in sex work. This change can begin by becoming aware of language, challenging, and educating those who use stigmatizing language toward sex work, not normalizing sexual violence under any condition, and getting to know the faces and stories of women who engage in sex work within one’s own community. According to advocates of legalization or decriminalization of sex work, the primary harm against women who engage in sex work is social stigma
Understanding How Individuals Cope with the Grief of Ambiguous Loss When Someone They Love Goes Missing
No full textEach day, numerous loved ones feel the impacts of unresolved missing persons cases as they navigate the devastating experience of not knowing whether their loved one is dead or alive. The resulting grief, known as ambiguous loss, has a profound impact on the grief and loss experiences of individuals who are impacted by the disappearance of someone they love. Understanding how the uncertainty of ambiguous loss shapes coping responses in this population is critical in developing clinical approaches to grief counselling with those who are left behind. The results from 15 articles published between 2017 and 2024 were analyzed to answer the research question: "How do individuals cope with the grief associated with ambiguous loss when a loved one goes missing?" The thematic analysis reveals that the coping responses of loved ones of the missing change over time and center around three main objectives: Making sense of the disappearance, trying to reduce ambiguity, and learning to live with the ambiguity of disappearance. Key findings highlighted the need to address barriers to care associated with the disenfranchisement of ambiguous loss within support spaces by adopting open, client-centred, culturally responsive approaches to treatment. Additionally, treatment interventions should be tailored toward helping the left behind develop a tolerance for the fact that the ambiguity of disappearance may never resolve and to find meaning and connection within their grief experience so that they may move forward in the face of such uncertainty
Developing Core Competencies for Reference Staff
No full textA poster presentation for the California Academic Reference Librarians Discussion Interest Group-South (CARLDIG-S