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How Adaptations to the Standard EMDR Protocol Can be Informed by Attachment Theory
Get PDFThe topic of this capstone grew out of a curiosity for the treatment of relational wounds that resulted from strained and broken relationships using a similar methodology employed in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Early breaches in attachment in children and infants have been linked to challenges later in life with emotional regulations and the formation of relationships. This capstone will examine studies that have proved the efficacy of EMDR as a treatment option for PTSD and will extend to summarize the work in adopting the protocol in EMDR for wounds that have resulted from flawed relational bonds. The research reviewed served as a basis to inspire the creation of an adaptation of EMDR through an attachment focused lens with an underlying sensitivity to the client’s nervous system response to the therapy. The treatment plan is designed to help an adult client identify and lower the emotional charge of an upsetting early childhood attachment memory. The lowering of the charge is aimed at relieving distressing emotions that are linked to the hurtful memories that may be impeding their current functioning. The proposal in Chapter 3 is targeted to practitioners that have already been trained in the basic EMDR protocol. No attempt should be made to use this adapted protocol without the proper EMDR basic training
Unacknowledged Wounds: Enfranchising the Thousand Losses of Migratory Grief
Get PDFA growing number of people around the world are being displaced due to violence, war, genocide, poverty, and the ecological crisis. Although it is now widely recognized that the experience of displacement and resettlement can be extremely traumatic, there continues to be a significant gap in both literature and social discourse on the impact of migration, specifically regarding grief and loss. This paper explores possible reasons for this absence and aims to illuminate and acknowledge the profound, innumerable, and layered non-death losses experienced by migrants. The goal is to validate, normalize and humanize migratory grief so that it can be attended to with the care it needs and deserves, and to help counsellors, migrants, and society develop a deeper understanding and sense of compassion for this experience. This paper also offers non-pathologizing and life-giving ways to honor the many losses associated with migration and nurture a sense of empowerment, hope, purpose, meaning and belonging in those who have been uprooted and replanted in new lands. Readers will be invited to consider grief as a potential source of self-discovery, purpose, and love, rather than a pathology in need of fixing. Finally, the paper will end with a discussion on the importance of engaging in advocacy, activism, and glbal movements for justice, equity, and liberation as a way to mobilize grief and prevent its perpetuation
Nature-Based Art Therapy (NBAT) for Trauma
No full textNature-based art therapy (NBAT) is an emerging and integrative therapeutic approach offering possibilities for trauma care and treatment (Berger, 2010). Critical aspects of NBAT include using natural materials for art creation, facilitating art therapy sessions in outdoor settings focusing on multidimensional connections between clients and therapists, as well as art and nature as co-therapists (Berger, 2020). Mindfulness mechanisms in NBAT can reduce bodily stress hormones and enhance emotional expression to indicate this novel modality as a possible method to mitigate common trauma responses (Baker et al., 2018; Wardle, 2023). This literature review explores seminal theories and current research on nature-based therapies, art therapy, and NBAT applied to trauma care. This literature review additionally explores cultural perspectives and accessibility implications of NBAT, including strengths and limitations of current NBAT theories, research, and practices. This capstone aims to advocate for ethical care and safety during NBAT integration into trauma care and in future research. The research question for this capstone is: How does nature-based art therapy (NBAT) support individuals with trauma
Building Financial Awareness and Empathy in Therapeutic Spaces
Get PDFA vast range of financially rooted concerns arise in therapeutic settings, often intertwined with client-presenting issues. Despite the strong ties between financially related stress and overall well-being and its role as a significant source of personal and relational conflict, clinical research and evidence-based guidance on addressing this area remains limited. Although sparse, existing research suggests that many counselling clinicians tend to avoid assessing and leaning into money-related topics despite their deep connections to client identity and well-being. Whether or not existing research represents what occurs in practice, this capstone invites all clinicians, no matter their experience, to explore this impactful and complex area, fostering greater financial awareness and empathy within their work. This capstone aims to uncover financial assessment and inquiry barriers that may limit valuable insights and holistic client care. Offering clinicians introductory steps for deconstructing these barriers where relevant, this work encourages the cultivation of financial empathy through self-reflective practice, self-reflexivity, and a commitment to ongoing learning. Just as cultivating cultural humility helps clinicians understand diverse backgrounds, developing financial empathy enables them to better comprehend their clients’ and their own experiences with money-related matters. A core outcome of this capstone is to unpack financially rooted concerns, proposing a more nuanced framework to clarify which aspects fall within and beyond clinical scope. Findings suggest that while clinicians are well-positioned to explore many aspects of money-related stressors, many require additional support through training and evidence-based practices to navigate this territory confidently, even when it means making informed referrals. Ultimately, this capstone serves as an ethical call to action for clinicians, scholars, and leaders to lean in and amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives in the literature—voices that can better equip clinicians to approach financial matters with attunement to their profound impact on client identity and well-being
Easing Academic Anxiety through Self-Compassion for First Year International Postsecondary Students
No full textThis capstone includes a comprehensive literature review investigating the role of self-compassion (SC) in alleviating academic anxiety among international postsecondary students. The study identified two central themes: the influence of ecological systems or factors on academic anxiety and the relationship between SC and reducing academic anxiety for international students. Individual and social factors that were found to significantly impact academic anxiety included, acculturative stress, gender dynamics, cultural or ethnic identity, English language proficiency, and social connectedness. SC emerged as a critical factor in mitigating academic anxiety, promoting resilience, and enhancing academic performance. While mindful SC interventions showed promise, challenges remain in adapting and validating measures across diverse cultural contexts. Recommendations for future research include exploring the interaction between ecological systems and SC, conducting longitudinal studies on intervention effectiveness for academic anxiety, and examining the role of cultural identity in moderating SC outcomes. Integration of these findings into clinical practice highlights the potential for SC interventions to enhance support mechanisms and foster student success and well-being
Clients' and Therapists' Attachment Styles: Do They Influence the Alliance?
No full textThis capstone answers two questions related to attachment styles and the working alliance: does the client's attachment style matter and does the therapist's attachment style matter? While the research is mixed regarding the ways that attachment styles interact within the alliance, the consensus is that secure attachment styles enable the strongest alliances. Clients and therapists with insecure attachment styles can nevertheless develop secure, relationship-specific attachments. Therapists with insecure attachment styles can learn to meet clients' needs for safety and security through the core caregiving behavioural system functions of attunement, responsiveness, and emotional regulation
Stress Management for Counsellors and the Different Interventions to Manage Stress
No full textThe importance of developing stress management and self-care techniques is important for counsellors and health practitioners alike. We must learn to find balance in both our personal and professional lives and tune into our emotions in order to continue working long into our careers as therapists. My intent with this capstone project is to explore the root of stress and the different interventions that could be used to understand and treat it. Different theories and models will be explored to understand the root of stress and how to approach it effectively. This capstone will offer a proactive approach to stress management. My research focuses on the following subject areas; 1. The symptoms and signs of burnout to spot it before it’s too late; 2. Self-care practices and techniques; 3. The contributors to increased stress levels both professionally and personally; 4. Current tools counsellors can learn and use to navigate their burnout or stress. I will work towards those goals by researching a variety of theoretical perspectives, their benefits, and limitations, and comparing them to current strategies. By critiquing those theories and their interventions, I aim to create a set of recommendations for counsellors dealing with the stressors of their work environment
Vampire Literature: Perpetuating and Challenging Stereotypes
No full textVampire literature, like any form of literature, can both perpetuate and challenge stereotypes related to marginalized communities. How literature is interpreted can depend upon the specific text, the author's intentions, and the context in which the story is told. The perpetuation of stereotypes can also contribute to institutionalized discrimination and cultural traditions that further marginalize certain groups (Hilton and von Hippel). While the intent of vampire literature may not be to reinforce stereotypes, there are instances where certain works have contributed to such perpetuation. Therefore, it is important to decontextualize content in order to facilitate discourse that uncovers diverse interpretations
Healing Through Humour: A Space for Laughter in a Historically Heavy Setting
No full textThis capstone research project challenges traditional perceptions of mental health care by advocating for the integration of lightness, joy, and playfulness in therapeutic interactions. Through a personal lens and professional experience, the author explores the impact of humour on clients' well-being and the therapeutic relationship. By emphasizing inclusivity, compassion, and the therapeutic benefits of humour, this study aims to create a more accessible and supportive mental health landscape. This work sheds light on the importance of cultivating a space where individuals feel empowered to seek counselling with ease and confidence, ultimately fostering healing and growth infused with laughter and joy
Therapists' Perspectives on Integrating Religion and Spirituality in Therapy
No full textThis capstone examines peer-reviewed research exploring therapists' perspectives on integrating religion and spirituality (R/S) in therapy. Findings suggest that therapists view R/S as essential to their clients' identities, meaning making and sense of purpose. Therapists employ various spiritual interventions such as prayer, religious scripture, and addressing existential questions, aligning these interventions with clients’ spiritual values and needs. However, many therapists often reported feeling unprepared to navigate R/S topics due to minimal focus on spirituality in training programs, personal biases, fear of client reactions and ethical concerns. The integration of R/S interventions was influenced by therapists' personal beliefs, clients' initial levels of spiritual distress, and their openness to engaging in spiritual discussions. Therapists who allowed clients to guide the conversations about R/S were more successful in building positive therapeutic relationships. Additionally, culturally competent therapists demonstrated greater comfort in addressing R/S topics and skillfully integrated these concepts into therapy, creating a supportive space for clients to explore their spiritual beliefs. The integration of R/S can enhance the therapeutic process, help clients cope with their spiritual struggles, and improve psychological and spiritual well-being. This paper underscores the importance of a client-centered approach, where therapists assess clients' interest in R/S elements before incorporating them into therapy. It also highlights barriers and enablers to effective R/S integration. The author also considered research and professional ethics and made recommendations for future research