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Bibliotherapy and Deep Reading: Towards a Collaborative and Client-Centred Approach to Using Reading as a Therapeutic Intervention
No full textBibliotherapy is generally understood as the introduction of supplemental texts in mental health contexts to address specific concerns or to improve overall well-being. This capstone explores the concept of bibliotherapy as a therapeutic intervention, focusing on its historical and theoretical foundations, its use in counselling contexts, and some of the common and ethical considerations for integrating reading into therapeutic contexts. The literature review provides an overview of various theoretical frameworks that employ bibliotherapy and how they are practiced with a discussion of text selection and the difference between supported and unsupported bibliotherapy. While the efficacy research shows therapeutic gains, it is also riddled with blurry and varied operational definitions, wildly different modes of assessment, and small participant numbers. The deep reading framework proposed by neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf is offered as a way of expanding the understanding of the benefits of reading. The author concludes with a proposal for a collaborative and client-centred approach to bibliotherapy that includes a discussion ethical considerations and assessment
A Critical Look at Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Exploring Ethical and Social Justice Concerns
No full textThis capstone project examines ethical and social justice concerns related to the emerging field of psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT). Within the context of the psychedelic renaissance – characterized by a surge in clinical research and a shift in public perception towards psychedelics for mental health treatment – there has been significant hype regarding the potential benefits of PAT, with far less attention being paid to the potential risks and harms. This paper reviews the literature to provide an overview of the wide ranging concerns across three inter-related areas: industry and culture, clinical research, and clinical practice. Key findings include harms related to commercialization and neocolonialism, biased clinical research caused by high expectancy effects, small sample sizes, and inconsistent methodology, and challenges related to autonomy and safety given the mind-altering nature of psychedelics. The literature also revealed scholarly debate regarding the best means of addressing these concerns moving forward. This highlights the need for dialectical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical frameworks that address and balance the differences between western scientific ways of knowing and Indigenous ways of knowing. Embracing critical voices, adopting more rigorous clinical research, and incorporating Indigenous ethics will all help in moving the field of PAT towards a more ethical, effective, and socially just industry and praxis
Medical Assistance in Dying: Implications for Counselling
No full textAs engagement in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) increases, counsellors may increasingly find themselves involved in supporting patients and families through this end-of-life process. This capstone explores the ethical, legal, and practical dimensions of MAiD from a counselling perspective, and highlights the psychosocial needs that arise for patients and families throughout the MAiD journey. A literature review offers meaningful insights into these elements, but also reveals a critical gap in the professional discourse surrounding the role of counsellors, particularly regarding the absence of formal guidelines to address the unique challenges posed by MAiD. Ultimately, this work serves as a primer for counsellors, offering foundational guidance while advocating for further research to address gaps in this emerging area of practice
Understanding ADHD's Influence on Self-Perception in Children and Youth
No full textThis comprehensive literature review investigates the impact of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis on the self-perception of children and adolescents. The study explores how ADHD influences self-concept, cognitive and emotional functioning, and social dynamics, emphasizing the complex interplay between these factors in shaping the identities of young individuals. An analysis of peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between 2018 and 2024, and a thematic synthesis revealed that formulating self- identity, cognitive and emotional challenges, perception biases, and the critical role of social interactions influence the self-perception of diagnosed young people. The findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive interventions, tailored psychoeducation, and therapeutic approaches focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Additionally, the research advocates for integrating social skills training and the need for systemic changes to improve access to evidence-based care. This review provides valuable insights for clinicians, educators, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to supporting the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD
Use of the Medicine Wheel in the Treatment of Depression
Get PDFThis capstone explores the potential application of the Medicine Wheel, an Indigenous framework, in the treatment of depression. Depression, recognized as a pervasive and multifaceted condition, often challenges existing treatment modalities, highlighting the need for a more culturally sensitive approach. The Medicine Wheel offers a holistic model by integrating spiritual, social, physical, and mental health practices, thereby addressing the complexity of depressive states in a comprehensive manner. The literature review examines the intricacies of depression and explores the possible applications of the Medicine Wheel. This capstone addresses the following research question: How can the Medicine Wheel be used in the treatment of depression? Emphasizing cultural sensitivity, this capstone advocates for counsellors to engage with Indigenous traditions and knowledge. It demonstrates the Medicine Wheel’s adaptability by highlighting its integration into existing treatment modalities, such as expressive therapies and positive psychology, showcasing its universal applications. This capstone explores how incorporating the Medicine Wheel into mainstream mental health practices can foster a more inclusive and respectful therapeutic environment. This research explores the implications for counselling practice and suggests next steps for research. The Integration of Indigenous knowledge into mental health care aligns with the Canadian Psychological Association's Code of Ethics for Psychologists (2017) and incorporates the Psychology's Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report (2018), promoting culturally responsive therapeutic interventions
Silent Suffering: The Gender Disparity in ADHD Diagnosis and Its Mental Health Implications for Females
No full textAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has historically been understood through the lens of research primarily focused on males, owing to the externalized symptomatic presentation commonly associated with the condition. Diagnosis and treatment protocols for ADHD have largely evolved from studies predominantly involving male participants. However, there is a growing recognition of the need to understand how ADHD manifests in females. Beyond the commonly explored symptoms, such as inattention and hyperactivity, a nuanced examination reveals a profound impact of emotional dysregulation, particularly among women. The ability to emotionally regulate is often cited in the literature as the most impairing deficit associated with ADHD that prolongs throughout the lifespan for both males and females. This underexplored area emphasizes a narrative of underrecognition and while suggesting a potential for further research within the domain of mental health. This paper reviews the nuanced relationship between ADHD, emotional regulation, and associated factors such as rejection sensitivity and the autonomic nervous system. While drawing on polyvagal theory to provide a framework into the ADHD presentation in females, suggesting a need for internal safety
Narrative Therapy and Passionate Interests to Support Therapeutic Alliance with Autistic Children and Families
No full textThis capstone was written to support counsellors working with autistic children and their families by increasing awareness of the importance of PI in building therapeutic rapport and the use of NT as an appropriate neurodiversity-affirming modality. It aims to explain the various theoretical understandings of autism when approached from an NT lens and consider the unique challenges counsellors might encounter related to rapport, communication, and co-regulation for autistic children. It supports the view that multiple realities exist, and each autistic child has unique interests and needs that may require alternative approaches in counselling. Therefore, the following research question will be explored: How can the integration of narrative therapy with autistic PI support counsellors in ongoing therapeutic rapport and communication with autistic children
Continuing Bonds Theory in Counselling: Tending Relationships to the Dead
No full textGrief and loss are universal experiences that each person will endure over the course of their lifetime. Despite this universality grief can be a difficult topic for many people to work with, and social stigma can lead to individuals feeling that their grief is unwelcome or that there is something wrong with them for experiencing grief. Continuing bonds theory is a way of working with grief which invites individuals to form connections with their lost loved-ones. This theory acknowledges that death does not mean the cessation of love or connection, and seeks to build ways for individuals to connect with people they have lost. This paper speaks to some of the ways that this theory works with grief and how we as counsellors can work to de-pathologize grief in our practice and help individuals to form healthy connections. This paper shares some potential avenues for further exploration with regards to how counsellors can support individuals with grief that is not only attached to death-related loss and makes recommendations for further research with regards to cultural applications and using continuing bonds with complicated grief
Culturally Inclusive Treatment Strategies for South Asian Immigrants in Canada
No full textSouth Asian immigrants who reside in Canada have unique mental-health needs because of acculturative stress, cultural shame, and systemised prejudice towards them, as well as barriers to care. This paper focuses on how culturally responsive treatments can overcome these issues. Using a biopsychosocial approach and conducting a thematic analysis, the author identified three themes from studies on culturally inclusive strategies that effectively address immigrants' psychological needs. The main findings are culturally tailored interventions, strategies to enhance help-seeking behaviour, and culturally responsive frameworks. The implications of the current study include the potential for cultural competence to promote the effectiveness of mental-health interventions, decrease prejudice, and increase South Asians’ utilisation of services. This work also highlights that mental-health practitioners must adapt and demonstrate cultural competence, as well as implement policies to enhance the importance of and access to mental-health care for immigrants
The Lived Experience of Educators who Teach Students who Have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Phenomenological Study
Get PDFKindergarten and first-grade students who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have additional learning needs impeding the learning of self and others. The purpose of the qualitative study was to investigate: (a) the successes, challenges, barriers, and needs of teachers working with students who have ADHD; (b) teachers' sense of self-efficacy in working with students who have ADHD; and (c) any differences in successes, challenges, barriers, and needs to mitigate the problem of how to teach kindergarten and first-grade students who have ADHD. A qualitative phenomenological research design guided the collection and analysis of data. This study’s participants were selected by using purposeful sampling and included general education and special education teachers from California and Texas who taught students in kindergarten or first grade with ADHD. Conducting semistructured interviews and inductive data analysis led to a better understanding of teacher self-efficacy and
characteristics to determine differentiated needs and themes. The objective was to learn about the participants’ lived experiences when teaching kindergarten or first-grade students with ADHD and any differentiated needs based on experiences and teacher characteristics. The responses from participants may assist (a) school leaders when selecting and creating effective professional development, (b) teacher professional developers when creating training, and (c) university officials when developing teacher education courses. Recommendations for future research include expanding the
geographical area and grade range of this study. Another recommendation is to conduct related research using an in-depth case study to research a teacher who instructs students who have ADHD and a teacher who instructs students who have autism