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Beyond Shadows: Social Anxiety, Body Awareness, Trauma, and Alexithymia in a Journey of Healing with Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Get PDFThe present project aimed to examine the relationship of a series of cognitive and emotional factors such as social anxiety, body awareness, trauma type, and alexithymia, and unravelling their complex interplay in shaping and intensifying Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). SAD has a lifetime prevalence rate of 7.1% and is a common disorder affecting nearly 15 million adults in the United States. The research underscores a heightened susceptibility to SAD, disturbed body awareness, and alexithymia among individuals who have faced interpersonal trauma. The concept of "the body keeps the score" emphasizes the storage of trauma in the body, disrupting the harmonious connection between mind and body. In this project, DBT is presented as a practical and effective holistic tool not only to improve well-being but also to heal the underlying causes and comprehensively navigate the multifaceted challenges of SAD by incorporating interventions including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness
Culturally Adapting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis for Treatment in Cultures with Different Causal Attributions
Get PDFThis review seeks to gain an understanding on the applicability of culturally adapting cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) for use in non-Westernized cultures where psychosis is not recognized as a mental illness. The author conducted a methodological analysis, review of the current literature, and discusses ethical considerations of the literature included in this review. Some non-Westernized cultures use causal explanations for psychosis, attributing the symptoms to religious or supernatural causes rather than biological or social ones. This makes the targeting of positive psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, less desirable for these individuals as the positive symptoms have a larger impact on the individual’s identity and self-esteem. Reducing symptoms of distress and comorbid symptoms can have a significant impact on the affected individual’s quality of life and ability to function. Non-Western cultures generally put more value into social relationships compared to Western cultures. Diagnosed individuals are likely to isolate themselves away from family and social relationships for fear of judgement. Findings from studies done in non-Westernized countries as well as Western countries find that individuals from non-Western cultural backgrounds face stronger stigmatization when compared to individuals with Western cultural backgrounds. Due to stigmatization, individuals from non-Western cultures are more likely to seek mental health treatment from religious and faith healers rather than from mental health professionals. The studies included in this review offer an initial look into the adaptations that can be made to CBTp to make it more acceptable and effective in non-Western cultures. Recommendations include individualizing CBTp interventions, offering family therapy to individuals of non-Western cultural backgrounds, and gaining knowledge of traditional cultural healing practices
The Use of Psychoeducation in Supporting Positive Mental Health Outcomes in Varsity Athletes: Emerging Adulthood and the Impacts on Varsity Athlete’s Mental Health
No full textEntering university can be a very stressful time that typically happens at a developmental stage that can be filled with change, instability, and uncertainty. Add the pressures of competing in sport at a high level and you are bound to see levels of burnout and distress. A review of the literature on emerging adulthood, the unique mental health concerns of varsity athletes, and the resources available to them was conducted. Although the aim of this capstone was to build a psychoeducation program, I was identified that psychoeducation and mental health resources are widely available to varsity athletes; however, these resources are vastly underutilized. Upon a closer look, three barriers to help-seeking behaviour were identified. They were lack of time, low mental health literacy, and stigma. With this gained knowledge, I propose a new type of mental health program that addresses each barrier in the hopes of ensuring that the athletes that need support receive it
Alcoholics Anonymous: Strengths and Limitations as a Recovery Program for Women and Alternative Means of Recovery in the Twenty-First Century
No full textAlcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the world (Kipper & Whitney, 2010) and problematic drinking among women in North America is on the rise (Whitaker, 2019; Glaser, 2013; CDC, 2022; Wilsnack et al, 2013). When (or if) women seek help for alcohol addiction, they will likely be advised to join a form of treatment that involves Alcoholics Anonymous and The Twelve Steps model of recovery (Williams & Mee-Lee, 2019; Whitaker, 2019; Glaser, 2013; Breuninger et al., 2020). Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is considered an integral component of most treatment centers, and according to the organization itself (Alcoholics Anonymous, n.d.), it has helped over two million people stop drinking. However, AA’s literature and culture are decidedly male-dominated, and for women, it has its limitations (Glaser, 2013; Whitaker, 2019; Heather, 2021; Covington, 1994; Kasl, 1992; Wilsnack et al., 2013). This Capstone will examine AA as a recovery program for women by looking at its history, the literature within the organization, and available research and publications regarding its strengths and limitations for women specifically. A model for counselling women who struggle with alcohol addiction, in light of twenty-first century research and developments will then be provided
Fostering Resilience in Adults with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
No full textResilience is considered one of the main driving forces for adults with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to not only bounce back from the results of their traumatic past but also function as the catalyst for them to gain post-traumatic growth. This Capstone sought to delve into the history of resilience research, understand the definition and sources of resilience, learn how resilience can benefit the holistic well-being of adults with ACEs, and how counselling therapists can facilitate effective modalities to foster and enhance resilience in their clients. In the literature review, the focus was primarily on various aspects of resilience and how it interacted with adults with ACEs. In the last part of this Capstone, best practices to help adults with ACEs are recommended to fellow counsellors. Furthermore, this paper examined the obstacles and constraints linked to applying interventions targeting adults with ACEs. Lastly, it suggested the limitations in the current field of research on resilience and proposed some recommendations for further research to refine this specific area of mental health knowledge base
Embracing Embodiment: A Counsellor's Guide to Self-Discovery and Client Support in Body Image Exploration
No full textThis capstone paper delves into the intricate dynamics of body image and its profound impact on individuals within the therapeutic context. As a new counsellor navigating the complexities of mental health and therapy, the exploration of body image-related shame and societal biases has emerged as a pivotal area of interest. The research sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals grappling with shame, self-devaluation, and disordered eating behaviors linked to body image issues. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of selfreflection and self-care for counsellors, particularly in instances where personal triggers arise from shared stories and challenges with clients. The paper emphasizes the significance of addressing one's own issues while supporting clients in their therapeutic journey. By engaging in self-reflection, seeking supervision, and prioritizing mental well-being, counsellors can create a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore their struggles. Through modeling vulnerability, empathy, and self-awareness, counsellors aim to foster a collaborative and non-judgmental environment conducive to healing and self-acceptance
What It Means to Be Human: A Response to Harzheim
No full textLockhart, E. N. (2024). What it means to be human: A response to Harzheim. Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, 1-3.This response engages critically with Harzheim’s review of Thomas Fuchs’ In Defense of the Human Being: Foundational Questions of an Embodied Anthropology. Fuchs’ work offers a profound exploration of embodied cognition, arguing that human cognition and existence are deeply shaped by our physical interactions. Harzheim’s critique highlights significant aspects of Fuchs’ framework, including his critique of functionalist models, the impact of transhumanist technologies, and ethical concerns in healthcare technology. This paper extends Harzheim’s review by proposing an integration of functionalist and embodied cognitive models, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of technological impacts, and advocating for a more robust ethical framework that considers social equity. Additionally, it addresses the is-ought distinction and explores the implications of technological advancements on human identity and mental health. Doede’s critique is also discussed, underscoring the importance of integrating diverse cognitive models and addressing technological determinism. Overall, this response calls for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to the discourse on embodied cognition, aiming to enrich the scholarly conversation and address the complexities and implications of Fuchs’ analysis
