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Examining Bowen Family Systems Modality as a Treatment modality Amongst Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder
No full textAlcohol is the most used substance among adults in North America. Alcohol use is commonly associated with increased risk to the health and wellbeing of self and others. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is among one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders across the world today and is associated with family problems. The aim of this capstone project is to investigate the efficacy and application of Bowen's Family Systems Theory (BFST) as a treatment modality for individuals with the diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. AUD and family functioning are negatively impacted and interrelated, but families with family systemic intervention show significant improvements with AUD recovery. AUD is a response to the wavering tensions in the family system. By considering the relationships and interactions within the family system, therapists can assume a supportive role for patients in their treatment process of preventing relapse, and solving familial conflicts to reduce the overall anxiety, which in turns, reduces the use of alcohol. This capstone project explores BFST in depth in terms of AUD, its efficacy, and the practical application of its core concepts
An Integrative Approach to Working with High-Conflict Couples for New Practitioners
No full textWorking with high-conflict couples is intimidating for new practitioners, especially given the inability to practice this type of counselling in most graduate school environments. How can we provide new therapists with the confidence to work with high-conflict couples? Through using an integrative approach to couples therapy while grounding their work in a particular modality, counsellors can find interventions and techniques that are useful for a variety of different presenting concerns, including while working with couples where Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) or infidelity has occurred. This project was a literature review into the research base of specific approaches and interventions for working with high-conflict couples. The research focuses on the Gottman Method and Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples, while also including specific interventions and approaches for presenting concerns that may require a different modality
A Trauma-Informed Approach in Schools With Sandtray Therapy and CBT
No full textStudents who struggle with trauma can often get missed in the school system. With a lack of support, funding and awareness the school misses the opportunities in assisting the individuals who are struggling. This literature review will discuss what trauma is and how it impacts children and youth. It will look at the advantages of how having a trauma-informed approach can create a positive, empathetic culture where students feel safe and connected. Finally, this paper will explore how sandtray or sandplay therapy and cognitive behavioural support are two therapeutic approaches that a school counsellor can use to help students, who have experienced trauma, find healing
An Investigation Into How Mindfulness-Based Interventions Can Be Used to Address Post-Injury Anxiety Among Athletes
No full textThis paper is an examination of research for the purpose of further the understanding of the extent to which mindfulness-based interventions can address the negative consequences of post-injury anxiety after a sustained injury among athlete populations. Post-injury anxiety is a psychological response that occurs when athletes sustain injuries resulting in decreased confidence to return to sport. By not returning to sport, athletes experience a significant decrease of their quality of life and possible loss of future career opportunities. Previous literature has found that mindfulness-based techniques can be useful in addressing post-injury anxiety, however, current literature does not address the extent to which it can be helpful. The author examines 10 quantitative peer-reviewed studies through careful examination of overall findings of each study, and the analysis and critique of methodological frameworks. The author hypothesized that mindfulness-based techniques would be a sufficient stand-alone treatment protocol for post-injury anxiety if athletes are able to adopt acceptance and mindfulness-based practice. Results of the study found that acceptance plays an important role in adherence to rehabilitation, however, requires the presence of awareness in order to address post-injury anxiety. Furthermore, the benefits of mindfulness-based techniques are limited being used in conjunction with physical rehabilitation programs. In conclusion, due to the lack of mindfulness-based models intended for this population, further exploration is encouraged to determine the potential use of mindfulness-based techniques as a treatment for post-injury anxiety
Using Social Emotional Learning as a Tool to Support Students with Social Anxiety
Get PDFThe stage of adolescence is a period marked by rapid growth, learning, adaptation and neurobiological development (Dahl et al., 2018; Gestsdottir & Lerner, 2008). Research indicates an increase in mental health issues among adolescents, specifically observing a rise in anxiety symptoms among teens (Costello et al., 2011; Ezell et al., 2019; Dahl et al., 2018). Specifically, social anxiety tends to spike during adolescence and can lead to social isolation, poor attendance at school, and development of other mental health issues (Heinrich & Gullone, 2006; Qualter et al., 2013). As adolescence is also marked with an increase in independent social connections, it is expected that adolescents rely on their own social skills to navigate various situations in their day to day lives (Hartup, 1989; Hartup & Stevens, 1999). An increase in the importance of peer connections among adolescents underlines the importance of social skills to provide a positive sense of social emotional well-being and mitigate symptoms associated with social anxiety (Dahl et al., 2018). To equipped adolescents with the social skills and self-esteem necessary to face a variety of environments and interactions, social emotional learning encompasses a wide range of themes to support this healthy development (Kothari & Wesley, 2022; Albrecht & Brunner, 2019; Case-Smith, 2013). Therefore, after discussing relevant research related to adolescent social anxiety, treatments for social anxiety, and social emotional learning, Chapter Three provides an educational workshop to support educators in incorporating social emotional learning into the middle school classroom in explicit, engaging, and meaningful ways to support students experiencing social anxiety
Integrating Neuroscience and Attachment Theory into Play Therapy Practice
Get PDFChildhood mental health concerns are on the rise in Canada. Providing early intervention and prevention initiatives can help children, youth and families work towards positive mental health and healthy attachments. Play therapy has been shown to be an effective therapeutic intervention and can be tailored to the unique needs of each client. This paper will explore how neuroscientific research and attachment theory can be integrated into play therapy practice to further support children and youth. This paper highlights the importance of safety, developmentally appropriate interventions, psychoeducation, and neuroplasticity. Providing effective treatment to children can help reduce negative symptoms and help mitigate the long-term effects of mental health disorders
Decolonizing Stepped Care Model 2.0
Get PDFThis capstone centres on Stepped Care 2.0 (SC2.0), an innovative approach to mental health service delivery with principles that are client-centric, strength-based, and recovery oriented (MHCC, 2023). SC2.0 is a transformative model that has been shown to eliminate wait times to mental health services across Canada (MHCC, 2023). However, SC2.0 lacks culturally-safe care, and Indigenous worldviews and approaches. Through a comprehensive literature review, this capstone will address whether SC2.0 can meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples and their communities. This capstone will provide a critical analysis of Stepped Care models across multiple clinical settings. In addition, this capstone includes clinical applications that will provide an alternative, hypothesized version of Stepped Care model that is decolonized, Stepped Care 3.0. Recommendations will be provided for future research, highlighting the need for Indigenous-led research and the integration of traditional knowledge and teachings into mainstream research and clinical practice. The capstone will conclude with personal reflections. The overall intention of this capstone is to provide counsellors a guide to provide culturally-safe and trauma-informed care to Indigenous Peoples and their communities