National University System Repository
Not a member yet
5119 research outputs found
Sort by
Therapeutic Use of Expressive Arts Therapy with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
No full textThis capstone project critically reviews the literature to examine the therapeutic application of Expressive Arts Therapy (ExAT) with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (ASCSA). ExAT involves the interchangeable use of creative art interventions in a therapeutic context to help facilitate healing and change. ASCSA experience deleterious impacts of trauma throughout their lives and often are not able to benefit from traditional talk therapy due to the nature of trauma impacting verbal processing. The impacts of utilizing ExAT with ASCSA can be understood through a Theory of Structural Dissociation of the Personality (TSDP) lens to examine the fostering of integration that can alleviate trauma symptoms. The results of the reviewed studies suggest that ExAT can be an effective modality when working with ASCSA as exemplified by positive relationship impacts, holistic integration, improved emotional functioning, and self-empowerment. However, the results are impacted by limited experimental research and an over-reliance upon case studies that inhibits generalizability. The literature review of this capstone project informs mental health practitioners of the ways in which ExAT can help facilitate therapeutic change with ASCSA through non-verbal methods that additionally help promote integration. Additionally, this paper indicates that adult ASCSA perceive beneficial experiences and impacts of ExAT. Future research recommendations are provided with a focus on conducting further experimental studies
Fostering Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth in Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Holistic and Social Justice Framework for Healing
Get PDFIn this capstone project I discuss the therapeutic, social, and community supports that can foster resilience and posttraumatic growth in women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). I also examine our understanding and use of the concept of resilience, and considers how assumptions about IPV recovery may be contributing to inaccurate assessments or construal of resilience, strength, and fragility. Finally, I suggest ways to remove the individual emotional and psychological burden of resilience and PTG from women who experience IPV by proposing a social justice grounded holistic treatment approach that includes narrative, compassion-focused, and somatic therapies, combined with group therapy, Polyvagal theory, and social connection
Nature-Based Therapy With Canadian Adolescents
Get PDFNature-based therapy is a novel therapeutic modality for consideration with adolescent populations. Nature-based therapy is the engagement in intentional therapeutic practices around or in nature, where nature acts as a co-therapist and contributor to a strong therapeutic alliance (Berger, 2006; Harper et al., 2019; Jordan, 2015). Due to high adolescent dropout rates in therapy, often cited by concerns in the therapeutic alliance, nature-based therapy has been concerned as a modality for use with adolescents (O'Keeffe et al., 2018; Robbins et al., 2006; Yasinski et al., 2018). With a focus on nature-based and not wilderness-based therapy, this literature review will explore theory and current adult research applied to the adolescent population. Developmental theories and cultural implications for Indigenous adolescent groups will be highlighted as a benefit of nature-based therapy. Research on the implications of nature-based therapies in related psychological fields will be explored. The challenges of nature-based therapy are also explored. This literature review endeavours to suggest the ethical, safe practice of nature-based therapy with adolescents. Future research directions are highlighted, emphasizing the counselling implications of nature-based therapy with Canadian adolescents
Body Image: Counselling Students in a Digital Age
No full textDigital devices and social media platforms are standard in adolescents' lives. Research has shown that youth mental health has been declining in recent years. The paper aims to evaluate the mental health impacts of technology on youth with a specific focus on body image. Based on a literature review on adolescent norms, the effects of social networking sites, and youth mental health, this paper aimed to recommend ways school counsellors can support body image in a digital age. The results indicate that youth spend less time in nature, sleeping, and being active and more time on screens. On this basis, it is recommended that school counsellors engage parents, teachers and students to participate in social media literacy programs, be physically active, and be aware of the impact of interactions with others in person and online
Exploring the Experiences of Self-Differentiation, Separation, and Individuation in Monozygotic Twins Raised Together
Get PDFIn this capstone research project the author scrutinised 14 journal articles to examine the experiences of separation and individuation in monozygotic twins. Monozygotic twins face different developmental challenges than dizygotic (fraternal) twins or nontwin siblings do, particularly with respect to key developmental stages. All individuals must traverse the threshold of adolescence into adulthood and navigate various challenges associated with separating from primary attachment and authority. Successfully differentiated individuals are less prone to emotional enmeshment, to see themselves as separate from others, and tend to have higher levels of personal autonomy, a stronger sense of self, and less trouble with psychopathology. For many reasons, monozygotic twins struggle more with separation and individuation, which raises their risk for challenges with psychosocial adjustment, relationships, and psychopathology in general. The number of twin births continues to rise for many reasons, but this is a largely untouched area within both research and clinical circles. In this capstone research project the author promotes a better understanding of monozygotic twins' lived experiences in this regard and recommends strategies to better support them
Addressing Microaggressions: A Proposed Conceptual Model for Integrating Narrative Therapy with Corporate Well-Being Programs
No full textThis work introduces a forward-thinking conceptual model utilizing narrative therapy principles with corporate well-being programs to disarm workplace microaggressions and protect employees' mental well-being. The literature review section delves into the prevalence of microaggressions in corporate office culture, specifically racial, gender, heterosexist, and ability-related microaggressions, highlighting the interconnectedness of psychological and social factors that contribute to the presence of microaggression in the workplace. This paper then explains how the conceptual model can be applied to address the identified gap between the level of psychological safety in the workplace and proactive steps to safeguard employees' mental health. Furthermore, the paper outlines the therapist's role in collaborating with corporations to implement this model and outlines the implications for counselling theory, practice, and research. Limitations of this work are discussed, and proposed next steps for further research are explored
Principals' Roles in Leading Collective Efficacy Among Teachers of Refugee Students in Canada
No full textCanada has a history of accepting thousands of refugees each year, so refugee students arrive in Canadian schools regularly. These students often arrive with several unique challenges due to pre- and post-migration experiences, which cause struggles for students, teachers, and principals. Thus, this capstone study aims to determine how best to support refugee students in Canadian schools by answering questions concerning the challenges refugee students face, how principals can create a shared vision to support refugee students, and how principals can lead collective efficacy among teachers of refugee students. It first provides background and introductory information about refugees in Canada and describes the purpose of the study before moving on to the research questions and scope and sequence of the study. The capstone study then presents a thorough literature review that details the struggles that refugee students face in Canadian schools and describes aspects of creating a shared vision and strategies for implementing it. The findings show that principals can affect teacher collective efficacy in developing a shared vision to help refugee students succeed. Finally, the study indicates implications and recommendations for supporting the academic and social success of refugee students in Canadian schools
Emotion-Focused and Client-Centered Therapies to Support Males with Childhood Sexual Abuse Disclosures
No full textThis capstone examines peer-reviewed research exploring how emotion-focused therapy and client-centered therapy together can support males with childhood sexual abuse disclosures. Several barriers interfere with male experiences of disclosure. Findings suggest male survivors of childhood sexual abuse have unique experiences due to their gender, culture, and environment. Unique barriers to males disclosing childhood sexual abuse are identified and analyzed and ethical considerations and implications for the counselling field are explored. This paper finds that therapists can take an active role when creating supportive environments for males disclosing childhood sexual abuse