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Counselling Support for East African Refugee Families in Transition to Canada
No full textThere is an annual influx of refugee individuals and families to Canada. This capstone addresses the perceived effect of pre-migration trauma and post-migration difficulties of certain East African refugees in their transition to Canada. In particular, those from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. East African refugee families have experienced trauma due to the complex nature of their journey. Interactions between refugee parents, children, and siblings are significantly affected by their pre-migration experiences, such as continuous exposure to violence and loss. The post-migration experiences of these refugee families continue to be painful as they face many challenges, such as cultural transitioning, health and access to health care issues, employment, housing experiences, and education challenges. A successful resettlement experience is vital to both the host country and East African refugee families. This paper explores ways to support East African refugee families as they navigate the consequences of pre- and post-migration difficulties. In this paper, I consider the stressors that may have contributed to the increasing mental health concerns of the population. I will focus on these concerns in relation to existing literature and implications for counselling, theory, and practice. Finally, I will propose additional research focused on how mental health care professionals can effectively support East African refugees and their families
Post-Traumatic Growth in Sexual Assault Survivors: Impacting Factors, Implications, and Recommendations for Therapy Practice
No full textThis capstone paper has explored the contributing factors to cultivating posttraumatic growth (PTG) for sexual assault (SA) survivors by analyzing nine peer-reviewed research studies. PTG is defined as the positive psychological changes that occur after experiencing trauma and contributes to growth from a pre-trauma state in one or more psychological domains. There is a lack of literature exploring a cohesive response to working with SA survivors to promote growth and transformation. The results from the nine studies were thematically analyzed to uncover three core areas of change that contribute to SA survivors exhibiting PTG. Additionally, six subthemes were found as specific factors that influence the cultivation of PTG. The three areas of change include changes in perception of self, in one's relationships, and general philosophy in life. The six subthemes indicate that perceptions of personal agency and control and the perception of self-blame can influence growth. Social and community-level connections, as well as employing cognitive strategies and religious/spiritual coping, are also factors that contribute to PTG. A fourth core theme was identified as systemic and external barriers influencing SA survivors' ability to achieve PTG. These findings provide avenues that can be applied in clinical settings for mental health practitioners to utilize while working with SA survivors. Methodological analyses of the nine studies, ethical considerations, and recommendations for future research and clinical practice are discussed in the conclusion of this capstone
Nature-Based Therapy: Alternative Treatment Options for North American Military Veterans with the Diagnosis of PTSD
No full textIn this capstone project, I explore nature-based therapy as an alternative treatment for North American veterans with the diagnosis of PTSD. I examine the development and diagnosis of PTSD in veteran populations and describe the currently recommended evidence-based psychotherapy treatments. Despite the effectiveness of empirically validated trauma-focused psychotherapies, barriers to treatment completion remain a significant challenge. Through an extensive literature review, I analyze the efficacy of NBTs for veterans with PTSD and offer recommendations for future research and practice to establish NBT interventions as a viable alternative treatment option. My recommendations include consistently defining the NBT field, using modified research study designs, including long-term outcomes in study results, individualizing treatment plans for veterans, conducting ongoing outcome measures, and incorporating NBT into PTSD guidelines and veteran service referrals. Overall, this capstone highlights the ongoing need for effective alternative treatments for veterans with PTSD and offers insight into the potential of NBTs to fill this critical gap
Counselling Interventions for Pediatric-Onset OCD
No full textObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition that causes significant distress and impairment in functioning. The context of pediatric-onset OCD is explored including delayed diagnosis and treatment gaps. Possible interventions for pediatric-onset OCD that have research to support effectiveness are reviewed, such as psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), metacognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). The implications of the literature review suggest that ERP is one of the most efficacious and effective forms of treatment for OCD. Barriers to delivering ERP for pediatric-onset OCD are explored including therapist’s beliefs, intervention drop out and clinician training. From these findings, recommendations are made for a clinician training program to deliver ERP for pediatric-onset OCD
Exploring the Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Tinnitus: A Neurobiological Perspective
Get PDFTinnitus is a chronic condition with no known cure and is comorbid with anxiety, depression and insomnia for millions of people worldwide. There is also a lack of awareness regarding the etiology and prevalence of tinnitus which contributes to misconceptions, stigmatization and a lack of specialized treatment options. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy are the standard interventions for managing tinnitus, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has demonstrated potential as an alternative treatment modality. ACT for tinnitus helps patients shift their focus on values-based living by reducing experiential avoidance through acceptance and mindfulness practices. In this capstone, the neurobiology of tinnitus is explored, followed by a review of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the effectiveness of ACT in reducing distress and enhancing the quality of life for individuals experiencing tinnitus. Low to moderate evidence showed that ACT played a positive immediate role on anxiety and depression and improved sleep for patients with chronic tinnitus; however, due to methodological limitations more RCTs are recommend to confirm the effectiveness of ACT. This capstone concludes with a proposal to develop an online course aimed at patients, counsellors, and healthcare clinicians, with the goal of expanding the scope and reach of tinnitus awareness beyond this project
South Asian Community and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Advocacy for Women, Policy Recommendations, Tools and Strategies for Counsellors in Breaking Down Cultural Beliefs from a Feminist Multicultural Framework
No full textIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global epidemic upheld by social and political structures causing significant mental, physical, and emotional challenges for South Asian women (Nagaswami & Yeung, 2023). As many of these challenges can last short and long-term, the risk of these challenges is greater for marginalized, suppressed South Asian females. Although IPV is the highest in South Asian communities, few people seek help which is a concerning factor. It is important to examine why South Asian Immigrant women do not seek assistance, despite the dangers involved, including injury, death and many mental health issues (Ozturk & Albright, 2019). This capstone aims to examine the role of cultural beliefs, values, and patriarchy that hinder South Asian women from seeking help. Specifically looking at CBT therapy and its effectiveness for IPV, gender-based violence, risk and prevalence factors and providing recommendations for clinicians to work with this population. The hope for this capstone is to have political and community stakeholders review policies and interventions that are set in place for marginalized South Asian women and how to integrate culturally appropriate resources without causing more harm
