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Refugees: A Need for a Trauma-Informed Psycho-Social Counselling Approach
No full textThis Capstone paper analyzes the literature on the effects of trauma on refugees' mental health and offers recommendations for future counselling techniques that are rooted in trauma-informed, holistic, psycho-social, and culturally sensitive frameworks. A review of combined studies highlights the prevalence of PTSD and depression among refugees due to conflict and persecution. The linkages between pre-displacement stress and trauma-induced worldview modifications are examined along with risks of migration-related trauma, particularly those related to risky travel and separation. It is stated that xenophobia, discrimination, and systemic barriers further exacerbate trauma symptoms and social integration after migration. Along with the Polyvagal Theory's therapeutic neurological effects, the impact of trauma on brain development is examined, with a particular focus on right-brain neuroplasticity. Furthermore, the function of cortisol, the effects of hypocortisolism, and the cumulative effects of trauma on the brain processes connected with fear and functional somatic symptoms are also discussed. With respect to clinical implications for practice, interventions like EMDR and TF-CBT are considered, along with psychoeducation, moral harm, and trauma-informed approaches for the mental health of refugees. This review also emphasizes the need for further research on biomarkers, culturally sensitive interventions, strength-focused strategies, the impact of power dynamics, and technological integration in refugee counselling
An Exploration of ACT and Self-compassion Theories for Young Women Experiencing High Levels of Self-Criticism
No full textSelf-criticism is a transdiagnostic process found across a wide range of mental health disorders. Research has demonstrated its association with conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders, and more, often hindering and influencing treatment outcomes of individuals undergoing therapy. Young women have been identified as a group that frequently exhibits high levels of self-criticism, often influenced by societal and developmental pressures. For the purpose of this capstone project, self-compassion and compassionate theories and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) will be explored as a combined therapeutic approach for young women experiencing high levels of self-criticism. This paper reviews existing literature, investigating each framework individually and combined, presenting findings that highlight the efficaciousness of both therapies for individuals contending with high levels of self-criticism. The final chapter will outline an educational and experiential workshop designed to highlight the connection between mental health and self-criticism for young women. A variety of tools, techniques, and exercises derived from each therapeutic framework at assisting attendees in coping with self-criticism will be presented, with resources and books recommended for additional readings after the workshop. This review may be helpful for mental health professionals and practitioners working with young women contending with high levels of self-criticism, as utilizing a combined approach of self-compassion and compassionate theories and ACT works with cognitions, thoughts, feelings, and self-relating processes, relating to self-criticism
Breaking Down Barriers in Trauma Informed Teaching
Get PDFThe objective of this capstone project is to outline the need for trauma informed teaching as well as to explore how trauma informed teaching can be made accessible for teachers. Childhood trauma is prevalent in many of our students' lives and can manifest itself into maladaptive behaviours in the classroom which can make it difficult for teachers to support all the needs of the classroom. Through research and psychoeducation, this capstone outlines how childhood trauma is developed, investigates a current behaviour intervention strategy, as well as highlights the barriers to the implementation of said intervention. Finally, the paper explores possible ways to reduce these barriers through teacher education programs and professional development. By implementing childhood development, trauma, and social emotional learning education into preservice teacher education programs and providing ongoing in-service professional development on these topics, teachers may be able to better support the diverse needs of their students while maintaining their own personal social emotional health and wellbeing
Indian Immigrant Cultural Perspectives and How it Affects Romantic Attachment Styles in Adolescence
No full textWithin Indian culture, parents fear that becoming intimate will create problems for their children. For example, unwanted pregnancies could destroy family honour through premarital sex and dating. Since Indian culture arises from a collectivist perspective, many adolescents have an avoidant or anxious-attachment style towards their parents. The study by Albert et al. (2008) revealed that compared to their German counterparts, Indian mothers and adolescents displayed more avoidance and more anxiety. Ultimately, adolescents with this type of parental attachment may risk developing unhealthy sexual relations with others. It is essential to explore how this may impact their ability to establish healthy attachment styles with sexuality throughout development. A knowledge gap this capstone addresses is how South Asian immigrant parents' cultural perspectives influence their adolescents' romantic attachment in adulthood. There is research surrounding attachment styles and how one forms relationships in their adult life. However, research regarding the effects of attachment style and intimate relationships for those immigrant parents and their second-generation immigrant children who grew up in a South Asian collectivist background is limited. There are many trust issues promoting sexual behaviour as "forbidden," ultimately impacting one's intimate relationships from a collectivist background perspective. However, this could be because parenting styles and attachment may gradually change over generations (Samuel et al., 2010). Samuel et al. (2010) found that Indian immigrant parents are typically stricter and expect greater responsibility from their children. As a result, these patterns in parenting across generations may explain the link between acculturation among children and how it impacts how one forms romantic attachments
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care: A Proposed Framework for Working with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
No full textThis capstone explores the shift from the pathology paradigm to neurodiversity-affirming care for clinicians offering ADHD clients counselling. With the integration of decolonization practices and anti-oppressive frameworks, counsellors are encouraged to adopt a neurodiversity-affirming lens when working with marginalized populations. This capstone discusses the core principles of neurodiversity-affirming care and examines the advantages and drawbacks of both the neurodiversity paradigm and the pathology paradigm when working with neurodivergent clients. It reviews common ADHD treatments in the pathology model, including pharmacological, cognitive-behavioural, and mindfulness interventions. This analysis highlights benefits, risks, and study limitations, emphasizing the need for more research. It stresses cultural competence for understanding neurodivergence and underscores counsellors' ethical responsibility in implementing neurodiversity-affirming care in therapy. Ultimately, this capstone equips counsellors to empower and support ADHD clients by fostering an anti-oppressive stance through a neurodiversity-affirming lens