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An Investigation of How High School Teachers Can Positively Influence the Mental Health of High School Students
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to better understand student mental health needs to advocate for intentional change within the school district where the study occurred. A critical case study approach was taken to learn about student and teacher needs, within a bounded location and time, to invoke intentional change for students in the school district. The study elicited responses from a student focus group of seven students, where they addressed the current mental health needs of students in the district. Responses from the focus group were used to inform the questions in the six semi-structured interviews conducted with high school teachers in the district. These interviews were designed to understand what high school teachers need to positively influence the mental health needs of the students. All of the participants are students or teachers in the school district where the case study was conducted. The findings from this study showed that students described student mental health as easily influenced, hard to consistently identify, and difficult to improve. Teachers can positively influence the mental health of students by demonstrating personal and academic understanding and empathy, and becoming more educated on the topic. Finally, teachers need better learning opportunities, a reprioritization of work expectations, and improved mental health support for students. This data can be used to inform the district to provide higher quality professional development, hire more mental health professionals, and investigate potential changes to the school schedule to better support student mental health
Dungeons and Dragons as a Therapeutic Intervention Training
Get PDFDungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a role-playing game that gives players’ versatility by allowing them to dictate, customize, or create their own experience. There are many different iterations of role-playing games with varying presentations for in-person and online play; table-top role-playing games and video games (Connell, 2024) (Kowal et al, 2021). Through the 3 pillars of play (Exploration, Role-play, and Combat) player are able to customize their own experience to their preference or collective preference of the group. The balance between the 3 frames of play (Player, Game, and Character) optimizes the players role-playing experience (Connell, 2023). D&D is the first table-top role-playing game to be created, and after a history of stigma it’s still being played today in the form of its fifth edition 5 decades later (Dungeons & Dragons, 2021) (Sidhu et al., 2020) (Biskin et al, 2015). D&D can facilitate high levels of creativity and empathy, promoting friendships, feelings of connectedness, exploring varying lifestyle models, balance group needs, and moral reasoning (Henrich & Worthington, 2017). The introduction of a fourth frame of play, psychological theory, has made a base for intertwining counseling and D&D as a new therapeutic intervention (Boccamazzo and Connell, 2020). Play therapy, psychodrama therapy, and narrative therapy are viable counseling approaches for the therapeutic application of D&D. Counselors are also able to insert other therapeutic interventions within the game play of D&D sessions. Counselors have to build competence in therapeutic theory and their understanding of D&D to use this game as a therapeutic invention with their clients (Connell, 2023)
Mental Health Literacy Training for Coaches
Get PDFThere has been an increase in awareness towards the mental health of athletes. With prominent figures in the world of athletics putting themselves first over their sport. The sports world is shaken every time there is a report of death by suicide, such as the passing of Tyler Hilinski, quarterback for Washington State. A study done over the course of 20 years, published in April of 2024 stated that suicide is now the second leading cause of death among student-athletes (Whelan et al., 2024). Becoming independent and coping with the uncertainty that college brings are some of the developmental challenges that student-athletes face. (Powers et al., 2020). Athletes are often seen as non-human because of their fantastic feats on the field/courts, while having to contend with extra pressures that their non athlete counterparts do not experience. The coach-athlete relationship plays a major role in the mental health of student-athletes (Powers et al., 2020). With proper training, coaches will recognize and get their athletes the right help they need.
Keywords: Mental Health, College Athletics, Coaches, Student-Athlete
Best Practices for Counselors Working with Children Who Have Been Victims of Sex Trafficking
Get PDFCommercial sexual exploitation of youth is an umbrella term that includes sex trafficking, and other crimes, as well as receiving an exchange for something of value because of sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor (Perry et al., 2022). Children can develop chronic mental and physical health issues as a result of commercial sexual exploitation (Hickle & Roe-Sepowitz, 2014). Given that these experiences can be traumatic for the child, often leading to trauma-related mental illnesses, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) would be best suited for working with this population. This literature review and training module explore the risk factors, impacts, and treatment modalities that can be used when working with victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The objective of this training will result in counselor education allowing them to implement best practices when working with this specific population.
Keywords: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Youth, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health, Trauma, Best Practice
The Well-being of College Students Who Participate in a Regular Yoga Nidra Practice
Get PDFCollege students experience significant stress, which affects their health and executive functioning. The purpose of this study was to explore if students could improve their well-being through a yoga nidra intervention. Yoga nidra is a deep relaxation practice with conscious awareness. Twelve students from a Midwestern college campus participated in a yoga nidra non-credit class. Students were expected to participate in two yoga nidra sessions per week for 50-minutes per session over the course of 12-weeks for a total of 24-yoga nidra sessions. The study was conducted through an action research qualitative study. Participants completed pre- and post-reflections on their subjective experience for each yoga nidra session. To examine changes in well-being participants were asked to report on their physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual well-being throughout the 12-week yoga nidra intervention. Additionally, three participants took part in a focus group to share their own observations pertaining to how the yoga nidra practices influenced their well-being. Findings suggested that yoga nidra heightened physical awareness, relieved tension, improved focus, regulated emotions, and enhanced spiritual connection. This study highlighted the need for more mindfulness training to support college students in managing their dis-ease
Empowering Therapy: A Guide for Working with Individuals Engaged in Sex Work A Training for Mental Health Counselors
No full textIndividuals who engage in sex work are part of a stigmatized and marginalized population that require special considerations. This training manual provides an example framework for a treatment skill modality that is based on a comprehensive review of the current literature regarding the most effective treatment modalities for mental health professionals working with the population of sex workers. There is proximal and distal stressors that will need to be identified, strengths need to be uncovered and highlighted, and utilizing the strengths based affirmative approach to lessen the internalized stigma that are hiding their experiences in life. Utilizing a framework based on affirmative strength-based skills when utilizing various theoretical frame shows a marked improvement in treatment outcomes. There is a need for a cultural humility and competency for client centered care that is based on a foundation of trust and nonjudgement. It is critical for mental health professionals to examine their own biases and assumptions about sex work as a business and the sex workers who engage in it. Additionally, there is a component of advocacy that should be undertaken outside of the therapeutic setting to work toward changing the societal barriers experienced by those engaged in sex work. This training manual utilizing evidence based, culturally sensitive, and holistic treatment modalities and considerations to help pave a way for helping those who engage in sex work be able to get quality mental health help
The Selective Mutism Intervention Guide: A Guide for School-based Professionals
No full textSelective Mutism is an uncommon and debilitating anxiety disorder. Because of its scarcity, finding a succinct, implementable intervention within the school setting is often difficult for school-based professionals. School may be the best place to implement an intervention as often the symptoms of Selective Mutism are most prevalent in the school setting. This project examines the Selective Mutism literature to create an intervention guide that is both usable and manipulatable. School Psychologists, Speech Language Pathologists, general and special education teachers, and other school-based professionals can use this guide to piece together an intervention that is relevant to the student and the school setting. Various templates and forms are provided for use
Resilient Schools, Resilient Students: Trauma-Informed Education
No full textTrauma, a prevalent experience among students, significantly affects their academic and personal lives. Trauma-informed practices offer an educational approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma, striving to create a safe, supportive, and healing environment. Implementing these practices in schools can enhance students\u27 comfort, strengthen peer and teacher relationships, and promote overall success (Child Mind Institute, 2023; Peterson, 2023). This paper examines the benefits and effective implementation of trauma-informed practices in educational settings.‘Resilient Schools, Resilient Students: Trauma-Informed Education’ offers a transformative approach to cultivate resilience in both educators and learners. This program dives into understanding trauma\u27s effects on students and equips educators with practical strategies for creating supportive classroom environments. By emphasizing resilience-building techniques, fostering empathetic connections, and implementing trauma-informed practices, this training aims to fortify schools as safe spaces for student growth. With a focus on collaboration, resource availability, and ongoing support, this initiative aims to empower educators in nurturing resilience among students
Artificial Intelligence: Unveiling Potential, Navigating Challenges
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed from science fiction to a tangible reality, permeating various aspects of our lives. This report delves into the current state of AI, exploring its foundational concepts, technical advancements, and diverse applications. By analyzing academic literature, industry reports, and real-world case studies, the report sheds light on AI\u27s potential to revolutionize fields like healthcare, scientific research, and entertainment. However, the report also acknowledges the ethical considerations and potential risks associated with advanced AI. By examining areas like safety concerns and responsible development practices, the report aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of AI\u27s impact on society. Ultimately, this report seeks to encourage a thoughtful conversation about how to harness the immense potential of AI while navigating the challenges it presents, ensuring its development aligns with the betterment of humanit
Psychosocial Effects of Stuttering in Adults: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Role of the SLP
No full textAdults who stutter may be struggling with the psychological or emotional impacts relating to their stutter. This project examines the psychosocial effects of stuttering on adults and addresses the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce the negative feelings and attitudes towards their stutter. The aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the techniques involved were explored. This therapy approach was found to be beneficial for adults who stutter in reducing anxiety and social avoidance, increasing participation in daily activities, and increasing confidence in speaking situations. The role of the speech-language pathologist was found to include choosing an approach that best fits the client, educating the client and family, changing the program as needed, and discussing the perceptions of stuttering with others. The research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy administered by a speech-language pathologist can improve the overall quality of life in adults who stutter