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Inclusive Education Within The Haitian Educational System, Ella Johnson

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

Research has indicated that Haiti is troubled with low resources, extreme poverty, malnourishment, violence, and a poor health and educational system. People with disabilities face overwhelming stigma and discrimination, resulting in limited resources and services available. Haitian teachers do not have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide appropriate identification and intervention methods within the classroom setting. The purpose of this Doctoral Capstone Project was to provide an educational training program to teachers in Haiti with the intended outcome of improving their ability to identify and provide care for children with disabilities and trauma. The approach was through the collaboration …

Trauma-Informed Care (Tic) Interventions: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Ryan Anderson, Jenalyn Bigasin, Amal Hassan, Kendra Mertes, Rebekah Muilenburg, Christine Simon, Julia Trnka, Lucy Zeihen, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following question: What are the characteristics and effectiveness of trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches on health and participation (well-being, quality of life) outcomes for populations who have experienced trauma?

Trauma And Health Outcomes: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Kelly Breuer, Christina Cink, Shawna Geisler, Hannah Hillstrom, Cerena Ice, Olivia Kreuser, Ladislava Mazurkevicz, Hallie Schommer, Jullie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following questions: EBP Question What is the relationship between trauma (ACE or traumatic events) and child and adult performance, participation, health and disability outcomes for general and specific populations? What additional person or environment characteristics predict positive or negative outcomes from trauma?

Descriptive Characteristics And Risk Factors For Trauma: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Hawo Jama, Hibak Jama, Molly Kreutter, Jill Olson Moser, Glory Pierre, Sora Samejima, Naomi Teetzel, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following question: What are the perspectives, experiences, and self-reports of adult individuals, groups, or populations who have MCI or report problems with Functional Cognition (and / or their caregivers)?

Training In Trauma-Informed Care (Tic): An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Erin Bugajski, Danielle Erler, Ashley Fosness, Diamond Hill, Jon Lindahl, Lindsay Purcell, Amber Ramirez-Acosta, Joy Smith, Michelle Vacinek, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following question: What are the characteristics and effectiveness of trauma-informed care (TIC) training on the performance of health professionals and organizations who provide services to populations who have experienced trauma (traumatic events or ACE)?

Screening And Assessment In Trauma-Informed Care: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Megan Bender, Beka Bickel, Ashley Hoffmann, Emily Howard, Mykayla Laurie, Yer Lee, Rachael Nelson, Ciara Nervick, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following question: What interprofessional and occupational therapy screening and assessment measures are used in trauma-informed care and what are their psychometric characteristics?

Trauma Experiences And Perspectives: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Libby Blattner, Melanie Homan, Ellie Leabch, Jennifer Malwitz, Faye Mcguire, Rachel Mcpherson, Julia Rupp, Maria Tonn, Hannah Zenisek, Julie D. Bass

Graduate Occupational Therapy Research and Projects

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project examined the following questions:

• How do individuals who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences describe their experiences and the impact trauma has had on their life?
• How do healthcare professionals describe their experiences of working with individuals who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences and their perspectives on trauma-informed training and approaches?

Interviews With Energy Healers: Perspectives On Trauma And Practice, Dawn Ebeling, Allison Runchey

Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers

Healing from trauma is a complex process, and current recommendations include working with the body. Energy healing (EH) is a holistic health practice using light or near-body touch to balance the body’s energy system. Research indicates EH reduces trauma associated symptoms. The pervasiveness of trauma makes it probable EH practitioners encounter trauma survivors. We interviewed 12 EH practitioners in a metropolitan area to describe perspectives on trauma and practice, initiating action research through information gathering and interpretation. Results of descriptive and conceptual analysis show in several ways EH practitioner’s perspectives and practices align with a trauma-informed approach even with little …

Trauma-Informed Care For Youth In Foster Care, Jordyn Hubin

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Annually, in Minnesota, thousands of children enter the foster care system. The objective of this study was to use a trauma-informed lens to explore supports that are available to children, biological family members, and foster providers. Questions regarding the strengths and limitations of particular supports were also explored. This study used a qualitative design with five semi-structured interviews of mental health professionals. The main themes that were identified were: trauma-informed care, positives and challenges of formal and informal supports, involvement of biological and foster parents, differences in service to a child in foster care, and building a better system. The …

Healing The Mind And Body: Practitioner Perspectives On Integrating Cognitive And Somatic Approaches In Psychotherapy With Refugees, Asylees, And Asylum Seekers, Amanda Ament-Lemke

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

There is an abundance of studies in the literature highlighting psychotherapy methods for people who have experienced trauma. This is not true for the specialized treatment of refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers. Despite the growing worldwide displacement of people and the trauma they endure, there are only a limited number of studies conducted involving interventions with these populations who have survived prolonged and complex psychological trauma. This research project focuses on refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers who have experienced complex psychological trauma as a result of persecution, war, violence, and migration; specifically, it focuses on the mind-body based psychotherapeutic interventions …

The Role Of Somatic Psychotherapy In Treating First Responders: Providers’ Perspectives, Maggie Graham

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

As part of their occupational responsibilities, first responders such as firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics, military medics and disaster relief workers are exposed to critical incidents and traumatic events on a routine basis. The dearth of literature on somatic-based interventions shows promise as a tool for addressing trauma, yet few, if any, studies address trauma among first responders specifically. This qualitative study explores somatic psychotherapy as a treatment of trauma within the first responder community. Participants for the study (n=6) were recruited through snowball sampling and online recruitment. Semi-structured, in-person interviews were completed with six mental health providers who practice somatic, …

Parents Of Children With Complex Trauma: Occupations Viewed Through Photovoice, Margaret Ingolia

Doctor of Occupational Therapy Doctoral Projects

This qualitative study represents a project idea that shifted focus during the three-year doctoral program. The original idea was to develop an intervention model in response to an identified need within a clinical setting. Specifically, within a clinic that specialized in services for people with sensory processing disorders, a trend was observed that suggested a more traditional sensory processing approach was no longer as effective as it had been in the past. Further investigation into potential factors revealed that the children who did not demonstrate expected improvements presented some common factors. Many of the children were adopted, some from orphanages …

Spiritually Integrated Care For Veteran Trauma Survivors: A Quantitative Analysis, Krystle Englund

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine if spiritually integrated care positively changed symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and spiritual distress in veterans. This quantitative study used secondary data (n = 138) from a sample of veterans identified by the Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Health Care System. Instruments used in the study were the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale. The findings from this study included a decrease in spiritual distress following a spiritually integrated intervention. Veterans who participated in an 8-session group intervention known as Building Spiritual Strength self-reported less distress with a Higher …

The Body Recovers: Practitioner Perspective On Somatic Experiencing, Saoirse Mcmahon

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Most individuals are exposed to a traumatic event in their lifetime, but not all go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by symptoms of intrusion and avoidance of stimuli related to the traumatic event, as well as dissociation. PTSD has been linked to a number of somatic syndromes including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic lower back pain, hypertension, and hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction resulting in hormonal imbalance. Several evidence-based interventions for PTSD exist, including prolonged exposure therapy (PE), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), however many of these approaches address trauma …

Treating Trauma Among Veterans Using Complementary And Alternative Medicine: A Systematic Review, Brianne Wallgren

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In this systematic review, literature and empirical intervention studies pertaining to the treatment of trauma among veterans using a Complementary and Alternative Medicine was analyzed. Using two databases, PsycINFO and PILOTS, 10 studies were located and key data was identified on theoretical foundations, therapy components, populations being served, as well as outcomes of interventions treating trauma among veterans via Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Each study was analyzed in full, to determine types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine interventions as well as results of the interventions utilized. The findings produced two major themes of Complementary and Alternative Medicine research treating trauma …

Factors Which Put Social Workers At A Greater Risk For Burnout, Brittney Wacek

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review was designed to answer the following research question: What factors put social workers at risk for experiencing burnout. Databases searched were SocINDEX and Social Work Abstracts. Articles pertaining to professional burnout involving social workers were selected based on information gathered in peer-reviewed articles from the database search. Articles were systematically searched using the keywords and phrases secondary trauma, interventions, mental health professions, vicarious trauma, and clinical social workers. Out of the available articles, 14 were selected to be included in this review. Through review 2 primary themes emerged 1) occupational environment and 2) personal factors. Occupational environment …

Trauma In Schools: Identifying And Working With Students Who Have Experienced Trauma, Amanda E. Berg

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Schools have academic and behavioral expectations that can be extremely challenging if not impossible for children who have experienced trauma. With approximately 25%-50% of children nationwide having experienced trauma, this is a widespread issue and major concern. Challenges in school for these children include learning difficulties, attention difficulties, struggle to regulate emotions, difficulty with peer relationships, and reactivity. This qualitative study investigates the question; how do social workers identify and work with students in a school setting who have experienced trauma? The researcher interviewed six licensed clinical social workers in the Twin Cities metro area who are working in schools. …

Mindfulness Practice With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma, Margaret Fischer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study examined how mindfulness practice is used with children who have experienced trauma or currently living in traumatic situations through a systematic review of the literature. Protocols and inclusion and exclusion criteria were set to ensure that only the most fitting articles were selected. Through the research two main categories emerged: 1) childhood and adolescent intervention, and 2) adulthood intervention. Within those two main categories three themes emerged: 1) MBSR Intervention, 2) Mind Body Skills Group Intervention, and 3) Other Mindfulness Practice Interventions. Mindfulness practice interventions in their various forms were found to have positive outcomes when addressing trauma …

Best Practices For School-Based Mentoring Programs: A Systematic Review, Rebecca Mccoy

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The latest research indicates that children experience traumatic events more frequently than ever expected. As a result, many youth carry symptoms of their trauma that put them at risk for diminished academic and social success. School-based mentoring programs (SBMPs) are one support that has historically been utilized as an intervention for at-risk youth, but that has not specifically targeted children who have experienced trauma. Unfortunately, the literature available on SBMPs is neither comprehensive nor uniform, which prevents cross-comparison between interventions to determine best practice methods for SBMPs supporting youth who have experienced trauma. This research used a systematic review to …

Urban Youth Homelessness: The Role That Past Trauma Has Upon Housing Instability, Jacqueline Thompson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

A homeless teen or unaccompanied youth that has no permanent place of shelter will be in need of having basic needs met. Thier needs will include food, shelter, connecting with educational services, clothing, skills for job seeking and supervision and care. As homelessness persist in their lives, the youth will face unintended consequences that contribute to thier homelessness like vicitimization. Data available about homeless youth discusses poor home dynamics that lead the child to feeling unwanted and seeking other places to live, being kicked out due to low income or poverty within the household, volatile home dynamics that force the …

Embodied Healing: Clinician’S Perspectives On Somatic Interventions For Trauma, Sarah Lazarewicz

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The focus of this research was to gain insight into the perspectives of clinicians on their experiences employing Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with clients who have experienced trauma. The conceptual framework used for this research project was based on modern attachment theory and interpersonal biology. To explore the research topic, qualitative research methods were employed to gather the experiences of mental health practitioners who currently use Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, examining why they view this model as an effective intervention for the treatment of trauma. The sample consisted of four licensed mental health professionals who currently use Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with clients who have experienced …

Emotional Experiences Of Post-War Youth From Bosnia-Herzegovina, A Systematic Review, Natalya Paulsen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Trauma-Focused Therapies On School Performance: A Systematic Review, Jeff Jorgensen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Trauma is something many different youth go through in their lives. However, those who’ve experienced trauma are affected within their school settings and need trauma- specific interventions to be successful in their school performance. The purpose of the of this study was to examine the current research on trauma therapies and how those treatments affect youths’ school performance. The areas of school performance that effects youth are their grades, school refusal, negative classroom behaviors and social skills. This systematic review will focus on how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other similar treatments such as trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), …

Implications Of Equine Therapy Utilized With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: A Systematic Review, Autumn Phenow

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this systematic review is to review the research that looks at the efficacy of Equine Therapy as it pertains to working with children who have experienced trauma, and the effectiveness of building and repairing relationships. Trauma is recognized as having a devastating impact on the body and the mind of children. Equine therapy is an alternative, newer technique being utilized to help repair the attachment process with this population. The review examined dissertations, meta-analyses, program evaluations studies, exploration studies and journal articles. All participants in the studies had experienced trauma as a child. Initially 40 articles abstracts …

Barriers Trauma Presents Academically For Elementary School Students: What Can Schools Do?, Autumn Terlouw

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of what a specific elementary school in an inner-city school district of Minnesota is doing to breakdown the barriers trauma presents in children’s academic achievements. Qualitative interviews were conducted with four school professionals who were asked to discuss how trauma affects students and what their school is doing to help students. Consistent with previous literature, participants identified developmental barriers as the largest impact on students as well as environmental factors. Additionally, the participants unanimously discussed feelings of inadequacy and the need for more trauma training as school professionals. This …

Therapists’ Perspectives On The Use Of Yoga In The Treatment Of Trauma, Brianna Klatt

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored therapists’ experiences of incorporating the practice of yoga into their psychotherapy with clients who experience traumatic stress. Using a qualitative design, five volunteer licensed mental health professionals were interviewed regarding their experiences with integrating yoga as a therapy tool with their clients who experience traumatic stress symptoms. Data was taken from a semi-structured interview and analyzed to identify common themes. The findings support the literature which says, traumatic events affect both the mind and body, and clinicians’ need to implement inventions’ addressing the whole person, to be effective helping clients’ heal from traumatic stress. Findings indicated that …

Effective Ways Social Workers Respond To Secondary Trauma, Amy Fogel

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Due to the traumatic material of their clients, social workers are often faced with symptoms of secondary trauma. Symptoms of secondary trauma can have an impact on a social worker’s ability to form therapeutic relationships with their clients as well as interfere with their personal life. This qualitative study of six social workers, examines the ways that social workers effectively respond to the effects of secondary trauma. The findings of this study found that supervision, the importance of leaving work at work, spending time with family and friends, talking with colleagues, and extra support of agencies helped social workers respond …

Playing To Find Out: Adapting Story Games For Group Therapy With Teens, Adam Mcconnaughey

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Millions of adolescents in the United States face childhood trauma and its sequelae, and group therapy is a common treatment. The purpose of this project was to examine the field of role-playing game design with an eye toward developing future group therapy methods for adolescents with trauma histories. Using a qualitative textual analysis research design that was a mix of grounded theory and content analysis, two contemporary role-playing game texts, Apocalypse World and Monsterhearts, were analyzed. The text was coded, and themes were generated to organize the findings. Findings indicated that RPGs and group therapy share a great deal …

Efficacy Of Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy In The Treatment Of Trauma: A Systematic Review, Jessica Regan

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This systematic review examines the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy as an intervention in the treatment of trauma in adults. Upon careful review of present literature, 14 articles met criteria. Common themes were identified throughout the reviewed studies, including treatment intervention comparison, variation in EMDR model, treatment fidelity, longitudinal follow-up, and co-morbidity. While results show that EMDR is an effective treatment intervention for the treatment of trauma, the majority of studies found it to be no more effective than other treatment interventions.

The Effects Of Parental Response On Their Children’S Trauma Experience, Carly S. Vaplon

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The American Psychological Association defines trauma as the emotional response to a terrible event. An event becomes traumatic when its adverse effects produce feelings of helplessness and lack of control, and thoughts that one’s survival may possibly be in danger. The purpose of this study was to collect data from licensed professionals who have experience working with children who have experienced trauma and their parents to determine the effects parental response to their child’s trauma have on their child’s trauma experience. Eight professionals were interviewed in this qualitative study to determine the effects of supportive and unsupportive parental responses. This …