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An Introduction To Body Dysmorphic Disorder For Mental Health Counselors, Teresa M. Barrett

Graduate Research Papers

Although researchers have been studying Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) for almost two decades, the majority of research findings with regard to the disorder have only recently been reviewed and published. Additional research is needed to better understand and treat BDD. But those that currently suffer from BDD cannot wait for these studies to be published; they are in need of adequate treatment and competent professionals to assist them with their disorder. Information from published literature has been synthesized within this paper to provide mental health counselors with an awareness of BDD including the definition of BDD, the relation of gender …

Child Sexual Abuse, Anna Maria Opperman

Graduate Research Papers

Reports of child sexual abuse are increasing in the nation and the state of Iowa. Negative effects of child sexual abuse include low self-esteem, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, promiscuity, pregnancy, psychological disorders, eating disorders, and suicide. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2006), two out of every one thousand children in the country have experienced sexual abuse. The author will describe the types of sexual abuse, the abuse process, characteristics of offenders, and manifestations of child sexual abuse. Possible treatment for victims will also be addressed.

Understanding The Mind-Body Connection For Optimal Health And Healing, Molly M. Cretsinger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the research paper is to understand how a person's attitudes and beliefs shape their life and influence their health and healing. It is fundamental for someone in the helping profession to gain insight into the role of love, faith, hope, and forgiveness in overall health and healing. The key to health and healing is to understand, accept, and believe in the notion of control over one's thinking and the ability to be who one chooses to be. Every day and every thought is a choice. It is crucial for health and overall wellness that individuals take responsibility …

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And The Benefits Of Guided Mental Imagery In Treatment, Lisa A. Langstraat

Graduate Research Papers

Seventy percent of adults in the United States will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Out of these individuals, 25% will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder is characterized by distinct physiological changes as well as notable psychological symptoms. If left untreated or improperly treated, PTSD exacts significant costs in individual suffering, quality of life, interpersonal relationships, productivity, and increased use of medical and psychiatric services.

The purpose of this paper is to present comprehensive information about PTSD and its impact on those who suffer from the disorder. This paper will also provide a brief synopsis …

Children Of Alcoholics : A Struggle Through Childhood And Adulthood, Christina M. Mcgreevey

Graduate Research Papers

Children of alcoholics are those directly affected by familial alcoholism. Characteristics that are common in children of alcoholics in youth and in adulthood are isolation, approval seeking, fear of angry people, and addiction (Seixas & Youcha, 1985). Treatment for children of alcoholics is available through several forms of therapy including self-help groups and family therapy. The purpose of this paper is to address common characteristics of children of alcoholics, codependency, as well as treatment procedures for this population.

Play Therapy With Victims Of Child Abuse, Annie E. Jessen

Graduate Research Papers

Child abuse is a very serious issue around the world. An estimated 906,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect in the United States in 2003. Child fatalities are the most tragic consequence of maltreatment. Play therapy provides children with the ideal environment where they feel safe and they may experience their feelings without restriction.

Oftentimes play allows children to distance themselves from experiences that are quite painful if expressed directly to a therapist. When assessing the needs of children, it is important for play therapists to assess the phenomenological impact of the abuse, the family's …

Optimal Characteristics For Happy And Satisfying Marriages, Britni J. Anderson

Graduate Research Papers

For many people, having a happy satisfying marriage is the ultimate goal in a marital relationship. However, what constitutes a happy marriage is not always clear. Many people go into marriage with high ideals and expectations, but without the reality that marriage is an entity in its own right that needs to be maintained daily. Communication, including conflict resolution, is a large part of a successful marriage. Other characteristics include sharing positive feelings, having more positive than negative interactions, having a solid friendship, maintaining a strong commitment, and staying focused on the positive aspects of the marriage. Marriage is difficult, …

Nebbe's Nature Nest : A Summary Of An Animal Assisted Therapy Camp, Trisha L. Ames

Graduate Research Papers

Two graduate students conducted a small animal assisted therapy camp. The main goal for this camp was to enhance and promote the campers' socialization skills and self-esteem through the use of animal assisted therapy. Two pre and post measurement scales were used to evaluate the children's loneliness and self-concept. The campers participated in a one-week camp lasting approximately three hours a day. To meet desired lesson goals, the campers engaged in direct animal contact and specific animal assisted activities. The following is a complete description and reaction to the animal assisted therapy camp led by Trisha (Hobbiebrunken) Ames, Nicole Whisler, …