Social Work Commons^™

Support For Mental Health Workers After Client Suicide: A Systematic Review, Nicole Arndt-Wenger

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Often, a person who has committed suicide had suffered from some sort of mental illness. Mental health workers are at risk for experiencing a client death by suicide at some point in their career. This systematic review was designed to explore what supports are available for mental health workers after a client suicide, and how effective those supports are. The review used peer-reviewed articles from databases Social Work Abstracts, PsycNet, SocIndex and GoogleScholar. These databases were systematically searched and 10 articles met criteria. From these articles, seven themes …

Framing The Value Of Clinical And Field Education, Lisa Richardson Mss, Licsw, Rebecca Mcgill Edd, Rn, Christina Anderson Pt, Dpt, Linda Buxell Ma, Otr/L, Leah Harris Otr/L, Lisa Rovick Mhsc, Co, Comt

Interprofessional Papers and Writing

Community/university partnerships play a critical role in higher education. Community-based research, service learning, guest lectures, internships, and a host of other activities illustrate the shared opportunities for students, educators, practitioners, employers, and consumers, as communities and institutions collaborate to educate the future workforce and develop an informed and engaged citizenry.

Across the spectrum of health and professional disciplines, real world learning through community-based clinical/field education1 is essential to prepare practice-ready graduates. At St. Catherine University, for example, students complete over 7,000 clinical/field placements annually across multiple degrees and disciplines (see Appendix B). Without community/ university partnerships, our universities would not …

Understanding And Treating Shame: The Role Of The Clinician, Jennifer Perez

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Shame is a powerful emotion and experience that impacts how individuals interpret a situation, and often their behavior. It correlates with a number of mental health conditions that are commonly treated by psychotherapists, and yet the explicit or implicit treatment of shame directly or simultaneous to the disorder is less common. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in an attempt to gather insight regarding the conceptualization, observation, and treatment of shame in the context of psychotherapy by both generalists and specialists (those with and without explicit training in relation to shame and its treatment). Themes that emerged from the data …

Diagnosis Of Borderline Personality Disorder In Adolescence: Issues And Practice, Rebecca Denaway

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to discover what drives the diagnostic practices of clinicians working with adolescents with a possible Borderline Personality Disorder. The DSMV allows this diagnosis in adolescents but it is rarely utilized by practitioners for this age group. A qualitative research method was used for the project, in which, participants were interviewed inperson to collect data. There were nine total participants in the Twin Cities metro area, who were all qualified to render mental health diagnoses and worked with adolescents. The interviews focused on the participant's personal practices and experiences with regard to diagnosis of BPD …

Transition-Age Youth With Intellectual Disabilities: Providers’ Perspectives On Improving Postschool Outcomes, Nadine M. Rooney

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The transition from high school to adulthood is challenging for all youth, but especially for youth with disabilities. Youth with disabilities face a number of barriers to experiencing postschool success. Youth with intellectual disabilities (ID) in particular struggle to access employment and postsecondary education (PSE) after exiting high school. Recent research has focused on identifying means of improving postschool outcomes through transition services; however, much of this research examines the experiences of youth with learning disabilities, even though youth with ID appear to struggle the most with the transition to adulthood. The present qualitative study examined the perspectives of four …

Best Practices For After-School Programming For Youth Identified As "At Risk", Brittany Abdallah

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Previous studies have identified the time following the end of the school day as posing potential risks for youth who are not in programming or with a supportive adult. Youth lacking either may struggle with academic success and positive peer engagement. The purpose of this study was to explore some potential best practices in after school programming for youth who are deemed at risk, in order to support more interaction with and success in these programs designed, in part, to decrease risk. The principal investigator interviewed six participants who actively work with youth in after school programs, for youth between …

The Effectiveness Of Theraplay As Treatment For Older Children With Attachment Difficulties, Ruby Brayman

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Current research suggests that infants and young children can make great gains in the area of attachment with a consistent and nurturing caregiver; the established view has been that after the age of three forming a secure attachment is incredibly difficult. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to answer the question: What is the effectiveness of Theraplay as a form of treatment when working with children over the age of three who have difficulty in forming a secure attachment to a caregiver? This review was set up using peer-reviewed articles, books, and dissertations. The databases PsycINFO, Academic Search …

Accessibility And Reliability Of Early Childhood Mental Health Services, Rae Lynne Chase

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine whether early childhood mental health services are accessible and reliable in rural northeast Iowa. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven professionals who work with children aged three to five that have mental health needs. Nine themes were developed: (a) Believed Causes of Early Childhood Mental Health, (b) Reasons for Referral, (c) Definition of Reliable, (d) Available Resources and Limitations, (e) Barriers to Early Childhood Mental Health, (f) Location is Key: Rural Communities and the School, (g) Caregiver Mental Health and Perception, (h) Family Approach in Early Childhood Mental Health and (i) More …

Effective Interventions When Working With Cambodian Refugees: A Systematic Literature Review, Saream Chhith

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In this systematic review, an investigation of research on effective interventions when working with Cambodian refugees was conducted. Through a comprehensive literature search, 5 articles met the set inclusion criteria. Peer-reviewed journal articles on quantitative or qualitative research studies on Cambodian refugees as the data resource. The review found four categories and strategies of interventions: traditional healers, pharmacotherapy treatment, implication of treatment, and assessment issues, family intervention, and use of interpreters. The results of the review demonstrated an overall improvement of traumatized Cambodian refugees. The majority of the interventions demonstrated pharmacotherapy for symptomology of diagnosis. Furthermore, this project indicates the …

Generating Therapeutic Attunement Through Mindfulness Practice, Kestrel Feiner-Homer

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Therapeutic attunement refers to the non-linear process in which therapists track the moment-to-moment changes in the somatic, emotional and energetic rhythms of the client, themselves and the intersubjective relationship that exists between them. Literature on this topic suggests that therapeutic attunement is imperative for creating empathic alliances that foster reparative neural growth and result in positive treatment outcomes. This study uses Scholarly Personal Narrative and single system design to explore the impact that integrating forty minutes of mindfulness meditation into my daily routine had on my ability to cultivate therapeutic attunement in my work with clients. Over the course of …

Compassion Fatigue And Compassion Satisfaction Among Professionals Working With Survivors Of Sex Trafficking, Nicole Goettl

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

No abstract provided.

The Prevalence Of Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Play Therapist, Juli A. Gottschall

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study examined the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among play therapists; what factors increase the chances a play therapist will experience secondary traumatic stress; and whether play therapist who followed a directive model of play therapy experienced secondary traumatic stress (STS) differently than those who followed a non-directive model of play therapy. The sample was made up of 23 licensed registered play therapists who were recruited from five different chapters (Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin) of the Association for Play Therapy. The Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (Bride, 2004) was used to measure the STS symptoms. T-test …

A Culturally Based Healing Intervention For Commercially Sex Trafficked Native American Women, Jennifer Hintz

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Prostitution, sex-trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation are terms used to describe a thriving, international black market economy. A substantial portion of research conducted on prostitution has treated women who've experienced sexual exploitation as a homogeneous group, but also demonstrates the diverse experiences of victimization this population may endure as a result of factors including ethnicity. In consideration of this, the present research study conducted interviews to explore the components of a culturally based holistic intervention for Native American women who have experienced commercial exploitation. The author of this study analyzed data from four, semi-structured qualitative interviews with Native American professionals …

The Experiences Of Adults With Severe And Persistent Mental Illness And Long-Term Housing, Heather Hurner

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This paper examines the barriers that adults with a severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) may experience when they approach securing and maintaining long-term hous- ing. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAM- HSA, 2011), around 30% of persons who experience chronic homelessness have a mental health condition, and of that group 50% also experience problems with co-occurring sub- stance use. This article utilized six qualitative interviews with service providers who work with this population and housing in some aspect. This study found that relationships between service providers and both landlords and clients play an important role …

What Is The Meaning Of Mindful Practice Among Practitioners?, Andrea K. Jensen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored the meaning of mindful practice and the influences practitioner's personal use and training had in the therapeutic setting, as well as with client outcomes. Qualitative methods were used to recruit and interview licensed practitioners with a personal practice of mindfulness. Six participants responded to interview questions in person, over the phone, or by email. Using grounded theory and open coding, six themes were identified: (a) Definitions of Mindful Practice; (b) Practitioner's Training and Personal Use of Mindful Practice: The Effects on Client Outcome; (c) Practitioner's Personal Mindful Practice: The Effects on Client-Centered Presence; (d) Practitioner's Support of …

Significant Emotional And Behavioral Problems In Early Childhood, Samantha Johnson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Significant emotional and behavioral problems in early childhood are a growing concern for social workers, mental health professionals, teachers, day care providers and others involved in the care of children ranging in age from 18 months to six years old. The purpose of this research study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional experience and perspective of mental health professionals in meeting the mental health needs of children with significant emotional and behavioral problems in early childhood. A semi-structured interview was used with the six mental health professionals that participated in the study. Three major themes from the …

Barriers And Supports To Help-Seeking In Survivors Of Suicide Loss, Nicole Kurtzbein

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and supports to help-seeking in survivors of suicide loss. Methods: An anonymous online survey containing both quantitative and qualitative questions was developed with the goal of obtaining preliminary data using a mixed-methods approach in specific areas such as, experienced grief reactions, stigma from suicide, helpful and unhelpful forms of support. Sample: A total of 791 individuals completed the line survey about the barriers and supports to help seeking in survivors of suicide loss. Female participants accounted for 93% of the sample (N=735), males accounted for 6% of participants (n=52), transgender …

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 …

Teacher With Learner Model: Educating Youth Labeled With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Wendy Lorenz-Walraven

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Literature suggests there is as a significant research-to-practice gap in education that contributes to challenges faced by students labeled with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD). In Minnesota, students labeled with EBD have a 58% dropout rate and are in need of a different approach to their education. This theoretical research project explored the research-to- practice gap through extensive data analysis and conceptualizing of current discoveries in neuroscience and the physiological affects of emotional and social interactions. This project allowed for in-depth exploration of three texts, Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence, both by Daniel Goleman, Ph.D and Lost at School …

Interventions That Address Safety Concerns Among Youth Experiencing, Katrina Mateski

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

In this systematic review, literature regarding youth experiencing homelessness and the clinical interventions focused on safety towards youth experiencing homelessness were synthesized. Using two databases SocINDEX, and PsychINFO; 10 studies regarding clinical interventions met criteria for the review. Each study was analyzed in population, intervention, and findings; while contrasting and comparing the definition of safety and the safety concerns between the clinical interventions. The findings identified focus areas of safety which include chemical health reduction, promoting harm reduction, psychological health, resilience, and service utilization. The primary safety focus areas were reduced to chemical health reduction, promoting harm reduction, and psychological …

An Exploratory Study: How Do Licensed Social Workers Approach Complex End-Of-Life Conversations With Patients, Families And Physicians, Angela Mueller

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This paper adds to the growing body of literature in social work research by exploring how social workers' facilitate complex end-of-life conversations with patients, families and physicians. Limited research, and practice efforts have focused on end-of-life care and social work involvement. Importance and perceptions of healthcare proxy/advanced directives use have been previously examined to understand social workers' expanding role in end-of-life planning. Findings from this study have illustrated the approaches social workers use within complex end-of-life conversations which span across patients and their families, their physicians and the greater population. Processes that were found, although variable, were cohesive within areas …

A Process Evaluation Of The Creation Of The Mind-Body Care Curriculum For A Child And Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program, Cady Nielsen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study is a process evaluation of a planning committee adding structure to a partial hospitalization program’s curriculum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the planning process to provide recommendations or indications of changes that can be made in planning for other programs. The data collected consisted of committee meeting agendas, notes and minutes, and committee member interviews. The findings revealed major themes of program structure, logistics and operations, and evidenced-based. In discussion this study met its’ purpose, and gives lessons learned from the committee and implications for social work practice, policy, and research.

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

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Self-Care Curriculum In College Social Work Programs, Heather Peterson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Current studies provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of self-care activities on reducing the symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue. The education social workers receive on self-care during their graduate and undergraduate programs was analyzed in this mixed-method study. Researcher analyzed data from a quantitative survey of professional social workers that have completed their graduate or undergraduate degree in Social Work. The results of this study determine that no correlation exists between collegiate self-care education and the frequency of engagement in self-care activity; however, the qualitative data found that respondents place a high importance on self-care education and the social work …

Clinicians Perspective On Interventions Most Effective In Working With Selectively Mute Children, Melissa A. Raatz

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Children with selective mutism (SM) within the school setting bring forth a unique and challenging set of characteristics and issues for teachers and support staff. Children with selective mutism have an overwhelming fear of being seen or heard speaking, which presents as a challenge in assessing students for knowledge and content within the school setting (Perednik 2011.) There are many different causes for general mutism such as trauma, severe neglect, foster placement, etc. However for the purposes of this paper, selective mutism is the sole focus which effects young people. Selective mutism is categorized as an anxiety disorder and a …

Exercise And Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review, Jason Sarff

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study examined the role of exercise as a moderator of executive functioning for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Specifically, the hypothesis that exercise enhances the executive functioning of children with ADHD and promotes enhanced wellbeing was explored. Topics examined included the type of exercise, duration, severity, and other critical factors that play a role in the efficacy of exercise as a possible adjunct intervention for children with ADHD. A systematic review was utilized to identify literature from the SocINDEX and PsycInfo databases, with a variety of search terms utilized to identify articles exploring the impact of exercise on …

Experiences Of Direct Support Professionals Supporting Sexuality For Individuals With Developmental Disabilities, Elizabeth Senne

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD) face significant barriers to experiencing relationships and expressing sexuality. While the law recognizes basic human rights, there continue to be societal attitudes that shape how individuals with DD are treated and supported. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and Grounded Theory to examine how Direct Support Professionals (DSP) experience providing support for relationships and sexuality for persons with DD. From the analysis of this data, six themes emerged: (a) Clarity of DSP Role Around Supporting Sexuality and Relationships, (b) Families or Interdisciplinary Teams as a Barrier for Sexual Relationships and Expression of …

Psychosocial Interventions To Decrease Hospitalizations For Older Adults With Chronic Illnesses, Lori B. Shelton

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Chronic illness has a significant impact on the lives of older adults, both physically and psychologically. Exacerbations of chronic illness can lead to hospitalizations, which in themselves can be traumatizing for an older adult. An initial literature search indicated a significant relationship between hospitalizations and reports of anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between the use of psychosocial interventions and decreased hospitalizations for older adults with chronic illness. Using a systematic search of CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Medline, and SocINDEX databases, eight articles were …

Social Workers Treating The Whole Person: The Need For Holistic Therapy Coursework, Tracy A. Toner

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Holistic therapies have become an integral part of everyday life in the US. We use holistic therapies for many reasons, for exercising, relaxing, and healing alternatives to the traditional. This research survey explored the use of holistic therapies by social workers who are providing clinical social work to their clients primarily in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. Using a quantitative design, the research measured the number of clinical social workers who are now or have previously provided mental health counseling services and are using holistic therapies in addition to standard interventions. This exploratory research additionally hoped to identify the …

When A Therapist Leaves A Client: Closing The Therapeutic Relationship Effectively, Mary Utz

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Premature termination of the therapeutic relationship occurs when the therapist leaves a client before the clinical work reaches a natural conclusion. This exploratory research study asked the following research question: What are best practices for the facilitation of premature termination of the therapeutic relationship? The conceptual framework guiding this research was based on common factors research in psychotherapy. This was explored through a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative questions in an online survey completed by mental health therapists about their experience with premature termination. The sample consisted of 31 psychotherapists who had all completed graduate training and had …