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Full-Text Articles in Social Work
Trauma-Informed Care For Youth In Foster Care, Jordyn Hubin
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
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
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, …
Spiritually Integrated Care For Veteran Trauma Survivors: A Quantitative Analysis, Krystle Englund
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 …
The Use Of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma To Improve Social Functioning, Danielle Hernandez
The Use Of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma To Improve Social Functioning, Danielle Hernandez
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Children who have experienced trauma are often affected socially, relationally and personally. Some children will require therapeutic interventions to improve these symptoms and functioning, while others will recover with no therapeutic intervention at all. One evidence based intervention to treat trauma in children is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), however current research on TFCBT primarily focuses on how it improves PTSD symptoms, not necessarily its effect on improving a child’s social or relational functioning. Therefore, the present study focuses on the clinician’s perspective of how the use of TFCBT improves social functioning. The findings indicate that the use of …
Contributing Factors In Maintaining Gang Affiliation Among Adolescent Females Exposed To Trauma, Bridget Kingsley
Contributing Factors In Maintaining Gang Affiliation Among Adolescent Females Exposed To Trauma, Bridget Kingsley
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Female gang affiliation has often gone overlooked, however, recent research indicates a need to examine this issue due to the increase in adolescent females becoming gang affiliated. A national survey collecting data on gang affiliation indicated that females account for nearly a third of the gang member population. Not only are females joining gangs at an increased rate but they are maintaining their affiliation despite maltreatment and abuse. The purpose of this project was to explore the factors that contribute and encourage adolescent females to maintain their gang affiliation even though it is likely that they will endure continued trauma. …
Play Therapy: Practitioners' Perspectives On Implementation And Effectiveness, Jade E. Wageman
Play Therapy: Practitioners' Perspectives On Implementation And Effectiveness, Jade E. Wageman
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of the present research was to explore practitioners’ perspectives on play therapy as an intervention when working with a child who has experienced trauma, has present PTSD symptoms and has a co-morbid mental health diagnosis. Play therapy has been accepted as an effective intervention to utilize with children who have been exposed to trauma (Schaefer, 1994). However, there is currently limited research evaluating play therapy as an intervention with children who have been traumatized and have developed PTSD or other mental health symptoms/disorders. The current study aimed to supplement the gap in existing research. Two agencies that serve …
Analysis Of The Real World Application Of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy For The Treatment Of Complex Trauma, Marie Elaine
Analysis Of The Real World Application Of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy For The Treatment Of Complex Trauma, Marie Elaine
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The focus of this research was to gain a better understanding of the challenges of working with clients who have experienced severe or chronic trauma. The conceptual framework used for this research project is based on neurologically informed attachment theory as it is presented by Daniel J. Siegel in his book Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology: An Integrative Handbook of the Mind (2012). The sample consisted of five professional mental health therapists who currently work with clients in the treatment of trauma. All participants also completed the Level I Trauma Training for Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. This sample of therapists reported …
The Well-Embodied Professional: Attitudes Around Integrating Massage Therapy & Psychotherapy When Treating Trauma, Deborah S. Frank
The Well-Embodied Professional: Attitudes Around Integrating Massage Therapy & Psychotherapy When Treating Trauma, Deborah S. Frank
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Immediate and long-term effects of trauma result in mental, emotional, and physical symptoms that ultimately can inhibit normal daily functioning and cause dissociation and disorganized attachment. Previous studies highlight effective strategies in cognitive and physiological approaches to treating trauma. However, limited research has been found in the area of integrative approaches that include the use of touch. This qualitative study examines the professional attitudes around the integration of massage therapy and psychotherapy into a sound clinical practice for treating trauma. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five massage therapists and five licensed independent clinical social workers from Minnesota, all having clinical …
Walking Two Worlds: Healing From Trauma In The American Indian Community, Sierra R. Asamoa-Tutu
Walking Two Worlds: Healing From Trauma In The American Indian Community, Sierra R. Asamoa-Tutu
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
American Indian populations are known to be affected by high rates of trauma, including the impact and perpetuating effects of historical trauma. In an effort to better understand effective ways of healing from trauma, this study explores the methods utilized by American Indian people to facilitate healing, specifically from symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Qualitative interviews were used to collect the stories and experiences of eight practitioners working with American Indian clients as they relate to the use of traditional healing practices and use of Western mental health services. Findings revealed four themes that are consistent with prior research, and yet …
Disorganized Attachment And Trauma In Children, Anya K. Esch
Disorganized Attachment And Trauma In Children, Anya K. Esch
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Children who experience trauma often experience a disruption in the formation of attachment with their primary caregiver. This research aims to address how this disruption may lead to attachment disorders in children, and what developmental challenges children exposed to trauma may face. Using a qualitative interview case study of a children’s’ mental health professional, this study examines the impact of trauma on attachment, based on the experiences of this clinician. This study set out to investigate what treatment methods are currently used to treat children with histories of trauma and attachment disorders. From the qualitative interview 4 main themes were …
Cultural Coping Strategies And Their Connection To Grief Therapy Modalities For Children: An Investigation Into Current Knowledge And Practice, Philip D. . Kuehn
Cultural Coping Strategies And Their Connection To Grief Therapy Modalities For Children: An Investigation Into Current Knowledge And Practice, Philip D. . Kuehn
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Dealing with the death of a loved one can be a difficult time in the life of an individual, especially a child. In certain cases, adults and children can develop extreme grief responses as a result of this significant loss. An individual’s culture can play a major role in the way they understand and respond to the death of a loved one. To find out more information regarding the interplay between culture and grief responses, it was useful to interview professional grief therapists on this topic. These interviews sought to discern whether or not there was a useful connection between …
Mental Health Practitioners’ Views On Why Somatic Experiencing Works For Treating Trauma, Michelle C. Olssen
Mental Health Practitioners’ Views On Why Somatic Experiencing Works For Treating Trauma, Michelle C. Olssen
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Trauma is an issue that affects many people, and traditional trauma treatment techniques have fallen short of helping people to completely heal. The purpose of this project was to explore the views of mental health practitioners as to why Somatic Experiencing (SE) works in the treatment of trauma. Using a qualitative design, ten mental health practitioners currently utilizing SE techniques were interviewed about their experiences applying SE with trauma clients. Data was analyzed using content analysis and an inductive approach in which categories were first developed from the interview responses via open coding and then were linked to previous related …