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Full-Text Articles in Social Work
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, …
A Systematic Review: Examination Of Yoga-Based Interventions To Determine Their Benefits And Effectiveness In Treating Ptsd In Women, Jessica Skaare
A Systematic Review: Examination Of Yoga-Based Interventions To Determine Their Benefits And Effectiveness In Treating Ptsd In Women, Jessica Skaare
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This systematic review was designed to examine yoga-based interventions to determine their benefits and effectiveness in treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in women. The review was set up using peer reviewed articles published after 2007. The databases Scopus, CINHAL, AMED, Health Source, PsychINFO and Pilots were systematically searched using the terms: “post-traumatic stress disorder” or “PTSD” and “yoga-based interventions” or “yoga interventions” or “yoga” or “mind-body therapy”. Out of these searches nine articles satisfied criteria for inclusion and were used in the final review. Three themes emerged from the research synthesis regarding how yoga-based interventions can be beneficial and effective for …
Systematic Review: Considerations For Women With Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder And Ptsd, Brittany Feller
Systematic Review: Considerations For Women With Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder And Ptsd, Brittany Feller
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Statistics demonstrate the prevalence of co-occurring substance use disorder and PTSD among women, and the need for integrated mental health treatment. The researcher of this systematic literature review sought out to explore the following research question: “In what ways do helping professionals intervene with women with co-occurring substance use disorder and PTSD?” A systematic review was conducted using the following databases, SocINDEX, Social Work Abstracts, PsychINFO, and SAMSHA and searched variations of the terms, “Social Work,” “Helping Professionals,” “Women,” “Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder,” “PTSD,” and “Treatment.” All articles were peer-reviewed and involved some aspect of women with co-occurring substance use …
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 …
Culturally Specific Interventions To Support Adolescent Immigrant And Refugee Mental Health, Lynn Whitfield
Culturally Specific Interventions To Support Adolescent Immigrant And Refugee Mental Health, Lynn Whitfield
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This exploratory qualitative study examines various culturally specific interventions practitioners use to support the mental health needs of adolescent immigrants and refugees. Studies have noted that resilience, family involvement, peer support, art-based interventions, school-based interventions, and accessible community resources are all protective factors that promote positive mental health outcomes for adolescents adjusting to a new host country. The researcher conducted eight semi-structured interviews with three licensed clinical social workers (LICSW), one licensed graduate social worker (LGSW), one psychotherapist with a doctorate in psychology, a school counselor, and two clinical counselors. All of the participants of the study serve the refugee …
Use Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On Veterans With Combat-Related Ptsd, Nicole Nelson
Use Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On Veterans With Combat-Related Ptsd, Nicole Nelson
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this paper was to determine whether animal-assisted therapy is effective in treating combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. While the intent was to discover the efficacy of animal-assisted therapy, articles which discussed only the use of psychiatric service dogs were found in the final search. This review highlighted an area for further clarification in future research to ensure that the distinction is made clear between psychiatric service dogs and animal-assisted therapy. The findings illustrated that, when the veterans began to feel benefits of the human-animal bond with their dogs, their psychiatric symptoms became more manageable. A reduction …
Mental Health Care For Clients Who Are Incarcerated: A Systematic Literature Review, Deborah Williams
Mental Health Care For Clients Who Are Incarcerated: A Systematic Literature Review, Deborah Williams
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this systematic literature review was to explore the question: “What scholarly literature exists which explores the interrelated themes of treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders in the presence of a Personality Disorder?”. Using the databases PILOTS: Published International Literature On Traumatic Stress , PsycARTICLES and PsycINFO and working within specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven peer-reviewed articles met the criteria and were reviewed. Each article was coded and five interrelated treatment themes emerged: 1) behavior is functional, 2) acceptance of self, 3) cognitive reappraisal, 4) collaboration, 5) healthy expression. The research shows that humans who …
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy With Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review, Melissa M. Conway
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy With Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review, Melissa M. Conway
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This systematic review examines the efficacy of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) as an intervention in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. Upon thorough review of the present literature, 7 articles met criteria. Common themes identified throughout the reviewed studies include TF-CBT versus other interventions, use of an engagement intervention, outcome influences, reduction in PTSD symptoms, and integrating TF-CBT into practice. Results of this review conclude TF-CBT is an effective treatment intervention for reducing PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents, yet further research needs to be done to be able to properly integrate the program …
The Effectiveness Of Cognitive Processing Therapy (Cpt) In The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) Among Veterans Who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma, Nicole Humble
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Military sexual trauma is a growing problem in the United States military. With the integration of women in the infantry units in all military branches it is even more of a concern. Military sexual trauma though does not happen to only women. The purpose of this research project was to take a known evidence based therapy used by the Veterans Health Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, and see if it is effective in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder in military sexual trauma victims. The VA uses many evidence-based therapies from Prolonged Exposure, cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR, and also …
Prevalence Of Ptsd Symptoms Among The Offender Population, Hilary Mueller
Prevalence Of Ptsd Symptoms Among The Offender Population, Hilary Mueller
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Mental illness within the offender population raises issues on many different levels. Although many attempts at systems changes have occurred the difficulty in treating mental illness within the offender population cannot be denied. This research looked specifically at the presence of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the offender population. A secondary data analysis analyzed 138 subjects who completed a thorough interview and completed a life events calendar. This study found that symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are prevalent among the offender population. Intrusiveness symptoms are present in response to internal and external cues as well as nightmares, flashbacks and panic attacks. …
Adverse Childhood Experiences And Other Risk Factors In A Homeless Youth Population, Michelle J. Goar
Adverse Childhood Experiences And Other Risk Factors In A Homeless Youth Population, Michelle J. Goar
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
This quantitative research project sought to explore the relationship between ACE score, homelessness, PTSD and substance use in a homeless youth population. 161 participants, age 18-21, participated in the 29 question survey, with 40% of youth indicating they were currently homeless, and 86% indicating they were homeless in the past. Mean ACE score was 4.15, with an average duration of homelessness of 17.7 months. 48% of the population screened positively for PTSD, and 83% indicated they used substances in the last six months with 39% using marijuana daily. ACE score, rates of PSTD and substance use was found to be …
A Systematic Review Of Cognitive Processing Therapy And Prolonged Exposure With Veterans, Lauren Bares
A Systematic Review Of Cognitive Processing Therapy And Prolonged Exposure With Veterans, Lauren Bares
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure in reducing PTSD symptomology in United States military veterans. The present research study attempted to identify individual factors that may lead to a more effective treatment outcome with one of the two therapies that are frequently utilized in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria for the present study. The findings demonstrated both Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure are effective in reducing PTSD symptomology in veterans. Only one study directly compared the two therapies, and Prolonged Exposure …
Mindfulness As A Treatment Component For Adults Suffering From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Johanna L. Hauck
Mindfulness As A Treatment Component For Adults Suffering From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Johanna L. Hauck
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has become a widely recognized and accepted mental health concern affecting many individuals. Various treatment approaches are used to alleviate the symptomology of this mental health condition including: different therapeutic approaches, psychotropic medication, and mindfulness. The purpose of this research project was to analyze and distill existing research pertaining to the neurological implications of trauma and mindfulness, with emphasis on how the latter is an effective treatment approach for the former. Data were analyzed in three phases: one, PTSD and Mindfulness; two, Mindfulness and the Brain and; three, Mindfulness and its Impact on the Brain for adults …
How To Differentiate Adhd From Ptsd In Children: Clinicians’ Perspectives, Rebecca A. Jabour
How To Differentiate Adhd From Ptsd In Children: Clinicians’ Perspectives, Rebecca A. Jabour
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
When children experience trauma, their ability to recognize, process, and share their emotions is unlike that of an adult, due to their lack of language skills. Typically, evidence of the trauma is then displayed through behavior, which happens to parallel similar symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This similarity becomes a problem when children begin school, where the tendency among adults is to focus solely on behavior. This study was intended to look at the relationship between ADHD and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) among children and how mental health professionals differentiate between the two diagnoses. Using a qualitative design, …
Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injury On Mindfulness In Veterans Who Have Ptsd, Marcus Kuboy
Impact Of Traumatic Brain Injury On Mindfulness In Veterans Who Have Ptsd, Marcus Kuboy
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have had a negative impact on a significant amount of veterans who have returned from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Mindfulness practice has proven to be an effective means to increase the quality of life (QoL) for many who have been impacted by TBI or PTSD. This study intended to examine the exact implications that having a TBI has on improving the QoL through mindfulness for veterans who have PTSD and TBI. This was a qualitative study of four professionals in the areas of TBI; PTSD; …
The Neurology Of Music For Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder Treatment: A Theoretical Approach For Social Work Implications, Maria Sorensen
The Neurology Of Music For Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder Treatment: A Theoretical Approach For Social Work Implications, Maria Sorensen
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this theoretical paper is to provide information on how trauma and music neurologically impact the brain, and how music can be used as a tool to neurologically aid in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder impacts the hippocampus, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Music stimulates the hippocampus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, the mesolimbic dopamine system, and impacts the HPA axis. Evidence also shows that music can stimulate neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Music can be used as a tool to stimulate these areas to activate neurogenesis and/or neuroplasticity, thereby reconditioning the brain back to healthy …
The Effectiveness Of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Children And Adolescents Who Suffer From Complex Trauma And Exhibit Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Symptoms: A Systematic Review, Tachel Takazawa
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this study was to examine current literature on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in order to identify the effectiveness of this treatment on children and adolescents who suffer from complex trauma and exhibit Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS). An inclusion criterion was created to capture studies that used TF-CBT or similar CBT techniques with this population. A systematic review research design was utilized resulting in 11 studies meeting criteria and these articles were then analyzed. The findings of the included studies were extracted and then divided into five distinct categories based on the PTSD/PTSS …
Trauma Innovations: Mdma As A Treatment Intervention For Ptsd, Anthony Christian, Andrea E. Grey, Terra Sorg
Trauma Innovations: Mdma As A Treatment Intervention For Ptsd, Anthony Christian, Andrea E. Grey, Terra Sorg
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
Aims: To examine the evidence displayed across 3 distinct communities (popular, scientific, & clinical) in conjunction with the use of MDMA-AP as an intervention for PTSD. Method: A mixed method synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research. Data Sources: Four databases were searched [1980-Present] for MDMA & PTSD and/or Mithoefer, et al. 2010 specific scientific literature providing forty-two randomly selected articles; YouTube was searched specifically targeting the same criteria to provide forty-two randomly selected videos; 201 LICSW’s from Minnesota were also surveyed. Results: From the three datasets, three common themes emerged: (1) attitudes specifically geared toward MDMA-AP; (2) effusive or …
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 …
Veterans’ Experiences With Combat-Related Ptsd Treatment, Heidi A. Priestley
Veterans’ Experiences With Combat-Related Ptsd Treatment, Heidi A. Priestley
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this study was to explore from Veterans’ perspectives, their experiences with combat-related post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment and to report their advice to social workers involved in treating Veterans. This subject has particular importance given the increasing number of Veterans who have returned and are currently returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan with this diagnosis. Interviews were conducted with four subjects, all of whom had been deployed to a combat zone, were diagnosed with combat-related PTSD, and completed outpatient treatment prior to July 1, 2012. The interviewees discussed their experiences with PTSD treatment and offered …
Why Are You Crying?: The Impact Of Parental Trauma On The Child, Michael C. Schaeffer
Why Are You Crying?: The Impact Of Parental Trauma On The Child, Michael C. Schaeffer
Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers
The purpose of this research project was to investigate the impact of parental trauma symptoms on the child. The researcher became interested in this topic over the last few years with the increased reports of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on returning vets from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. With reports of increase domestic abuse and suicides in this population, the research was curious how these symptoms of trauma impacted their children. The majority of the research reviewed centered around quantitative studies where parents had developed classic single event PTSD symptoms from war trauma (vs. complex PTSD), and how the …