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Dance/Movement Therapy: Approach For Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence, Mia Jewell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review aims to underscore the efficacy of body-based interventions as an approach to address both the physical and psychological repercussions experienced by women affected by intimate partner violence (IPV). The review begins with an overview of IPV, with a focus on the impact on women, and covers reviews of existing psychotherapeutic interventions. Additionally, this literature review delves into the potential benefits of dance movement interventions, positing that such approaches empower individuals to regain control over their environment by acknowledging the parity of physical, social, and emotional well-being The literature review is focused on dance movement therapy as a …

All In The Image: Nightmares, Posttraumatic Stress, And Expressive Therapy: Critical Literature Review, Emma Geller

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper reviews the therapeutic potential of combining expressive therapy approaches with dreamwork protocol in treating recurrent nightmares seen in populations with PTSD. The intersection between the dreaming state, nightmares, dreamwork, and trauma can provide important insights into the purpose of dreaming, subconscious processing of trauma, and effective treatments for individuals struggling with nightmares. Clinical implications of dreamwork are considered in working with posttraumatic stress disorder along with this condition’s connection to recurrent nightmares. In working with trauma and the arts at a sensory and affective level of experience, there is potential for individuals to explore and process their recurrent …

Exploring Silence In Music Therapy With Autistic Children: A Qualitative Study, Shannon Harper-Bison

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Silence is essential for human connection, communication, and expression. This paper presents an inquiry into the experience of measurable moments of silences within music therapy with children on the autism spectrum: what happens directly after moments of silence preceded by sound, what might that indicate about the function of silences, and how they can be used therapeutically? Literature about silences within psychotherapy and music therapy suggests that silence can have multiple functions within therapy. Using both a specifically designed data sheet and anecdotal summaries, I documented silences within individual music therapy sessions with children ages 3-14 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum …

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Potential Supplementary Treatment For Vasovagal Syncope: A Literature Review, Natasha Skye Mcleod

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Dance movement therapy has been utilized as an evidenced-based modality in treating numerous medical diagnoses. Despite its established efficacy in diverse medical contexts, little research exists on its application for vasovagal syncope, a condition often intertwined with mental health challenges. Although vasovagal syncope is situated in the body and frequently comorbid with mental health struggles that impact physiological symptoms, treatment options remain solely in the medical model. This literature review seeks to address this lack of research and adequate treatment options by highlighting the body/mind connection and advocating for dance/movement therapy as a potential supplementary treatment for vasovagal syncope. The …

The Hero’S Journey Through Therapy: A Literature Review, Rylee Blake

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

The Hero’s Journey (Campbell, 1949) is a common narrative structure throughout ancient mythology and modern storytelling which describes the transformation of a hero through a journey of trials and represents the experience of psychological healing throughout various cultures. Because of the ancient and common nature of this structure and the psychological importance of personal narrative and storying even from an early age (Boyd, 2018; Klees, 2016), this thesis hypothesizes that a client’s experience throughout psychotherapy will follow the stages of the Hero’s Journey and that invoking this structure within the therapy room, particularly for drama therapists, will empower clients toward …

The Liebelt Attitudes, Knowledge, And Engagement Scale: The Development And Validation Of A Psychometric Test Between Rural And Urban Adults, Anna F. Liebelt, Robert A. Ditomasso

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: While the prevalence of mental illness is comparable between rural and urban populations, adults in rural locations receive mental health treatment on a less frequent basis, and when received, the care offered is of lower quality relative to urban adults. Underutilization of mental health services in rural areas is a serious, well-documented problem and has been attributed to several possible factors, including geographic inaccessibility, reduced access to appropriate or culturally competent providers, lack of anonymity when seeking treatment, and reluctance to seek help due to discrimination and stigma. However, rural individuals may also remain reluctant to initiate treatment, possibly …

The Implications, Magnitude, And Development Of Traumatic Brain Injury For Individuals Undergoing Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder, Hannah G. Mitchell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is an established bidirectional relation between substance use and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Despite the high rate of prescribing opioids for pain management following a TBI and the epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States, scarce research has specifically analyzed the association between TBI and OUD. In a series of three interrelated manuscripts, the present study will first examine the prevalence and features of TBIs among persons seeking treatment for OUD. Next, the present study will evaluate the association between TBI and indicators of risky health behaviors and OUD severity, including the risk of overdose and …

Towards A Culturally Sensitive Psychiatry: Lessons From Thomas Adeoye Lambo, Alapa P. Odugbo

Religious Studies Theses

Thomas Adeoye Lambo (1923 – 2004), a Yoruba Nigerian psychiatrist who received his training in London, initiated a culturally responsive psychiatric treatment in Aro village of Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria, in 1954. All through his career, Lambo worked to harness traditional socio-cultural resources for the treatment of mental illness and incorporate them into his medical work. This thesis explores Lambo's understanding of various Nigerian or on broader scale, African religious beliefs regarding mental illness and how they influenced his clinical practice in Aro village. It considers Lambo’s legacies and asks how his works might inform contemporary approaches to addressing mental illness …

Listening To Transgender And Autistic Voices: Reflecting On Affirming Research And Mental Health Practices, Kameron Bm Kirbyson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Those who are both autistic and transgender/gender diverse, an often-overlooked group, face difficulties accessing gender-affirming care and appropriate therapy and have higher rates of mental health complications. This study focused on listening to the voices of people who live with both of these identities through semi-structured interviewing and by centring the writer who is also autistic and transgender. Seven participants shared their experiences and highlighted issues they have come up against while trying to access care. Thematic analysis revealed several themes that were sorted into barriers and strengths. Barriers included autism symptoms, complex medical factors, interactions with institutions, traumatic events, …

The Effectiveness Of Integrating Religious/Spirituality Beliefs Into Psychotherapy: An Integrative Review, Justina Anighoro-Okezie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This comprehensive review explores how integrating religious beliefs into psychotherapy impacts mental health outcomes. Following a structured approach guided by Whittemore and Knafl's (Nov 2005) methodology, the review involves a systematic literature search across academic databases, identifying 25 studies with diverse methods. Results indicate significant enhancements in both psychological and spiritual outcomes when religious beliefs are integrated into psychotherapy, compared to no-treatment control conditions. Compared to alternate treatments, adapted psychotherapy demonstrates a small to medium effect. Particularly in an additive design, while there's no significant superiority in psychological outcomes, there is in spiritual outcomes, emphasizing the potential benefits of incorporating …

A Phenomenological Study Detailing Psychotherapeutic Perspectives Of Psychotherapists Who Treat Individuals Living With Pathological Dissociative Practices, Ebony M. Martinez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The present phenomenological study endeavors to offer a comprehensive and profound insight into the phenomenon of pathological dissociation and the working experiences of psychotherapists who specialize in treating individuals with this condition. The primary objective of this study is to shed light on the intricate nature of pathological dissociation and provide a better understanding of the challenges that psychotherapists encounter during the therapeutic process. Nine licensed psychotherapists agreed to share their expertise and experiences in working with pathological dissociation. The trauma model was used as the theoretical framework to interpret reported pathological dissociative experiences. Based on participant reports, this theory …

We Can Walk Together: Motivational Interviewing In Helping Professions, Nathan E. Purdue

SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days

Psychotherapists and researchers alike reasonably express ambivalence in the extant literature concerning its effectiveness. On one hand, psychotherapists can feel relief that the more than 500 theoretical paradigms that exist are statistically effective in their treatment. On the other hand, research consistently indicates that the existence of evidence-based treatments have not decreased the prevalence of common psychological problems such as major depressive disorder. Barriers to treatment abound, and motivation/adherence to treatment protocols may be a difficult process for a patient suffering through a psychosocial quandary. Additionally, psychological disorders inherently have perpetuating behaviors that may impede or attenuate treatment progress. Motivational …

Harm Reduction In Psychotherapy, Jillian Cramer

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

With approximately 22 people dying due to opiate-related harms everyday in Canada (Government of Canada, 2023), there is a great need to offer low-barrier, evidence-based services for people who use substances across various disciplines, including healthcare, social services, and psychotherapy. This qualitative study examined the experiences of Canadian social justice-informed counsellors who work with clients who use substances from harm reduction frameworks of care. Seven counsellors were interviewed on their personal experiences implementing harm reduction in psychotherapy. Through a reflexive thematic analysis, five themes surfaced: axiology of harm reduction work, development of therapist surrounding harm reduction, main focuses of harm …

Integrating Psychotherapy In A Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, Ayesha Baluch

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Mental illness is common in the United States, affecting millions of people. Although there are effective medications for mental illness, psychotherapy in addition to pharmacotherapy provides the best outcomes. This project aimed to improve providers' psychotherapy screening and education of patients about psychotherapy utilization. A pre-implementation survey was conducted to evaluate psychotherapy screening and the barriers faced by providers to utilize psychotherapy screening. An education session was provided to the providers about the importance of psychotherapy screening and education. Data showed that the providers discussed psychotherapy with eight patients (40%) and educated four patients (20%) pre-implementation. Data showed that the …

Efficacy Of Hypnosis As A Treatment For Alopecia, Haya Beydoun, Meena Moossavi

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title:

Efficacy of Hypnosis as a treatment for Alopecia

Introduction:

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which someone is more receptive to suggestions and modeling, and it can address psychological and physical symptoms that are aggravated by conscious and unconscious triggers.The intended outcome is a change in certain behaviors or patterns of thinking that patients have which can mitigate their stress load. Stress can induce and exacerbate alopecia, and patients often suffer increased stress due to the psychosocial burden of having a dermatological disease. A study showed that high levels of cortisol releasing hormones (CRH) were found to …

Psilocybin With Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (Act) For The Treatment Of Social Anxiety Disorder (Sad), Aspen E. Allred

University Honors Theses

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by an overwhelming fear and anxiety of social rejection that can lead to chronic patterns of social behavioral avoidance. Despite the existence of traditional efficacious treatments, a significant number of individuals either do not respond to treatment or experience a recurrence of symptoms over extended periods, spanning 10-12 years. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of acceptance-based behavioral therapy considered part of the "third wave" of cognitive behavioral therapies, has shown promising results in early studies, comparable to those of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is considered the …

Religion And Gender-Based Preferences In Therapist Selection Among Orthodox Jews, Yehuda L. Rosen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The preferences of Orthodox Jews when choosing a therapist are important to understand, as they can inform practice for individuals, clinics, and referral agencies. The purpose of this study was to determine the preferences for gender-matched therapists, Orthodox Jewish therapists, and specific therapist characteristics among Orthodox Jews. The study was based on Bordin’s working alliance model of psychotherapy, which contends that a strong working alliance is necessary for effective psychotherapy. The research questions were used to explore whether Orthodox Jewish men and women differed in their preferences for gender-matched or Orthodox Jewish therapists, whether religiosity predicted a preference for gender-matched …

Religion And Spirituality In Psychotherapy: A Personal Bedrock Of Faith, Edward Shafranske

Psychology Division Scholarship

Personal beliefs and values conjoin with professional training to influence clinical practice. This article examines the role of religion and spirituality (R/S) through the lens of the author’s personal experiences and illustrates the confluence of faith, belief, identity, and practice in professional life. An autobiographical “glimpse” introduces the author’s formative experiences as a Roman Catholic and illustrates how religious narratives furnished conceptions of suffering, forgiveness, and transcendence that contributed to authentic hope for the client. Although often seemingly silent, R/S may influence psychotherapy practice. Clinical supervision provides a context to examine these personal factors.

Integrating Clinical Intuition For A Whole Person Approach To Empowerment, Jennifer Sousa

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This paper is a summary of a study utilizing constructivist grounded theory to examine the process of accessing and applying clinical intuition in psychotherapy. Intensive interviews were conducted with 19 psychotherapists to explore their experiences with clinical intuition, including training on the topic, supportive conditions for accessing intuition, and decision making around its application in session. Engagement in an iterative process of data collection and analysis occurred to arrive at the constructed theory: integrating clinical intuition for a whole person approach to empowerment. The theory is comprised of the core categories (a) building trust and confidence to access and use …

Psychotherapist Awareness And Competence Managing Social Media Concerns, Jing Wen Ong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Social media use increased substantially in recent years, spurring the growth of research focused on its association with mental health. Previous research examined the relationship between positive and negative aspects of mental health and social media use. Other studies explored the relevance of social media to professional practice of psychologists including the use of social media to reach populations with limited access to mental health services and ethical dilemmas arising from social media use; however, there is limited understanding of the pertinence of social media to concerns that clients discuss in therapy and therapist competence in handling these discussions. The …

The Effects Of Cultural Responsiveness And Therapy Duration On Black Americans’ Therapy Preference, Katilyn M. Ashley Treem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Marginalized groups are less likely to seek out mental health services than non-marginalized groups. There are various reasons why marginalized groups, such as Black Americans, are less likely to seek out mental health services, one of which is the cultural barriers between a clinician and client. Research suggests that Black Americans feel that clinicians struggle to overcome these cultural barriers. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to actively receive training on how to serve clients with diverse backgrounds. Cultural responsiveness, an extension from cultural competence, is the active application of the knowledge and skills obtained in training. Examining people’s therapy …

Efficacy Of Modified Psychotherapy To Mitigate Depression Among African American Adults And Older Adults: A Systematic Review, Bridget Ashaolu, Nassrine Noureddine

Pacific Journal of Health

It has been established that due to several factors, African American adults and older adults in the United States respond poorly to pharmacologic intervention in treating depression. The study will help to provide evidence and raise awareness on how to better serve the African American population with depression. This systematic review of the literature examines the effectiveness of using modified evidence-based psychotherapy and faith-based resources in improving depression among older African American adults over the use of conventional pharmacological intervention. 21 studies that recommended utilizing psychotherapy intervention to improve depression in this population were reviewed to better understand the need …

Using A Three-Dimensional Theoretical Orientation Matching Model To Predict Therapeutic Outcomes, Daniel Rhodes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Matching helpers and clients in a therapeutic setting is inefficient and ineffective. So far, there are no significant and enduring variables that reliably match helpers and clients that lead to positive therapeutic outcomes. This study attempts to match helper and client using theoretical orientation. It uses a quantitative methodology to predict therapeutic outcomes given match quality in the therapeutic dyad. Participants were 30 dyadic pairs—consisting of one helper and one client—who had a pre-existing therapeutic relationship. Each was given an assessment tool, used to measure their theoretical orientation to psychotherapy. Results showed no statistically significant relationships between theoretical orientation match …

Opening The Black Box Of Family-Based Treatments: An Artificial Intelligence Framework To Examine Therapeutic Alliance And Therapist Empathy, Phillippe B Cunningham, Jordon Gilmore, Sylvie Naar, Stephanie D Preston, Catherine F Eubanks, Nina Christina Hubig, Jerome Mcclendon, Samiran Ghosh, Stacy Ryan-Pettes

Journal Articles

The evidence-based treatment (EBT) movement has primarily focused on core intervention content or treatment fidelity and has largely ignored practitioner skills to manage interpersonal process issues that emerge during treatment, especially with difficult-to-treat adolescents (delinquent, substance-using, medical non-adherence) and those of color. A chief complaint of "real world" practitioners about manualized treatments is the lack of correspondence between following a manual and managing microsocial interpersonal processes (e.g. negative affect) that arise in treating "real world clients." Although family-based EBTs share core similarities (e.g. focus on family interactions, emphasis on practitioner engagement, family involvement), most of these treatments do not have …

Lived Experiences Of Counselors: Navigating The Changing Role Using Emotional Intelligence, Marissa Joelle Stelzer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of counselors during the transition from traditional face-to-face counseling to a teletherapy format during the COVID-19 pandemic and how counselors were able to utilize emotional intelligence skills/abilities during this time. The theories that guided this study were the ability model of emotional intelligence and social constructivism. The following questions guided this study: How did counselors experience their changing role from primarily face-to-face counseling to teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic? How did counselors experience emotional intelligence during the transition from traditional face-to-face counseling to teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic? …

Investigating Gender Affirmative Approaches To Counselling: Learning From Counsellors In The Profession And Reflecting On Implications For Graduate Counselling Programs, Thomas L. Pigeau

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals often report experiencing several obstacles with accessing mental health services prepared to meet their needs. This current study used a case study methodology to explore the subjective experiences of three therapists working with the transgender population using gender affirmative counselling approaches. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) inadequate training and independent learning, (2) the damaging impact of inadequate training, (3) foundational baseline knowledge, and (4) core embodied practices. The results of this study provide the perspective of therapists with experience practicing gender affirmative therapy and can be used inform professional training programs to better prepare …

"Unraveling Shame": Therapy Experiences Of Religious Sexual Minority College Students, Audrey Louise Parker

Theses and Dissertations

Sexual minority adolescents and adults experience higher rates of psychological risk factors and mental health disorders than their straight peers. As theorized by the minority stress model, this increased distress may be related to both external stressors (including discrimination and violence) and internal stressors (concealment, expectation of rejection, and internalized homonegativity). For some sexual minority individuals who also hold religious beliefs, conflict between their sexual orientation and religious beliefs may act as another stressor. Sexual minority adolescents and adults present to therapy at higher rates than their straight counterparts, and clients seeking help with religious and sexual conflict make up …

Christian Latino Therapists’ Experiences In Integrating Psychology And Theology While Maintaining Client Autonomy, Luis F. Ramos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative, phenomenological study aimed to examine Christian Latino therapists' experiences integrating psychology and theology while providing therapy in New York City and maintaining client autonomy. The theory guiding this study was Martin Heidegger's phenomenological analysis of these lived experiences. The questions in the study were to determine: (a) how the participants understood their role in the provision of therapy, (b) how the participants described their experiences in providing therapy, (c) what the participants learned about themselves in the provision of therapy, (d) what methods the participants used in the integration of psychology and theology, and (e) how the participants …

Study Protocol Of A Randomized Trial Of Stripes: A Schoolyear, Peer-Delivered High School Intervention For Students With Adhd, Fiona L. Macphee, Stephanie K. Brewer, Margaret H. Sibley, Paulo Graziano, Joseph S. Raiker, Stefany Coxe, Pablo Martin, Shauntal J. Van Dreel, Mercedes Ortiz Rodriguez, Aaron Lyon, Timothy Page

HCBE Faculty Articles

Background

Youth with ADHD are at risk of academic impairments, dropping out of high school, and dysfunction in young adulthood. Interventions delivered early in high school could prevent these harmful outcomes, yet few high school students with ADHD receive treatment due to limited access to intervention providers. This study will test a peer-delivered intervention (STRIPES) for general education 9th grade students with impairing ADHD symptoms.

Methods

A type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of STRIPES and explore the intervention’s implementability. Analyses will test the impact of STRIPES vs. enhanced school services control on target …

Redrawing The Contours Of Care: Ethical Commitments And Gendered Politics In The Work Of Government Psychological Counsellors In Sri Lanka, Nadia Augustyniak

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Over the last three decades, Sri Lanka has seen a growing popular interest in psychology as a field of professional practice as well as a steady expansion of mental health services. Historically, this shift has been linked to the impacts of political violence (1971, 1987-1989), civil war (1983-2009) as well as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, with local and international trauma and humanitarian interventions shaping recovery and the country’s mental health and psychosocial care infrastructure. More recently, however, psychology and mental health have been increasingly decoupled from the discourse of trauma, entering into everyday life and popular culture through the …