Counseling Commons^™

An Exploration Of Adult Children’S Attachment To Their Parents Across Two Cultural Groups: Indians In India And Indians Who Immigrated To The United States, Vilasini Meenakshi Arun

Doctoral Dissertations

Typically, attachment theory has been studied and explored with western populations. Individuals seeking mental health treatment within the United States include western and nonwestern cultural groups and research, theories and interventions that apply to diverse populations are necessary. Attachment relationships are often a part of, or reasons for clients to seek therapy either overtly or covertly, thus allowing research on attachment to better inform treatment plans and practice. An attachment relationship between a parent and child can be influenced by several factors and may change over the course of development, but little is known about this process among Indians …

Embodied Co-Regulation: A Neuroregulatory-Informed Dance/Movement Therapy Transition Intervention Method For Arousal Regulation For Adolescents In A Partial Hospitalization Program, Anamaria Guzman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis introduces a novel Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) approach, focusing on nervous system arousal regulation during transitions between therapy groups. The core of the method involves a brief 5-minute exercise designed to modulate arousal levels, encompassing alertness and energy, aiming to establish a baseline homeostasis. Rooted in Polyvagal Theory and Developmental Neurobiology, the approach assumes the co-regulation of nervous systems within a group therapeutic setting. Two primary outcomes are self-assessed: 1) somatic experiences documented through narratives and 2) nervous system biodata measured using the Flowtime headband monitoring of brainwaves, heart rate, and other biomarkers. Results indicated that all six sessions …

Exploring The Literature On Art Therapy Interventions In Mitigating The Negative Effects Of Loneliness In College Students, Molly Hoekman

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Experiences of loneliness and social isolation among college students pose a concern for emerging adults’ mental and physical health, as well as greater impacts on university systems across the country. While social isolation and loneliness are subjective experiences, there are a range of factors rooted in developmental psychology and sociocultural theory that influence the rising rates and acuity of loneliness. Attachment theorists posit that secure attachment early in life can impact how individuals make lasting interpersonal connections long after their childhood. Secure and insecure attachment styles combined with the dramatic transition to college for a young adult are influencing factors …

Perreando To New Lyrics: Integrating Feminist Reggaeton In Expressive Art Therapy A Literature Review | Perreando A Nueva Lírica: Una Revisión Literaria Sobre Integrar El Reggaetón Feminista A Las Terapias Con Artes Expresivas, Marilina Arsuaga

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This paper presents how feminist reggaeton can be used as a creative tool for women's empowerment. The literature review explores the work that has been done with feminism in expressive arts therapies, defines what feminist reggaeton is, and presents different considerations to incorporate the musical genre into a therapeutic intervention. Among these considerations, there is the social stigma that is held about the musical genre and female gender; the community-based work; the importance of cultural identity centered on the Latinx, more specifically Puerto Rican; and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in the creative spaces. To navigate these issues, the author …

Aligning With Adolescents: A Literature Review Of Art Therapy In Residential Treatment Programs, Olivia Moore

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Adolescents in residential treatment programs throughout the United States are a specialized population that demonstrate resiliency and hope every day. Many adolescents in these programs have experienced prominent levels of trauma that impact their ability to function in lower-level programs, foster homes, and in their communities. Residential treatment approaches may look like locked facilities with trauma-informed staff who provide programming options, mental health care, and safe living conditions for adolescents. Without strength-based approaches to treatment, this population may struggle to overcome their trauma, mental health challenges, and developmental needs. In this literature review, art therapy was offered to provide developmentally …

Dungeons And Dragons As A Therapeutic Intervention Training, Samuel Grove

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a role-playing game that gives players’ versatility by allowing them to dictate, customize, or create their own experience. There are many different iterations of role-playing games with varying presentations for in-person and online play; table-top role-playing games and video games (Connell, 2024) (Kowal et al, 2021). Through the 3 pillars of play (Exploration, Role-play, and Combat) player are able to customize their own experience to their preference or collective preference of the group. The balance between the 3 frames of play (Player, Game, and Character) optimizes the players role-playing experience (Connell, 2023). D&D is the …

Anxiety Group For Teens Group Manual, Jacob Kinnen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Early intervention has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving overall function and life satisfaction. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common disorders among youth (Watson et al., 2014). Through early intervention, adolescents can grow with more confidence and feel less anxious by improving their social skills and overall life satisfaction. This manual examines the impact of anxiety in adolescents and the various practices that have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. This group manual provides interventions based on evidenced based practices have been found to be effective in treating …

Analysis Of Self: The Unfortunate Exploration And Development Of Myself, Owen L. Myhr

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Through this analysis of myself, greater insight and understanding created a chance for me to understand why my aspirations are focused where they are. Taking the time to reminisce on my upbringing, relationships, and the other aspects of life allowed true reflection. This allowed me to see where specific thoughts and feelings come from. The analysis of self included taking and analyzing assessments, conducting interviews with significant people in my life, integrating theory, and reflecting on next steps for continued development. This project was an opportunity to express myself and reflect on how I would like to continue my …

Expressive Therapies And Resiliency – Resistance In Mental Health: A Literature Review, Gabrielle Lopez

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This review evaluates the current literature on psychological resistance amongst human service professionals experiencing burnout and the effect of Expressive Arts interventions on resiliency. Concepts include identifying the main symptoms, risk factors, causes, and treatments for burnout in education faculty, medical staff, and clinicians. Qualitative, quantitative, and meta-analysis studies are included to identify the most prevalent intervention frameworks for reducing stress including Arts-Based and Mindfulness-compassion based techniques. The effectiveness of Arts-based tools on strengthening identity, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and meaning-making in combating burnout is presented. Based on analysis of the literature, the author proposes a three-step intervention framework for utilizing …

Building Bridges: An Improvement Science Approach To Fostering Cross-Group Connections And Friendships Among Elementary School Students, Cody Russelburg

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The persistent issue of limited cross-group connections and friendships among diverse elementary school students is addressed, specifically in a district with five elementary schools that converge into a single middle and high school. The tendency for students to maintain selfsegregated social circles from their zoned elementary schools into middle and high school highlights the need for an intervention designed to foster cross-group connections. Utilizing the Improvement Science framework, this research incorporates two intervention cycles to refine and enhance outcomes related to cross-group connections. Fifth-grade students from two distinct elementary schools had intentional and direct intergroup contact utilizing an adapted version …

What Are The Barriers To Seeking Psychotherapy Services Across Different Racial And Ethnic Groups?, Deysee Chavez, Elisa Rodarte

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored barriers to seeking psychotherapy services across racial and ethnic groups among adults of 18 years of age or older (2) any individual who has considered, sought, or received mental health services (3) residing in Southern California. The surveys consisted of questions from the Barriers to Mental Health Services Scale Revised (BMHSS-R) sub-scales; Help Seeking, Stigma, Knowledge and Fear of Psychotherapy, Belief about Inability to Find a Psychotherapist, and Belief that Depressive Symptoms are Normal. It was hypothesized that Latino individuals face greater barriers when seeking psychotherapy services as compared to other racial groups. This study consisted of …

Examining The Effectiveness Of Psychosocial Interventions For Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review, Elizabeth Ashley Contreras

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Due to the increased distribution of synthetic opioids, mortality rates, overdose rates, and addiction related to the consumption of illicit fentanyl have drastically increased over the past years. Although medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the first-line intervention for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), less is known about the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for treating this disorder. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the literature on psychosocial interventions for treating OUD. Methods: A search was conducted on OneSearch using the keywords “opioid treatment” or “Fentanyl treatment” combined with “psychosocial interventions” or “cognitive behavioral therapy,” or “contingency management” for English articles published …

A Phenomenological Study Of Adoptive Parents’ Distress, Erica Rhoads

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of distress in parents who have adopted internationally. The aim was also to discover what this lived experience is like through the perception of both objective and subjective reality, providing understanding and meaning from the perception and experience of adopting and then parenting children who have experienced significant trauma. An additional goal of this study was to evaluate the experience of sharing their adoption story within a narrative therapy support group as a way to alleviate some of their distress. A focus on the background of adoption …

The Impact Of Disability Support Services On The Success Of Student Veterans: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Chante Kimberly Burnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology was to explore the lived experiences of student veterans using disability support services at postsecondary institutions. Disability support services for student veterans was generally defined as any resource or service providing accessibility and support to aid academic success. Therefore, the central research question focused on the experiences of student veterans when utilizing disability support services. The conceptual framework used to guide this study was Vacchi’s (2017) Model of Student Veteran Support, as it establishes veteran-friendly propositions and suggests cornerstones needed to support the successful degree completion of student veterans. Data triangulation was used to …

The Daily Lived Experiences Of Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors: An Examination Of The Emotional, Cognitive, And Spiritual Repercussions, Nanette Stewart Haney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of traumatic brain injury survivors, seeking to understand their lived experiences by examining the emotional, cognitive and spiritual daily experiences. The study participants were adult male and female survivors of a life altering moderate to severe traumatic brain injury who live within the United States of America. The theories guiding this study are Jean Piaget’s (1896-1980) Constructivism Theory and John Watson’s (1878-1958) Behavioral Approach Systems Theory. Jean Piaget believes that all cognitive development progresses towards complex levels of organization. When an individual acquires new knowledge, it is received, …

Examining The Impact Of Sustained Trauma-Informed Care Training With Educators Who Service Students With Exceptionalities And Challenging Behaviors, Miyokia D. Carter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The number of trauma-exposed children is on the rise, and it poses a significant public health issue. Trauma-exposed children especially those with exceptionalities and behavioral problems require support across various aspects of their lives, including their school environment. One way to properly support students is adopting a trauma-informed approach as it diminishes presumptions regarding misbehaviors, increases understanding, genuinely helps students with traumatic symptoms, and restores relationships in the classroom. However, the transition to new approaches such as this can affect the perceptions and attitudes of those encouraged to implement the framework. This qualitative case study aimed to comprehend how staff …

A Phenomenological Study Addressing Clinicians’ Understanding Of The Effectiveness Of Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment For Black Male Veterans Diagnosed With Ptsd, Kelvin Tyler Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative, phenomenological study sought to address clinicians understanding of the effectiveness of individual and group trauma therapy for Black male veterans. The investigation sought to expand previous research by conducting a more in-depth study on the efficacy of evidence-based trauma therapy practices for Black male veterans. The participants included in this study were nine clinicians that utilized evidence-based trauma therapy when treating Black male veterans that are students in Liberty University’s Behavioral Health Doctoral Programs. The current research reveals that various treatment options are found to help treat Black male veterans with PTSD. The stress that is linked to …

Spiritual Care And The Art Of Holistic Healing At Swedish Hospital In Chicago, Mary Pamela Eke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the importance of spiritual care as an act of holistic healing process, there has continued to be a problem of imbalance between the physical care, and the spiritual and emotional care with cardiac care patients. The purpose of this DMIN action research project is to develop and implement a model of holistic healing for integrating spiritual and emotional care alongside physical treatment. This project’s main goal is to promote a sense of connectivity across the various aspects of physical, social, emotional, and spiritual care for cardiac care patients at Swedish Hospital in Chicago. Utilizing qualitative research methods for data …

Military Spouse Counselors: Exploring Mental Health, Resilience, Coping, And Burnout, Melinda Poteet Brinkley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military spouses (MLSPs) are an integral part of the military family and key mental health providers in military community. This study explores the mental health, resilience, coping, and burnout of MLSP counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors (CES). This study was grounded in resilience theory, investigating relationships between mental health and burnout, mediated by resilience, and conditioned by coping. An online survey was distributed through social media and email, open to MLSP counselors/CES of all branches and components of service (N = 68). This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional correlational research designed utilized PROCESS Models 4, 58, and 59, which determined that resilience …

The Influence Of Prayer On Anxiety In Black Males: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Robin Houston Stitt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prayer is a primary indicator that Christians use to infuse meaning into their lives and navigate life's difficulties. Acquiring the capacity to cope with anxious feelings through spiritual disciplines, practices, and rituals can assist in anxiety relief. The literature indicates that the church has always served as a refuge when life-altering events occur. According to I Corinthians 12:13, the church is one body of believers, unified for a common purpose. Anxiety is defined as a state of distress caused by a perceived social threat. The purpose of this study in Pastoral Care and Counseling was to ascertain why studies have …