Counseling Psychology Commons^™

Counseling The Kink Community: What Clinicians Need To Know, Stephanie M. Yates, Anita A. Neuer-Colburn

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Recent media portrayals of Kink are prevalent, but not always culturally accurate and can perpetuate a stigma that impacts the therapeutic environment when working with Kink-oriented individuals. Misunderstanding the culture can increase prejudice, misdiagnosis, and maltreatment of Kink-oriented clients. The authors provide readers with an introductory primer on language used within the Kink culture, avoiding the pathology of cultural and personal preferences, and myths associated with Kink community practices. Implications for best practices are offered.

“It’S Happiness And Relief And Release”: Exploring Masturbation Among Bisexual And Queer Women, Carolyn Meiller, Candice N. Hargons

Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education

Researchers have argued that masturbation contributes to sexual health, yet historically, masturbation has been stigmatized (Coleman, 2003). Only a handful of qualitative studies have investigated masturbation (e.g., Fahs & Frank, 2014), and none of these studies have specifically examined queer women’s masturbation. In the current study, ten bisexual and queer women (age 19-48; 4 Black, 6 White) were interviewed about their masturbation. Using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006), six themes were identified: reasons for masturbating, politics of pornography, use of sex toys, feelings after masturbation, promoting masturbation, and silence around masturbation. Implications for sexual health and counseling are discussed.

Perspectives Of Indian Internationals On Mental Illness And Christian Missions, Morgan Margerison

Senior Honors Theses

When psychology is integrated with Christianity as a form of missions, it is vital that the destination country’s cultural perspectives be considered in the practice of these fields. This phenomenology obtained Indian cultural perceptions and experiences of mental health, as well as their perspectives and experiences regarding the integration of psychology and Christianity. The participants framed mental and emotional health in the context of relationship, addressed it with faith practices and values, and evaluated it based on cognitive functioning and lack of positive emotions. They expressed cultural concerns with victim mentality, stigma, and shifts in moral values. Regarding the integration …

The Relationship Between Religious Background Of Those Who Disaffiliate From Religion And Presence Of Anxiety, Timothy B. Sellers

Honors College Theses

Religion plays a significant role in the personality and worldview of a many individuals. It can provide one with personal benefits such as coping mechanisms, a framework for meaning-making, and a source of motivation, while also providing social support through connections with others having the same religious beliefs. The removal of said benefits through disaffiliation from a religious identity may lead to distress or anxiety. While much research has been done sociologically regarding the increasing number of people who do not affiliate with a religious group, much less has been done to analyze the individual experience of religious disaffiliation and …

Book Review: Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, And Finding Joy, Ammon Kou

Marriott Student Review

No abstract provided.

Professional Impressions And Experiences Of The Complex Needs Of Human Trafficking Survivors, Jackie Klock, Kelsey Haynes

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Abstract Human trafficking is a monumental and pervasive human rights issue, and one that carries immense physical, psychological, and psychosocial repercussions to its survivors. This project explores the complex needs and service gaps that exist for survivors of human trafficking. Through a qualitative study, with six in-person interviews of professional providers in Maine, we gain access to important information regarding complex needs of human trafficking survivors. Using thematic analysis we analyze common themes throughout the interviews in relation to previous literature. Recommendations for practice are also presented.

The Impact Of A Therapist's Language In Computer-Mediated Communication, Robert E. Twidwell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Background: Nearly 45 million adults in the United States live with a mental health disorder and only 43% of them seek treatment. One of the major barriers to seeking treatment is accessibility and can be addressed through telepsychology, or providing services with technology. With technological improvements in written communication, using computer-mediated communication (CMC; e.g. text messaging) has become more regularly used and examined in healthcare. To date, little research has focused on the use of practitioner language in telepsychology.

Method: Two samples (university sample and national sample) totaling 396 participants were asked to rate a therapist on attractiveness (i.e. likability …

When A Stone Is Not A Stone: Memories Of Clerical Abuse, Charles V. Sords

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

From the fourth to the sixth grades, Charles V. Sords suffered traumatic sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. He suppressed these memories, yet the pain of what happened impacted every aspect of his life. As an adult, several strong, sensory experiences brought the truth of his childhood into focus. He confronted the Church—and the system that protected clerical criminals. This memoir is an account of childhood sexual abuse, the particularly shameful nature of being raped by priests, and how the Catholic Church’s method of handling this and similarly horrifying revelations has re-traumatized survivors.

An Examination Of Trauma-Related Psychotherapy Outcomes At An Outpatient Military Behavioral Health Clinic, Emily Siebach

USC Aiken Psychology Theses

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to expand existing literature on specific patient demographics and treatment protocols for trauma-related psychotherapies that moderate treatment outcomes in real-world clinical settings with military personnel.

Method: The present study used medical records to analyze treatment outcomes of patients seen at an army medical hospital in the Southeastern United States. The data was gathered over a 6-month timeframe, and participants were predominantly active duty Army personnel being treated for PTSD or other trauma-related disorders. Demographic variables were examined as predictors or moderators and hypotheses were put forward regarding the relationship of …

“Uno Logra Olvidar La Tortura”: Impactos De Las Dictaduras Militares Y Conversaciones Sobre Las Secuelas De La Tortura En El Instituto De Terapia E Investigación, Em Rosner

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Investigué el impacto real de las dictaduras militares, y específicamente cómo las experiencias de tortura continuan marcando las vidas de los sobrevivientes y su habilidad de procesar los eventos de sus propias vidas, compartir sus experiencias con otras personas y hacer conexiones interpersonales. Mis preguntas primarias eran, ¿Cómo la tortura ha marcado la vida a largo plazo de las personas que la sufrieron? ¿Cómo impactan las experiencias de represión y tortura en las formas en que se construyen relaciones sociales y proyectos de vida? Para investigar este tema, entrevisté a personas que han tenido experiencias de tortura o que han …

An Investigation Of Posttraumatic Growth Experienced By Parents After A Miscarriage, Barbara Elizabeth Powell Boyd

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

This quantitative study examined relationships between demographic and pregnancy loss related predictors and scores on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Participants included 355 women and men who had experienced at least one miscarriage before January 1, 2018. Data were collected through an online survey that consisted of the 21-item PTGI and a demographic and pregnancy loss related factors information sheet. Demographic information collected included gender, age, ethnicity, race, annual household income, and relationship status. Pregnancy loss related factors collected included number of pregnancies, number of miscarriages, length of gestation, assistance with conceiving, and whether the participant …

Multiple And Intersecting Experiences Of Women In Prostitution: Improving Access To Helping Services, Kathryn Hodges, Sarah Burch

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

When women involved in prostitution experience multiple and intersecting needs, they may face barriers in accessing help and support. These barriers can include geographical location and opening hours of agencies, limited childcare support, and a lack of female-only provision. As a result, women are frequently disadvantaged, and their personal safety put at risk, as they become increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, particularly if they do not have access to secure accommodation. This research project seeks to understand the choices and decisions women make when they engage with helping services. The findings report on an in-depth qualitative study with 11 women involved …

Suicide And Neoliberalism: An Imminent Critique Of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Noël Ingram

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

In her paper, “Suicide and Neoliberalism: An Imminent Critique of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy,” Noël Ingram, following the tradition of scholars such as Philip Cushman and Mark E. Button, challenges the dominant discursive framework of suicide through an examination of one of the dominant psychological therapeutic frameworks used to understand and treat suicidal ideation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Ingram argues that CBT assumes the site of disorder is situated in the atomized neoliberal subject whose failure to think and behave rationally has led to their suicide attempt. Further, Ingram discusses how the framework of CBT is influenced by inherent neoliberal assumptions with its …

Flawed Goddesses: An Exploration Of Expressive Arts Therapy Theory Through Personal Narrative, Karen Estrella, Lora Williams

Lesley University Community of Scholars Day

Flawed Goddesses is a graphic arts and performance-based exploration of Jungian theory applied to Expressive Arts Therapy for healing the psyches of breast cancer patients. Jungian approaches within expressive arts therapy use active imagination, myth, archetypes and creative exploration. Dr. Karen Estrella, Expressive Arts Therapy core faculty, brings her interest and research into the ways in which personal narrative shapes theory building - in particular she will make reference to Gloria Anzaludua's and bell hooks' work. Lora Williams, first year Expressive Arts Therapy master’s student, brings her writing and artistic explorations from her own breast cancer recovery journey. Together, they …

Adolescent Substance Abuse Patients Within The Therapeutic Alliance: An Integrative Literature Review, Emily Decker

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Background: Adolescent patients with substance use disorders (SUD) struggle with seeking treatment, staying motivated during treatment, and are at a higher risk of relapse following treatment compared with other SUD patients. A positive therapeutic alliance between provider and patient has been shown to positively affect treatment outcomes. Therefore, describing interpersonal patient traits which influence this alliance is integral to keeping patients in treatment and preventing relapse post-treatment.

Objectives: The purpose of this integrative review was to identify interpersonal characteristics of adolescent patients with a substance use disorder which can significantly influence their therapeutic alliance with the provider, ultimately leading to …

Medical Decision Making Among Individuals With A Variant Of Uncertain Significance In A Hereditary Cancer Gene And Those With A Chek2 Pathogenic Variant, Deanna J. Almanza

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Despite national guidelines, women with a BRCA VUS or CHEK2 pathogenic variant are choosing to have risk-reducing surgeries such as bilateral mastectomies which are not aligned with their level of cancer risk based on genetic test results alone. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 6 women with a BRCA VUS and 12 with a CHEK2 pathogenic variant exploring the factors influencing their decision-making process when considering medical management options. Patients from a cancer registry agreed to a recorded telephone interview. Coding was performed using the main constructs from the Ottawa Patient Decision Guide including: knowledge, uncertainty, values, and support. Iterative …

Painting Intimacy: Art-Based Research Of Intimacy, Michal Lev

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

This art-based research explores whether — and, if so, how — the process of painting, together with witnessing and reflection on the process and imagery, further an understanding of intimacy. The research also examines the conditions that favor intimacy, the obstacles to intimacy, and the particular features of artistic media, processes and reflection, through the editing of video footage, that can further the intimate experience. The participants in the study were five adults (including the researcher) between the ages of thirty and eighty who were familiar with the creation of visual art. Among them were three women and two men …

How To Make School-Based Mental Health Work, Jenny Wilhoite

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This session is designed to give an overview of how to create a School-Based Mental Health program that benefits students on all tiers, providing universal prevention, early intervention, and intensive services for at-risk students. Meeting the unmet needs of students with mental health challenges impacts student attendance, behavioral and academic outcomes, and discipline in a positive way.

Unveiling The Mask:Sexual Trauma's Impact On Academic Achievement, Behavior, And Self-Identity, Teshaunda Hannor-Walker, Sarah Kitchens, Lacey Ricks

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Sexual trauma is an unfortunate but a common and often masked experience for many students in America. While sexual trauma in itself is not a mental health disorder, it can become a risk factor for many academic and mental health problems. Trauma-informed schools can play an important role in helping students deal with the aftercare of a traumatic experience.

Student Wellbeing Matters! Use Positive Psychology Interventions To Help Your Students Achieve And Succeed., Andrea A. Francis

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Positive Psychology Interventions (PPI), grounded in the psychological theory of Wellbeing (Seligman, 2002) are pathways to a life of purpose and meaning. Each intervention is proved to not only reduce anxiety and increase optimism, but to create protective factors needed to cope with stress, anxiety and trauma.