Recommendations For Therapists Research Articles

Clients' narratives of healing and harm in psychotherapy: A qualitative method

AbstractPurposeFor decades, researchers have acknowledged the potential for negative effects in psychotherapy, highlighting the need for further investigation. However, a clear understanding of the nature and definition of harm within this context has remained elusive. Efforts were made to clarify terminology such as ‘side effects’ and ‘negative effects’, but a consensus on the extent and definition of harm has continued to evade the field. Notably, existing research on negative effects has often prioritised expert and therapist perspectives, neglecting the crucial insights offered by the client's subjective experience of harm.MethodThis study adopted an exploratory approach, employing qualitative research methods. To uncover and illuminate past experiences of harm within the therapeutic context, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants (15 female, 6 male) who reported perceiving their psychotherapy sessions as harmful. Data analysis utilised the theoretical framework of Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory approach, facilitated by the MAXQDA2020 software.ResultsThe study results offered a comprehensive examination of factors contributing to client‐perceived harm in psychotherapy, categorised as both client‐related and therapist‐related. Additionally, the definition of harm was explored through the lens of emotional and cognitive experiences. The client's reaction to perceived harm (submission, avoidance and compensation) and the therapist's course of action vs. the client's reaction (corrective and justifying) respectively, can cause consequences (strengthening the therapeutic alliance and the client's healing or individual and interpersonal impacts) from the client's perspective.ConclusionA significant finding was the lack of attention paid to the interpersonal nature of psychotherapy in past understandings of harm. The results highlight the potential for harm in any therapeutic relationship, regardless of the therapist. This potential appears to be particularly heightened when therapists display a lack of responsiveness to clients' internal experiences, especially through justifying comments in response to client‐reported negative experiences within the therapeutic relationship. Based on these findings, the study offers clinical recommendations for therapists to enhance their responsiveness and mitigate potential harm.

IMPACT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE ANIMATED CARTOONS ON PRESCHOOL CHILDREN: BENEFITS, CHALLENGES AND THE ROLE OF SPEECH THERAPISTS IN SERBIA AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

This paper examines the impact of foreign language animated cartoons on preschool children in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting both benefits and challenges. While cartoons can enhance vocabulary, pronunciation, comprehension, cultural awareness and second language acquisition, some speech therapists in these countries express concerns. They argue that early exposure to foreign languages via screens may cause confusion, language mixing, and excessive screen time. Some of this scepticism contradicts current scientific findings. Interviews with speech therapists show how expert opinions shared through popular media can shape caregivers’ practices, often leading to misconceptions. As most caregivers rely on media for information rather than scientific literature, this emphasises the need for researchers to communicate their findings effectively to the public. The study reviews literature and empirical evidence, highlighting the gap between media narratives and scientific research and offers practical recommendations for educators, therapists, caregivers, and policymakers.

'It's not always textbook social anxiety': A survey-based study investigating the nature of social anxiety and experiences of therapy in autistic people.

The nature of social anxiety has been widely researched in non-autistic people. This existing research has allowed therapists to develop effective therapy for social anxiety in non-autistic people. Meanwhile, some research suggests that autistic people may have different experiences of anxiety compared to non-autistic people. In addition, there is some evidence that modified therapy may help autistic people with social anxiety, although we also know that many autistic people feel failed by existing mental health services.This article provides a detailed picture of social anxiety in autistic people. This includes similarities and differences compared to non-autistic people. In terms of similarities, people often described feeling afraid that others would judge them, and this would have negative consequences. In terms of differences, autistic people commonly reported a clash between their traits and their social environment, which caused them distress and discomfort. This included factors only rarely reported by non-autistic people (such as struggling with too much sensory stimulation or inaccessible forms of communication and encountering discrimination for these problems). Based on this, we propose a 'distinct' model of social anxiety with particular relevance to autistic people. In addition, many participants reported negative experiences in therapy for social anxiety. They thought therapists wrongly viewed their fears of social situations as irrational and ungrounded. They thought therapists did not adapt the therapy process in an individualised way and did not understand neurodiversity or recognise neurodivergence.Standard approaches for social anxiety may not always suit autistic people, so this needs further exploration. We highlight several practical recommendations for therapists offering therapy for social anxiety to autistic people.

Passive Aggressive Vocabulary

This article provides a description, definition, and some research data on passive-aggressive personality structure, as well as practical recommendations and methods for working with such clients. The article outlines the main features of passive aggression and its implications for personality adaptation. It also offers practical recommendations for therapists, including techniques for working with clients, intervention strategies, and approaches to working with clients exhibiting a high degree of passive-aggressive defenses. The article introduces the “Dictionary of Passive Aggression”, formulated by practicing psychologists who participated in the practical course for psychologists “Therapeutic Skills” with Irina Pingareva (psychoanalyst, Certified Transactional Analyst of the European Registry CTA-P-EATA, body-oriented therapist, instructor at the International Institute of Developmental TA — MIR-TA, author of trainings and seminars). This dictionary was compiled through the analysis of typical expressions and behavioral patterns observed by participants in practice. The purpose of this dictionary is to help specialists identify and understand passive-aggressive expressions and their possible roots. This article may be beneficial for both psychotherapy specialists and a broader audience interested in understanding passive aggression in everyday life.

Graphic design as a means of art therapeutic support in the period of war

The purpose of the research. The article is a part of a study of graphic design and illustrations as a means of art therapy. It examines different approaches to art therapy, including drawing and narrative, and analyzes their effectiveness in improving the emotional state of the population. The purpose of the study is to determine the potential of graphic design and design of printed publications as art therapy for improving the well-being of the population during the war.
 The methodology. To assess the art-therapeutic potential of graphic design, a systematic approach was used, in which the results of bibliographic, critical and content analysis of the results of research on the problems of expressive art therapy in the context of intervention were combined.
 The scientific novelty of the study is the determination of the potential impact of modern book design and illustrations as a means of art therapy support on a vulnerable population that has suffered as a result of traumatic events, in particular, military conflicts. The work studies the techniques of art therapy for this category of people and their psychological impact, as well as research the modern design and illustration of books, their trends and prospects for popularization among young people.
 Conclusions. The results of the research confirm that the graphic design of printed publications and illustrations as a tool of art therapy can have a significant positive effect on the mental health of the population during the war. The use of aesthetically appealing and emotionally charged illustrations helps to stimulate creativity, self-expression and relaxation, which contributes to the general improvement of the mood and well-being of the population. The study contributes to the growing use of art therapy techniques related to print design and illustration in conflict settings and offers practical recommendations for designers and therapists working in this field. The use of artistic techniques in print design and illustration has a variety of therapeutic and creative benefits. Whether used in a therapeutic setting or as a tool for creating visually appealing illustrations and printed publications, these techniques can help people communicate and enhance their emotional state in unique and powerful ways.

The Ableist and White Supremacist Origins of U.S. Policing and Connections to Involuntary Hospitalization

This paper discusses the impact of White supremacy, ableism, and U.S. policing on both the history and current state of psychology and sheds light on ways that psychologists can acknowledge and divest from carceral White supremacist practices in mental healthcare. Because of how oppression and intersectionality function within a White supremacist society, not all Black lives have been equally valued by non-Black Americans. Similarly, White supremacy and ableism have had lasting impacts on the public perception of disabled people. Connecting the historical origins of the U.S. policing system to the current practices of the U.S. police system, this paper argues that the police have always been about controlling “disorder.” Similarly, psychology and the larger mental health field have a troubled history of controlling Black, Brown, and disabled bodies. Recommendations for ways therapists can unlearn therapy practices stemming from White supremacy cultural practices (e.g., carceral therapeutic practices and biased mental health care) are provided along with action items for mental health practitioners to maintain a commitment to undoing the harm from these historic and systemic issues.

Navigating Social Media Use in Group Psychotherapy

Abstract Background/Objective: This article sheds light on the often overlooked topic of incorporating social media use in group psychotherapy. Methods: Through the presentation of three practical examples, the influence of social media on the therapeutic process in group psychotherapy is explored, while also examining the various factors that contribute to online behavior and interactions. Discussion/Conclusion: Furthermore, the article provides recommendations for therapists on effectively integrating social media into group therapy sessions. Keywords: Social media, Group psychotherapy, Privacy, Digital self-disclosure.

Social Power and the Movement System: Why and How Physical Therapists Might Influence the Upstream Currents of Health.

Social determinants of health are an emerging focus within physical therapist practice, research, education, and advocacy as a necessary condition for movement system health disparities. Fundamental cause theory suggests that the sociopolitical environment sets the context for individuals' socioeconomic positioning, which determines the availability of resources that are necessary for groups and individuals to maintain health. These resources include knowledge, money, power, prestige, and social connections. Yet, it is the hierarchical organization of society that dictates both the availability of socioeconomic resources and the ability of patients and clients to use those resources to promote and maintain movement system health. The presence of social hierarchies indicates the need for physical therapists to consider social power as a key determinant of movement system health. Consideration of social power in clinical initiatives and advocacy agendas would provide a framework for physical therapists to begin the dynamic, and often, adversarial process of breaking down social hierarchies and redistributing social power, rather than simply redistributing socioeconomic resources, in pursuit of societal transformation and community-building. This Perspective discusses social power as the fundamental driver of movement system health inequalities and explores the effects of social power on exposure, susceptibility, experience, and recovery related to movement system pathology-including the influence of social power on the ability of people to acquire socioeconomic resources and convert them to health-relevant resources. This perspective concludes with recommendations for physical therapists to identify and dismantle inequalities in social power through structural competency.

Fine Arts Students: Mental Health, Stress, and Time on Academic Work

ABSTRACT In this study, we explored possible differences between students studying the fine arts and their non-art major peers on three separate variables: mental health, stress, and time spent on academic work. We found that students who study the fine arts report higher rates of mental distress, stress, and spend more time on academic work than do their non-art major peers. We offer recommendations for therapists working in university and college counseling settings.

ELEMENTS OF THEATRICAL ART IN THE CORRECTION OF THE PRONUNCIATION OF SOUNDS L AND R IN SPEECH THERAPY ACTIVITIES IN PRESCHOOL

The aim of the paper: to identify theoretically the possibilities of using the elements of theatre art in the work of language correction and to analyze the effectiveness of the developed program for the correction of L and R.The theoretical part of the paper analyzes the development of a child's speech and language in combination with other factors influencing the child's development. The introduction of the elements of theatrical art in the educational process today is a new approach to tracking the language acquisition process of each learner.Based on the findings of the theoretical part, the author has developed a material called "Program for the Correction of the Pronunciation of Sounds L and R in Preschool", summarized the teaching material for its implementation, and described and analyzed research in the empirical part of the paper.The conclusion part summarizes the work carried out and provides recommendations for speech therapists, teachers and parents on how to promote the correct pronunciation of sounds L and R in preschool.

Gender- and Sexuality-Minoritised Adolescents in DBT: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Minority-Specific Treatment Targets and Experience.

Gender- and sexuality-minoritised (GSM) adolescents are at increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviours compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers. This increased risk is thought to be explained in part by exposure to stigma and societal oppression. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based intervention for self-harm and suicidal behaviour that may have advantages for supporting GSM young people in distress. No study has yet sought to understand what GSM-associated difficulties may be important to consider in DBT for adolescents, or the experiences of GSM young people in a standard DBT programme. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the experiences of GSM young people in DBT and what difficulties and dilemmas associated with their gender and sexuality diversity were thought by them to be important to target in DBT. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 GSM young people in a comprehensive DBT programme and were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The analysis was supported by two further GSM young people who had finished DBT. The findings were split into three overarching themes (Identity, Impact of Others, and Space for Sexual and Gender Identity in DBT), each with themes within. The identity-based theme included "identity confusion and acceptance"; the relationship-based themes included "cis-Heterosexism" and "community connectedness"; and the space within DBT themes included "negotiating focus and targeting in DBT" and "creating safety in DBT". Findings are discussed in relation to implications and recommendations for therapists working with GSM young people within and outside of DBT.

Clinical Decision Trees to Guide Physical Therapy Management of Persons with Huntington's Disease.

In 2020, our group published physical therapy clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for people with Huntington's disease (HD). The guideline recommendations were categorized according to six primary movement impairment classifications. To facilitate implementation of this CPG, we have developed guideline-based algorithms for physical therapy assessments and interventions and recommendations for therapists to overcome barriers to CPG implementation for people with HD. We conducted a literature review of papers that evaluated physical therapy interventions in individuals with HD (n = 26) to identify assessments for each of the primary movement impairment classifications, and then searched for papers (n = 28) that reported their clinometric/psychometric properties in HD. Assessments were evaluated using modified Movement Disorder Society Committee on Rating Scales criteria and other relevant criteria. We identified a "core set" of physical therapy assessments for persons with HD, including the Six Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36). We then developed guideline-based decision trees to assist in decision making and implementation of the CPG into practice for persons with HD across the continuum of care. Finally, we developed strategies for overcoming barriers to implementation, such as seeking specialized training in HD, engaging caretakers or family members to help the person with HD to exercise, and establishing clinical pathways that support early physical therapy referrals. Knowledge translation documents such as this are essential to promoting implementation of the physical therapy CPGs into clinical practice.

Understanding Problematic Social Media Use in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Narrative Review and Clinical Recommendations.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is consistently associated with a host of social problems, such as victimization and difficulties in maintaining close friendships. These problems are not limited to offline relations but also manifest in the online social world, as previous research shows that ADHD is associated with problematic use of social media. Given the ubiquitous nature of social media, the goal of the current review is to understand why adolescents with ADHD demonstrate more problematic social media use than their typically developing peers. To this end, we provide a narrative review on the evidence for the link between ADHD and social media use, and consequently present an integrative framework, which encompasses neurobiological mechanisms (i.e., imbalance theory of brain development and dual pathway model of ADHD) and social mechanisms, including influences from peers and parents. We conclude that empirical work shows most consistent evidence for the link between problematic social media use and ADHD (symptoms), while intensity of social media use is also associated with several other behaviors and outcomes. Finally, we hypothesize how existing interventions for ADHD may work on the identified mechanisms and provide at-hand clinical recommendations for therapists working with adolescents with ADHD who exhibit problematic social media use.

THE INFLUENCE OF DOUBLE AND TRIPLE TASKS ON RECOVERING BALANCE DURING WALKING IN PATIENTS WITH BRAIN INJURIES

The work highlights the problem of restoration of dynamic balance during walking in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Determining and correcting gait and balance disorders is a significant challenge for the rehabilitation and recovery of people who have suffered a TBI, although it is generally not known to the end which means and methods of treatment will be the most effective. Restoring balance and walking is also an aspect of fall prevention. Cognitive deficits, which are a frequent consequence of TBI, can also negatively affect the quality of walking, so understanding how the combination of attention and mobility can affect the balance and safety of patients with neurological disorders is a very important issue. The aim of the study was to develop and test the effectiveness of dual- and triple-task-based programs to restore balance during walking in individuals with Rancho level 7 traumatic brain injury.
 The objectives of the study: to analyze the scientific evidence literature on the peculiarities of disorders in craniocerebral trauma, as well as on the use of double and triple tasks in dynamic balance disorders during walking, to develop programs based on the use of double and triple tasks to improve dynamic balance under walking time in individuals with brain injury with Rancho level 7, to test the effectiveness of programs based on the use of dual and triple tasks to improve dynamic balance during walking in individuals with brain injury with Rancho level 7, to develop practical recommendations for physical therapists working on improving dynamic balance during walking in individuals with TBI.
 The following methods were used in the research: analysis of scientific and methodical literature; sociological methods (survey, case history, observation and data analysis); clinical and instrumental research methods (International Classification of Functioning, Rancho Scale, Berg Balance, Community Mobility and Balance Scale), methods of mathematical statistics.
 In this work, the effectiveness of individual physical therapy programs for restoring balance during walking, which are based on the use of double and triple tasks, was developed and tested. Practical recommendations for physical therapists working on restoring dynamic balance during walking were developed.
 Physical therapy programs were selected individually and differed for each participant, although the tasks could be similar or the same, the dosage and the order of execution was different for each participant. The selection of exercises and tasks was based on survey data and information obtained from questionnaires that each participant filled out before the start of the study.
 The practical significance lies in the development of practical guidelines for physical therapists regarding the use of dual and triple tasks to restore dynamic balance during walking in individuals with Rancho level 7 TBI.
 We determined that the application of dual and triple tasks contributes to the improvement of dynamic balance during walking in individuals with brain injury, therefore we decided to test the effectiveness of the application of dual and triple tasks to restore dynamic balance during walking in individuals with TBI.

Therapist disclosure to combat COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: a narrative review.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019–2020 and the rapid development of vaccines to prevent this disease came a rise in interest around vaccine hesitancy. Naturally, methods of combatting vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccination rates are of paramount importance. One such method is building upon the trust and openness of one’s relationship with their healthcare provider. Specifically, this paper examines how psychotherapist self-disclosure could facilitate effective health behaviors in patients, focusing on vaccines. Traditionally, mental health therapists have been encouraged to avoid self-disclosure of personal information due to the possibility of unbalancing or damaging the therapeutic relationship. However, research from medicine and other disciplines suggests that personal recommendation, self-disclosure of vaccination status, and expert encouragement may be effective methods of addressing vaccine hesitancy. In addition, recommendations for therapists in discussing vaccination and in working with vaccine-hesitant patients are provided.

Embracing technological possibilities in the telehealth delivery of interactive music therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction Given how many music therapists have shifted their practice to telehealth in accordance with COVID-19 public safety precautions, it is essential for clinicians not only to adjust to the virtual platform, but to embrace the therapeutic potential of technological tools. Just as music is considered a therapeutic agent in music therapy sessions, the authors assert that technology may also be conceptualized and utilized as a means of enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Method Referencing an interactive music therapy protocol adapted for telehealth as part of a pain management study, the authors examine ways in which different aspects of telehealth technology can be used by music therapists to support client goals and bolster the therapeutic relationship. Generalized clinical examples drawn from virtual sessions are incorporated to demonstrate the unique therapeutic possibilities for client agency, client self-efficacy, and the client-therapist relationship afforded by the telehealth platform. Results Among the possibilities afforded by telehealth are enriched opportunities for client choice, reinforcement of learning and implementing new transferrable skills, and enhancing the therapeutic relationship through collaborative troubleshooting and adapted interactive music experiences. Discussion Specific recommendations for music therapists are included to advance the conversation around best practices regarding telehealth. The authors discuss actionable items for music therapists such as utilizing screen-sharing options to enhance musical interactions, validating and exploring clients’ use of technology for self-disclosure, and other strategies for harnessing the therapeutic potential of technology in virtual music therapy sessions.

Development of an inpatient rehabilitation pathway for motor functional neurological disorders: Initial reflections.

Emerging research supports a primary role for rehabilitation therapy alongside psychoeducation and psychotherapy in the treatment of functional neurological disorder (FND). While consensus recommendations for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists treating FND have been published, specific recommendations for multidisciplinary FND care delivered on an inpatient rehabilitation unit are yet to be established. This report describes one inpatient rehabilitation facility's efforts to design and implement a clinical pathway for patients with acute-onset motor FND-patients recently hospitalized for work-up of new neurological symptoms subsequently deemed functional. Detailed descriptions on defining admission criteria and delivering consensus- and evidence-based multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation are provided. In the context of prospective research studies, considerably more work is needed to delineate the optimal duration and intensity of inpatient rehabilitation treatment for the management of patients with motor FND.

Exploring Survivor Experiences on Social Media in the #MeToo Era: Clinical Recommendations for Addressing Impacts on Mental Health and Relationships.

Since the inception of the viral #MeToo Movement in 2017, news coverage of sexual assault incidents and related public discourse have become much more prevalent on social media platforms. While this hashtag activism has prompted important social discourse, little is known about how exposure to this type of trauma-related content affects survivors of sexual violence navigating these online spaces. To explore this phenomenon, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with young adult women survivors of sexual assault who regularly use social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter). Participants were asked to reflect on sexual assault-related content (i.e., news stories and related public discourse) which they have observed on social media platforms. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data found survivors described (1) negative changes to their mental health and relationships in the face of these exposures, (2) certain types of content (e.g., rape culture narratives) which were particularly distressing to them, (3) how they coped with distress tied to this exposure, and (4) recommendations for clinicians on how to help survivors navigate social media in a healthier way. The present study is a first step toward understanding the impact of online social movements on trauma survivors and provides concrete clinical recommendations for therapists working with sexual assault survivors in this unique post-#MeToo context.

Regret and Repair: Experiences of Adult Children and Parents When a Father Remarries Soon After the Death of a Spouse.

The purpose of this study is to better understand what happens to families when a parent remarries quickly after the death of a long-term partner. Men typically re-partner much more rapidly than women do after the death of a spouse. We used a qualitative, grounded-theory method to interview six parents (all men) and their adult children (12 participants total) about their experiences when fathers lost their spouse and re-partnered quickly. We found a variety of reasons for rapid remarriage, and a number of implications for parent-child relationships, including feelings of losing one parent in body and another in relationship, different expectations between parents and children related to holding on to memories of the deceased and finding ways to let go, remaining parents looking back with unexpressed regret, and finally experiences of repair. Clinical recommendations for therapists are provided.

Are We Prepared? Recommendations for Couple and Family Therapists Engaging with Young Generations on Social Media

Are We Prepared? Recommendations for Couple and Family Therapists Engaging with Young Generations on Social Media