Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 1980, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2021, Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the levels of flow and mindfulness would together predict the levels of Multicultural Counseling Competencies (MCC) among trainees in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs. One hundred thirty MFT trainees across the United States completed online surveys. The results of statistical analysis indicated that there was no correlation between the levels of flow and MCC. However, the levels of mindfulness and several demographic variables correlated with the levels of MCC. Hierarchical multiple regression was further conducted in order to investigate if the levels of mindfulness would predict the levels of MCC, after controlling for the demographic variables. The results revealed that the levels of mindfulness predicted the levels of MCC even after controlling for the demographic variables. Implications were made to suggest MFT programs, MFT educators and supervisors, and MFT trainees to incorporate mindfulness practice in education and training. Limitations of this study and recommendations for future research were discussed in the end.

Committee: Heather Katafiasz (Advisor); Rikki Patton (Committee Member); John Queener (Committee Member); Yue Dang (Committee Member); David Tefteller (Committee Member) Subjects: Mental Health; Psychotherapy

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2018, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

Burnout is best defined as a condition consisting of symptoms of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment (Maslach, 1982). It has been characterized as a process that develops through a variety of work and individual factors. Furthermore, it has been shown to impact one's career, physical health, and mental well-being. Much of the literature on burnout has been studied on psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, with a paucity of studies focused on marriage and family therapist (MFTs). The lack of burnout literature on MFTs is in spite of their employment in many diverse clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of Associate MFTs (AMFTs) working in community based agencies and identify factors that contribute to feeling burned out. Moreover, the study sought to identify ways AMFTs recognize, prepare for, and manage burnout. Research has identified risk and protective factors of burnout and self-care is a topic routinely discussed in the mental health field. However, this study attempts to elucidate the burnout phenomenon by unearthing lived experiences of clinicians experiencing work stress and understanding what it is about the nature of self-care that is effective for clinicians in managing its impact. This Dissertation is available in Open Access at AURA: Antioch University Repository Archive, http://aura.antioch.edu and OhioLink ETD Center, http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd

Committee: Brett Kia-Keating Ed.D. (Committee Chair); Christopher Howard Psy.D. (Committee Member); Kyle Killian Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Counseling Psychology; Occupational Psychology; Psychology; Psychotherapy

PHD, Kent State University, 2017, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of international students in CACREP-accredited marriage, couple, and family counseling programs. Seven former international students from the program who have practiced counseling in their home country were interviewed to understand their learning experiences, adaptation process and counseling practices. Results of the study revealed three main themes: (a) overcoming learning challenges and obstacles in the United States, (b) gaining sense of belongingness in the adjustment phase, and (c) making meaningful changes to marriage, couple, and family counseling practices in their country of origin. The main themes were supported with detailed first-hand accounts from participants to give meaning to their experiences. The results indicated international students found it hard to apply marriage, couple and family counseling practices in their home country because of the American-centric curriculum and course content. Future research could focus on different aspects of the phenomena (e.g., international supervision process, clinical training for international students).

Committee: Martin Jencius (Committee Co-Chair); Betsy Page (Committee Co-Chair); Maureen Blankemeyer (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Education

Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1967, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects:

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 1975, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1982, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1982, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Social Work

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1979, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1972, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Education

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1952, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Sociology

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2015, Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy

This qualitative Delphi study explored the impact that a therapy animal may have when integrated into a therapy setting with couples and families. Specifically, this study's goal was to understand how the inclusion of a therapy animal impacts the feminist family therapist's ability to develop a strong therapeutic alliance, empower clients and address power. A thorough review of feminist family therapy literature, animal assisted therapy literature and a synthesis of these two fields have been provided. Nine expert panelists provided insight based on theory and experience to address the research question: How does the inclusion of a therapy animal impact the therapist's focus and application of key feminist family therapy principles, specifically (a) therapeutic alliance; (b) empowerment; (c) power? Results indicated that the inclusion of a therapy animal does enhance the therapist's ability to address these three principles. A discussion of the findings, limitations of the study, implications for therapists and direction for further research are addressed.

Committee: Karin Jordan Dr. (Advisor); Ingrid Weigold Dr. (Committee Member); Rebecca Boyle Dr. (Committee Member); Rikki Patton Dr. (Committee Member); Susan Olson Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Families and Family Life; Therapy

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 1975, Family Resource Management

Committee: Claribel Taylor (Advisor) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2011, Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy

This study was an investigation and evaluation of the perceived usefulness of spirituality concepts by therapists and couples as related to the counseling experience. The spirituality concepts that were evaluated were derived from several spirituality scales including The Spiritual Wellness Inventory, The Spiritual Well-Being Scale and The Spiritual Meaning Scale. Comparisons of the ratings of spirituality concepts between therapists and couples and within the couples' structure were analyzed to determine the perceived usefulness of the spirituality concepts as related to the potential overall usefulness of each spirituality scale for the purpose of assessing spirituality during the counseling experience. The initial regression results for both therapists and couples indicated that all evaluated spirituality concepts accounted for a significant amount of unique variance in perceived usefulness. However, in the subsequent regression analyses, the results indicated that significant differences existed in perceived usefulness of the spirituality concepts between the therapists and couples and among the couples when controlling for age, gender and ethnicity.

Committee: Patricia Parr Dr. (Advisor); Isadore Newman Dr. (Committee Member); Linda Perosa Dr. (Committee Member); Sandra Perosa Dr. (Committee Member); John Queener Dr. (Committee Member); Kathleen Tusaie Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Education