DSpace Community: Smith College

"Enough about you, let's talk about me : clinicians' use of self-disclosure and (un)conscious awareness of race, sexuality, and gender

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:41:52 GMT

Title: "Enough about you, let's talk about me : clinicians' use of self-disclosure and (un)conscious awareness of race, sexuality, and gender

Authors: Barnett-Parker, Sarah R.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to answer the following question: How and why do clinicians choose to self-disclose (with particular attention paid to race, sexual orientation and gender)? In order to answer this questiono sixty-four participants were surveyed using a mixed-method, deductive, exploratory method. The majority of clinicians surveyed use self-disclosure in their practices and believe that it is a viable therapeutic technique. Not all of the clinicians were aware of their own social identities or the identities of their clients playing a role in their choices around self-disclosure, but some were. The three major motivations for identity-based disclosures included: breaking silences around issues of race and sexual orientation; modeling behavior as well as lifestyle for clients and offering new perspectives.

Description: Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Ma., 2008. v, 68 p. : col. ill. Includes bibliographical references (p. 47-51)

The strength of Muslim American couples in the face of heightened discrimination from September 11th and the Iraq War

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:23:41 GMT

Title: The strength of Muslim American couples in the face of heightened discrimination from September 11th and the Iraq War

Authors: Goodman, Brianne; Goodman Carter, Brianne; Carter, Brianne Goodman

Abstract: This exploratory study examined how Muslim American couples are psychologically and relationally impacted by heightened discrimination in the wake of September 11th and The Iraq War. Utilizing interviews with six Muslim American couples who have been married for at least six years (through September 11th and The Iraq War), the study identified that religious discrimination against Muslim Americans is experienced as pervasive and endemic—existing at multiple levels: attitudinal, interpersonal, structural, institutional, and systemic. The study found that in response to (rather than in spite of) religious discrimination, Muslim American couples exhibit increased resiliency and strength through the tenets of their faith (particularly, the primacy placed on marital union), their shared faith practice, and the resource of their religious communities. The study concluded that the majority of couples do not view religious discrimination as having amplified due to September 11th and The Iraq War; instead, couples believed these events surfaced underlying, pre-existing anti-Muslim sentiment. As such, the study determined that, due to this surfacing, couples found a division within their relationship along gender lines—women who wear Islamic head-covering (hijab) are more visibly Muslim, thereby their experience of discrimination is ten-fold that of their male counterparts. The results of this study have several implications for multicultural counseling and social work practice with Muslim Americans. This study informs social work practitioners of how to recognize and foster the strengths, coping mechanisms and faith integration of Muslim Americans as they respond to the negative affects of their present day sociopolitical environment.

Description: Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2008. iv, 158 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 143-149)

Determining outcomes and improving effectiveness : an outcome study of the East Bay Agency for Children's Therapeutic Nursery School

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:30:34 GMT

Title: Determining outcomes and improving effectiveness : an outcome study of the East Bay Agency for Children's Therapeutic Nursery School

Authors: Geltman, Elise

Abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the East Bay Agency for Children’s Therapeutic Nursery School (TNS) in reducing problem behaviors for troubled preschoolers. Seven preschoolers between the ages of 2 ½ and 5 years old were assessed at the start of the study (or at admission date if after) and at 9 months (or at discharge if before 9 months) in a pre-post design. The Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA; commonly known as the Child Behavior Checklist or CBCL) was used as the measure of problem behaviors. Three ASEBAs were collected for each participant at pre and post measures – one from the parent or guardian, one from the teacher, and one from the therapist. The TNS intervention included typical preschool educational activities, individual and group therapy, social and emotional skills training, behavioral modification, and some family work. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data seemed to indicate no significant differences between pre and post scores for most students, although the study had many possible limitations. The findings suggest a need for greater controls to adequately assess the outcome of TNS.

Description: Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2008. iv, 73 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-68)

Clinician gender as a factor of countertransference in the treatment of clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:09:51 GMT

Title: Clinician gender as a factor of countertransference in the treatment of clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder

Authors: Wyman, Alyssa Jayne

Abstract: This qualitative study explores the interplay between clinician gender and experiences of countertransference (CT) in treatment of clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The central hypothesis of this study is that constructions of gender will influence experiences of CT in the treatment of BPD clients, therefore having a meaningful effect on the therapeutic relationship and clinical treatment. Utilizing twelve qualitative individual interviews with clinicians who have treated clients diagnosed with BPD, this study examined clinicians’ perceptions of treatment, including experiences and management of psychodynamic phenomena. The study also explored clinicians’ use of different theoretical and treatment models, their views on the importance of therapist gender and the need for supervision when working with this population. Major findings reveal that gender identity is meaningful in the countertransference experiences of clinicians treating BPD clients due to the pervading assumptions and stereotypes held by both clinicians and clients. Findings point to the need for clinicians to be more aware of transference and countertransference scenarios that do and do not align with their manifest or traditional gender roles, especially due to the relationship and identity issues common of BPD clients. Additional findings suggest that erotic countertransference appears especially difficult for women clinicians treating BPD clients, whereas men clinicians may need to explore pre-oedipal transference and countertransference in working with BPD clients.

Description: Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2008. iii, 72 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-65)