Complex Childhood Trauma Across the Lifespan: Disruptions, Adaptations, and Opportunities for Recovery

This capstone project explores how one's experience of complex childhood trauma risks profound disruptions to their brain development, attachment formation, emotional regulation capacities, and interpersonal relationships. Complex childhood trauma negatively impacts certain domains of the brain, leading to deeply embedded challenges for a survivor, including impulsivity, hypervigilance, and emotional dysregulation as notable examples (McLaughlin et al., 2019; Teicher & Samson, 2016). Furthermore, complex childhood trauma increases the likelihood for psychological disorders to emerge later in life due to the neurobiological and developmental disruptions caused by its pervasive, reoccurring nature (Danese & McEwen, 2012; McLaughlin et al., 2019; Teicher & Samson, 2016). However, healing from this life experience is possible, as supportive relationships, co-regulation techniques, and trauma-informed therapies can serve to reduce these negative impacts and rewire unhelpful, maladaptive patterns of living (Calhoun et al., 2022; Frederick et al., 2023). This capstone also includes a three-day workshop for mental health practitioners, integrating and blending knowledge, techniques, and self-care to help bridge the space between theory and application

At the Threshold: Supporting Individuals Considering and Pursuing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

The recent scholarship on MAiD in Canada highlights the need for MAiD-specific psychosocial support for recipients and their supporters, yet there is limited guidance for counsellors wishing to fill that need. This capstone project addresses the question of how counselling professionals can best support individuals who are considering and choosing to pursue MAiD in Canada. Based on a narrative integrative approach to reviewing the academic literature, this capstone sought to understand the nature and phenomenology of the suffering that leads people to consider MAiD, to characterize the experiential elements of choosing MAiD and to identify possible approaches for the treatment of existential suffering that could be drawn upon or modified in devising psychotherapeutic interventions for this population. This work uniquely highlights the ways that MAiD experiences are qualitatively different than other end of life trajectories and proposes a four-phase model of client needs based on where they are in the MAiD process as well as recommendations for counselling responses. Practical and theoretical considerations for relieving existential distress highlight important features of possible treatment approaches and ways that existing evidence-based manualized treatments might be modified to explicitly incorporate MAiD content into their programs. Ethical considerations related to maintenance of dignity and autonomy, the need to emphasize limits to confidentiality, special risks to consider in obtaining informed consent and issues of maleficence related to counsellor competence and training are identified. The work concludes with recommendations to guide practice and for future research

Examining the Impact of AI-Assisted Language Learning Tools on Second Language Production

Second-language learners frequently encounter challenges in speaking proficiency, including pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, cognitive fluency, anxiety, and cultural nuances. Some students at the Defense Language Institute (DLI) face challenges with confidence and motivation when speaking the target language, which can hinder their development of speaking skills and overall language proficiency. While traditional methods might fall short, emerging technologies like AI-assisted language learning tools offer promising solutions to encourage spontaneous language use. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the impact of AI-assisted language learning tools on DLI students' motivation and confidence in speaking the target language. It drew on theories such as flow theory, mindset Theory, and the Communicative Language Teaching approach. The study surveyed students at the Language Center (LC) School of Language, located in the southeastern region of the United States, during the 19-week language course iteration. The participants were purposefully sampled, consisting of eight DLI linguists who were also language class students. The research method involved surveys and observation sessions where participants individually interacted with the TalkPal AI tool for speaking the Farsi language. The data analysis utilized an inductive and thematic data analysis method without any analysis software. Surveys and observation methods revealed that AI tools can reduce communication apprehension and boost learner confidence, especially for anxious learners. Future studies could investigate the effectiveness of these tools in various settings, utilize advancements in artificial intelligence, and assess their broader influence on language learning to incorporate them into the educational framework better. However, these tools must evolve to facilitate increasingly natural conversations, thus enhancing learner engagement and motivation. Therefore, realistic interaction and tool performance limitations currently suggest that AI tools are best used to supplement traditional methods, not replacements

Mentorship and Clinical Supervision Through Haley's Strategic Model: A Composite Case Study in Legal Literacy

Lockhart, E. N. (2025) Mentorship and Clinical Supervision Through Haley's Strategic Model: A Composite Case Study in Legal Literacy. Journal of Systemic Therapies,1-19. Please contact the NU Library at [email protected] to to request the .pdf.In this article, I explore the critical role of clinical supervision in developing legal literacy among early career clinicians, emphasizing the impact of refined supervisory practices on ethical practice, professional identity, and client outcomes. Using a mentorship-apprenticeship framework, I present an approach to supervision that integrates systemic thinking, cultural humility, and inclusivity. Through a composite case study involving a supervisee of color, I examine how Haley's Strategic Model addresses complex dilemmas such as racial and gender discrimination and systemic biases in clinical practice. I highlight the effective application of Haley's Strategic Model to clinical supervision, showcasing its dynamic and creative problem-solving approach. The model's adaptability facilitated significant progress in the supervisee's professional development while upholding ethical standards in clinical practice. I evaluate the model's strengths and limitations, underscoring the need for adaptive and culturally responsive supervisory practices. Ultimately, my aim is to prepare clinicians to navigate modern clinical challenges effectively

Redefining Support: A Neuroaffirming Framework for School Counsellors Working with Neurodivergent Students

This Capstone project explores how school counsellors can implement neuroaffirming practices to support neurodivergent students within K-12 educational settings. Beginning with an overview of current systemic challenges including the use of deficit-based models, punitive discipline, and widespread misunderstanding of neurodivergence this paper critically examines how such approaches contribute to exclusion, masking, and poor mental health outcomes for students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental variations. Anchored in the neurodiversity paradigm, the literature review introduces complementary theories such as the Social Model of Disability, Double Empathy Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Self Determination Theory, and Trauma Informed Care, all of which offer more affirming, strengths-based frameworks for understanding and supporting neurodivergent children. The project then synthesizes a wide range of evidence-based, school-based counselling interventions that are aligned with these frameworks including play and movement therapy, somatic and nature-based practices, student led collaboration, environmental adaptations, and strength driven approaches. The final chapter offers practical recommendations for school counsellors, outlines key limitations, and suggests directions for future research and professional development. This Capstone weaves together theory, practice, and lived experience to support the growing movement toward inclusive, identity-affirming education. It provides school counsellors with practical strategies for creating safer, more responsive environments for all learners

Attachment Theory and Online Dating: A Literature Review Supporting Adults Seeking Romantic Relationships

The innate human desire for connection continues to drive the use of online dating platforms, despite their associated disadvantages. This capstone explores how attachment theory can serve as a framework for understanding online dating behaviors and relationship outcomes. Research indicates that an individual's attachment orientation—secure, anxious, or avoidant—shapes their approach to romantic relationships and influences trust development, a critical component in transitioning online connections into meaningful relationships. The disadvantages of online dating include emotional and psychological risks. Although empirical data on online dating success is limited, existing literature supports attachment theory as a robust model for explaining relational dynamics. Notably, therapy has been shown to foster secure attachment and improve relationship outcomes, offering a potential solution for individuals struggling with online dating challenges. The research suggests that integrating attachment theory into therapeutic practice may help mitigate the negative effects of online dating. Further research is warranted to deepen understanding and how attachment theory can inform the therapeutic process to support online daters form healthy romantic relationships

The Lived Experiences of South Asian Adult-Child Caregivers to Parents with Dementia Living in Western Nations

This capstone has found that while there are some positive elements to providing care to a parent with dementia within South Asian communities in Western countries, it is also a role that comes with many challenges. The caregivers face various systemic barriers related to medical systems, culture, religion, and language when trying to access external support. A cultural expectation of filial duty to care for one’s parent in old age without help can also act as a barrier to seeking support. These barriers leave adult children in a position of taking on most of the care on their own. Minimal awareness of dementia within South Asian communities leaves caregivers struggling to learn about it while trying to adopt a new way of life. Caregivers often do not open up because of the ignorance, stigma, and shame surrounding dementia and the social pressure to be self-sufficient. This can prevent them from opening up to family and friends about what they are going through. The hardships ultimately result in decreased mental wellbeing for South Asian adult-child caregivers which warrant the need for mental health support specific to these populations

The Impact of Nature and Green Spaces on the Symptoms of Depression in South Asian Women Living in Canada and Other Western Countries

Over recent decades, Canadian society is living a more sedentary lifestyle indoors, with increasing time spent looking at television and computer screens (Park et al., 2020). Alongside this, depression rates have also been steadily increasing (Barrable et al., 2024; Park et al., 2020). This paper investigated the impact of the outdoors, nature, and green spaces on the symptoms of depression in adults, with a particular focus on South Asian women. The literature review has considered studies conducted across multiple continents, including both Western and Eastern cultures. Evidence indicates that time spent outdoors in nature does positively reduce depression and boost mood (Blanchfield, 2024; Brinsley & Rosenbaum, 2024; Solan, 2024; Swinson et al., 2019). These findings support Wilson’s biophilia theory, developed in the 1980s (McDonnell &Strayer, 2024). The review found only two studies that focused on depression in women only (Lahart et al., 2019; Song et al., 2019). No studies were found that focused on South Asian women. The lack of studies for South Asian women may reflect the lack of importance given to their mental health needs. The evidence suggests a culture and gender gap in research on this topic

Therapeutic BDSM: Taboo or Transformative?

BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism) is a range of sexual and nonsexual preferences and behaviours involving physical or psychological control, pain, or unequal power dynamics (Goerlich, 2021; Shahbaz & Chirinos, 2017). Many people report that engaging in these activities has been beneficial for their emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Since being declassified as a disorder in 2013, research regarding potential therapeutic benefits has increased, although it is still lacking. While BDSM aesthetics have been embraced in music, movies and fashion, there continue to be harmful stereotypes about people who engage in the lifestyle. These misconceptions include assumptions that BDSM encourages violence and abuse, promiscuity, and unhealthy relationship dynamics (Chancer, 2000; Stear, 2009). This stigmatization has both moral and legal ramifications, as many BDSM practitioners have shared that their kink practices have been used against them in custody proceedings (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, 2013, as cited by Cascalheira, 2023). As awareness and research grows, the necessity to provide kink-affirming therapy also increases. Being aware of common BDSM practices and dynamics can decrease stigmatization within the clinical space and further support clients. There are many parallels between traditional trauma therapies and the BDSM practice of trauma play, so knowing how they overlap can create possibilities for meaningful therapeutic work. This paper will discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of BDSM, the overlaps of trauma therapy and trauma play with a focus on exploring the models of therapeutic facilitated trauma play (Bonus, 2024) and surrogate partner therapy (Masters & Johnson, 1970), along with the discussion of legal and ethical considerations in combing the two models to create clinically supported BDSM as a potential modality

Understanding the Leadership Pathways and Barriers to Success for Asian American Public Library Leaders

As Asian Americans are the fastest-growing U.S. immigrant group and are projected to become the largest immigrant group by 2065, more work will be needed to ensure the library field's demographics reflect the communities we serve (Kim et al., 2021). The lack of representation of Asian Americans in all levels of library work, especially in executive roles, may make it more difficult to create culturally relevant services and programs for these communities (Le, 2021). This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to understand the lived experiences, leadership pathways, and barriers of Asian American public library leaders in California. The target populations of this study were mid- to senior-level East, Southeast, and South Asian American public library leaders who worked in California. The research method was qualitative, the design was phenomenology, and data was collected through individual interviews using purposeful sampling. I examined what these leaders experienced in their leadership pathways in the library field, guided by the following theories: Critical Race Theory, Asian American racial development theory, and the model minority myth. I analyzed and interpreted the data from interview transcripts through coding, a basic qualitative analysis technique, and a detailed explanation of the values of Asian American library leaders, their leadership pathways, and barriers in the library field. The major findings that emerged from the participants’ experiences were: (a) navigating racism within the workplace was a part of their professional experiences; (b) intersectionality of identities had an impact on some of their careers; (c) most participants believed that leaders must work hard, develop their voice, and advocate for what is right; and (d) most participants prioritized community interests. This study may benefit communities interested in diversifying their public library staff and leadership (i.e., library leaders and Asian American library staff) as well as library users, who may be looking for library staff, collections, and programs that represent the diversity of their community. From this study's findings, library leaders and library associations can glean some insight into what kinds of barriers this group faces and identify ways to help encourage more Asian Americans to obtain leadership roles in public libraries