Therapists' experience of working with refugees and asylum seekers who have been tortured: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The novel concept of "the trauma therapists" journey' during their work with formerly tortured refugees and asylum seekers is introduced, mapped, and explicated for a convenience sample of 10 psychological therapists/practitioners who work in the United Kingdom. METHOD: This study operationalized semistructured interviews that were focused on therapists' experiences of providing trauma psychotherapy to sanctuary seekers who presented to a range of psychological therapy services. The methods of interpretative phenomenological analysis were deemed appropriate for use to explore their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. RESULTS: Four superordinate themes were conceptualized, namely: (a) questioning self-preparedness, (b) the challenge of trauma wrapped in complexity, (c) psychological flexibility that arises from the therapist's role and internal conflict, and (d) personal impact. The empirical findings suggest that therapists who work with sanctuary seekers who have been tortured encounter a complex range of experiences. These include frequently finding themselves engaged in activities that go beyond and are in conflict with their expectations of their professional role, and, in many cases, this engagement results in vicarious trauma and burnout. CONCLUSIONS: All practitioners communicated in some detail how their work with sanctuary seekers, who had experienced torture and presented with trauma, affected them to varying degrees. The research has led to recommendations, which include the prioritization of self-care, multicultural competencies, continual development, and ensuring the availability of appropriate professional supervision support as part of ethical trauma practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The relationship between physical function and psychological symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

AIMS: This systematic review and meta-regression aimed to examine available literature reporting measures of physical function, anxiety, and/or depression and whether any relationships exist between these measures in individuals with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, and APA PsychInfo databases were systematically searched. Screening, quality assessment, and data extraction were completed alongside meta-regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 1175 studies retrieved, 40 were selected for analysis with only one study assessing the relationship between physical and psychological outcomes within their cohort. A total of 27 studies were also eligible for meta-regression analysis-a total sample of 1211 participants. Meta-regressions of five combinations of paired physical and psychological outcomes showed a significant moderating effect of symptoms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory) on mobility (Timed-Up-and-Go test; coefficient = 0.37, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.65, p = 0.012) and balance (Berg Balance Score) scores (coefficient = -1.25, 95% CI -1.77 to -0.73, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although physical and psychological outcomes of interest were used in all included studies, only one examined their relationship. Our analysis suggests that symptoms of depression may influence measures of mobility and balance. Specifically, as the severity of symptoms of depression increases, performance on measures of mobility and balance worsens.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy, Medical Mistrust, and Mattering in Ethnically Diverse Communities.

OBJECTIVES: Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be lower in ethnically diverse communities in the UK even though they are disproportionally affected by the negative effects of the virus. To better understand why uptake is lower, we explored factors that may underpin vaccine hesitancy and intention to vaccinate in these communities with an emphasis on medical mistrust and feelings of mattering. DESIGN: One hundred and sixty-one adults from ethnically diverse backgrounds who had not had a COVID-19 vaccination completed an online questionnaire that contained closed (quantitative) and open (qualitative) questions. RESULTS: Analyses of quantitative questions revealed that medical mistrust, but not feelings of mattering, was related to COVID-19 hesitancy and likelihood of getting a COVID-19 vaccination. Of the three components of medical mistrust, suspicion was the only unique predictor and was related to higher hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine and lower likelihood of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Analyses of the responses to the qualitative questions were organised into four themes: (1) Beliefs that taking the vaccine is an important social responsibility; (2) Experiences of pressure to take the vaccine and limited choice; (3) General mistrust linked to personal experiences and the health system; (4) Being concerned about social/medical restrictions if not vaccinated. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that medical mistrust may partly explain why uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine is lower in ethnically diverse communities in the UK and appears to play a role in how people weigh a sense of responsibility and pressure against health and social concerns in making the decision to be vaccinated.

A duoethnographic exploration of colonialism in the cultural layer of the objective psyche.

Using a duoethnological approach, supported by Jung's theory of archetypes and the layered objective psyche, the paper demonstrates how a duoethnological encounter can lead to new formulations of archetypal theory that challenge attitudes to diversity. The paper arises from the authors' desire to explore the shame and pain of colonialism, initially in a diversity workshop and later by way of duoethnological dialogue, using transcripts of recorded conversation between the authors as well as email exchange. Notions of a colonizer archetype and ethnic shadow are presented and elaborated. The six conceptualized themes in relation to the exploration of colonialism in the cultural layer of the objective psyche are as follows: (1) Belonging, (2) The layered psyche and our understanding of difference, (3) Facing the ethnic shadow, (4) The colonizing archetype in the consulting room, (5) The exploration of colonial structures in the psyche and, lastly, (6) Valuing emancipatory encounter. These themes support an argument for the praxis of societal and internal encounters in order to raise the colonizer archetype and split off shadow material to consciousness, in the hope of bringing about a personal and cultural shift away from oppression.

Utilisant une approche duoethnologique, soutenue par la théorie de Jung sur les archétypes et la psyché objective à plusieurs niveaux, l'article montre comment une rencontre duoethnologique peut aboutir à de nouvelles formulations de la théorie archétypale, qui mettent au défi les attitudes concernant la diversité. L'article provient du désir des auteurs d'explorer la honte et la souffrance du colonialisme, initialement dans le contexte d'un atelier sur la diversité et ensuite par le biais d'un dialogue duoethnologique. Ce dialogue utilise les transcriptions de conversations entre les auteurs ainsi que leurs échanges par mail. Les notions d'archétype du colonisateur et d'ombre ethnique sont exposées et détaillées. Les six thèmes conceptualisés en lien avec l'exploration du colonialisme dans la couche culturelle de la psyché objective sont les suivants: 1) l'appartenance; 2) la psyché à plusieurs niveaux et notre compréhension de la différence; 3) la confrontation avec l'ombre ethnique; 4) l'archétype colonisateur dans la salle de consultation; 5) l'examen des structures coloniales dans la psyché; 6) la valorisation de la rencontre émancipatrice. Ces thèmes soutiennent une argumentation pour la pratique de rencontres sociétales et internes afin de faire remonter à la conscience l'archétype colonisateur et le matériel clivé en lien avec l'ombre, dans l'espoir de promouvoir un changement personnel et culturel qui nous éloigne de l'oppression.

Utilizando un abordaje duo-etnográfico, y apoyándose en la teoría de Jung sobre los arquetipos y la dimensión de la psique objetiva, el presente ensayo demuestra como un encuentro duo-etnográfico puede conducir a una nueva formulación de la teoría arquetipal desafiando actitudesacerca de la diversidad. El trabajo emerge a partir del deseo de los autores de explorar la verguenza y el dolor del colonialismo, inicialmente en un taller de diversidad y posteriormente a través de un diálogo duo-etnográfico, utilizando transcripciones de conversaciones grabadas entre los autores así como de intercambios de correo electrónico. Se presentan y elaboran nociones acerca de un arquetipo colonizador y de una ética en sombra. Los seis temas conceptualizados en relación a la exploración del colonialismo en la dimensión cultural de la psique objetiva son los siguientes: (1) pertenencia; (2) la multidimensionalidad psíquica y nuestra comprensión de la diferencia; (3) confrontar una ética en sombra; (4) el arquetipo colonizador en el consultorio; (5) la exploración de estructuras coloniales en la psique; (6) valoración del encuentro emancipador. Estos temas ofrecen sustento a un argumento acerca de la práctica de encuentros interiores y sociales para hacer consciente el arquetipo colonizador y material inconsciente disociado, con la esperanza de posibilitar un cambio liberador de la opresión personal y cultural.

Refugees, asylum seekers, and practitioners' perspectives of embodied trauma: A comprehensive scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals seeking refuge and asylum commonly present to health care practitioners with embodiment of mental distress resulting from the traumatic nature of their migration experiences. The number of displaced individuals has doubled over the past decade due to the impacts of war, religious and political conflict, climate change, and COVID-19. Studies point towards the need for a comprehensive scoping review to fully explicate the concept of embodied trauma, bridging the gap between phenomenological lived experience and the many treatments available. OBJECTIVES: To inform psychotherapy guidelines by identifying the evidence for embodied trauma, clarifying key terms, examining how research is conducted, and identifying gaps in the knowledge. METHOD: A five-stage scoping review protocol was operationalized to explore and analyze the existing literature and associated terminology by (a) identifying the research question, (b) identifying the relevant literature, (c) selecting the studies, (d) charting the data, and (e) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. RESULTS: Highlight the need for a clear definition of terms, the development of a culturally informed assessment and formulation for individuals experiencing embodied trauma, and reveal a gap in the research for the best treatment approach(es). CONCLUSION: Proposal of a clear definition of embodied trauma and key themes for future research including culturally informed care, psychosocial support, language considerations, relational belonging, and inclusion of sexual, spiritual, and existential factors, moving away from purely Westernized diagnoses and treatments towards culturally informed care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Relational counselling as a psychosocial intervention for dementia: Qualitative evidence from people living with dementia and family members.

Counselling and other psychotherapeutic interventions can be offered to people with dementia and their caregivers, to treat specific conditions or symptoms (e.g. affective disorders such as depression). Psychotherapeutic interventions also offer the opportunity for individuals with dementia and their families/caregivers to engage in psychological support for a wide range of presentations. However, little is known about how those within this demographic who receive these interventions perceive the experience. This study aimed to understand the experiences of individuals with dementia or caring for someone with dementia, before and after a 12-week relational counselling intervention delivered through a third sector organisation within England. Semi-structured interviews were completed with participants (29 pre-intervention and 25 post-intervention). Framework analysis was conducted, with four main themes identified; expectations and outcomes of counselling, emotional impact of life with dementia, appraisals of identity and importance of therapeutic relationship. Participants reported that counselling interventions addressed a range of needs and concerns that they had, enabling them to reassess and reconsider these. Specific training is needed before therapists deliver therapeutic interventions with people with dementia, to ensure that appropriate support is provided for those with more severe cognitive impairment or who may have fluctuating capacity. Future research should explore the experiences of people with dementia and their caregivers, across different counselling modalities, to establish the appropriateness and effectiveness of relational counselling.

What are the elements needed to create an effective visual art intervention for people with dementia? A qualitative exploration.

BACKGROUND: This article aimed to advance the understanding of 'what works' in visual art interventions from the perspective of key stakeholders, including people with dementia, their family members and visual art professionals. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants, exploring their perceptions on barriers, facilitators, perceived benefits, experiences of delivering/attending a visual art intervention and any recommendations for implementation. RESULTS: Five factors were identified within the interviews that indicated important considerations for intervention structure and implementation, including benefits of group work, a skilled facilitator, participant choice, artistic ability and activity content. While art therapists expressed a clear protection of professional boundaries, the success of all of the visual art interventions was largely attributed to the supportive facilitator who possessed certain core values such as empathy and compassion and had knowledge in both artistic practice and the impact of living with dementia. It was clear the group dynamic was valued, and it was important to provide enjoyable, failure-free activity content with a strong focus on the creative process. CONCLUSION: These findings offer a direction for evidence-based practice when implementing visual art interventions.

Acceptability and feasibility study of a six-week person-centred, therapeutic visual art intervention for people with dementia.

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing interest in dementia, the arts and creativity across different disciplines in recent years, with previous literature illustrating the benefits of visual arts for people with dementia. METHOD: A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental, pre/post design to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a newly developed therapeutic, person-centred visual art intervention for people with dementia attending a day care centre or residing in an assisted living facility. RESULTS: Five themes were identified from the interviews. Two themes reflected the feasibility/acceptability and the perceived impacts of the intervention, and three themes represented perceived successful elements: participant choice, socialisation and mentally stimulating activities. The quantitative data tentatively indicated enhanced social functioning and quality of life scores post-intervention. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that engagement with visual art is effective for people with dementia, and taking into account the factors that impact on feasibility and acceptability will promote future robust evaluation.