<p> This study explored the benefits of providing 8 weeks of self-compassion training to graduate students working in helping professions. The single-participant multiple baseline across individuals design included two measures, the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Sixteen volunteer graduate students were asked to fill out online measures 2 weeks prior to the intervention, weekly throughout the 8-week trainings, and again at 1 week and 1 month after the conclusion of the intervention. Participants were also asked to complete a one-time background questionnaire to extract personal demographic and current stress-related information utilizing the Holmes and Rae scale. The results suggested a functional relationship between the teaching of self-compassion and the decrease in perceived stress of the participants. These effects continued to show marked decreases, especially in the last half of SCI training, and remained below baseline levels during follow-up. Self-Compassion Scale scores improved after the initial training. The results of this study suggest that participants who are taught self-compassion can experience decreased stress and increased well-being. Training in self-compassion shows promise as a technique for helping graduate students who are experiencing high levels of stress.</p>

This research was undertaken to address a number of problems identified in the literature, the most fundamental issue being, the lack of evidence of effective physiotherapy intervention for stroke patients. It appeared that a contributing factor was a lack of appropriate measuring tools that fulfilled both the theories of measurements and the theoretical basis of current physiotherapy practice. The purpose of the study was therefore, to choose a measure, define and validate the measure and to use the measure to develop knowledge and understanding of not only the outcome of physiotherapy, but also the physiotherapy process itself. The Bobath Approach was chosen for evaluation as this appeared, from the literature, to be the least evaluated and the most frequently used approach in the UK.A triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methodology was used in a research programme that was divided into four phases: 1. Identifying the measurement needs in stroke rehabilitation and choosing a measure that fulfilled the required specification. 2. Having chosen the TELER method, developing TELER Indicators definitions in a patient driven study, involving the clinical knowledge of practising physiotherapists and 'expert' physiotherapists in the area of neurological rehabilitation. 3. Validating the definitions of the TELER Indicators using the Motor Assessment Scale. 4. Using the developed measure in 4 single case studies. The research involved 71 stroke patients on 12 stroke units, scored on a total of 322 functional goals, 247 demonstrating a consolidation and acquisition pattern. The study established the characteristics of functional recovery during physiotherapy, providing information and knowledge regarding the model of intervention used, and the pattern of selective trunk muscle recovery occurring. It was concluded that, motor relearning does occur during the implementation of the Bobath Approach for the treatment of stroke patients and furthermore, it was established that, there is a misunderstanding of the concept of spontaneous recovery within the literature. The similarities and differences between the Bobath Approach and the Motor Relearning Programme were identified, establishing a theoretical basis for stroke rehabilitation.

One of the requirements for high quality individualised nursing care is that nurses must recognise and attempt to solve patients' health problems. It is generally agreed that this needs a problem-solving approach. It was decided to investigate the perceptions and understanding of problem solving in nursing using a model derived from the general literature. This model, from an analysis of 55 studies, consists of 5 phases which happen to be similar to the 4 or 5 stages in discussions of the nursing process. Insight into nurses' perceptions of problem solving was obtained by presenting 120 nurses, in individual interviews, with 7 specially constructed and validated vignettes of clinical problem solving. Deliberately, only one of the vignettes was complete, containing all 5 elements of the derived model. The remaining vignettes had one or more of the elements missing. The nurses were encouraged to comment on each vignette and the protocols were analysed in detail. Analysis revealed that the phase model was generally understood by all types of informants, but a number failed to detect the missing phases in some vignettes, in particular, problem identification, planning and evaluation. On the other hand, problem assessment and implementation almost always attracted comment. There did not appear to be a relationship between informants' nursing experience and the recognition or non-recognition of phases. Another finding was that informants were not always systematic in their analysis of the vignettes; that is, some did not begin their analysis with problem identification and conclude with evaluation. Overall, the findings lend support to a stages model as a theoretical basis for problem solving in nursing. The theoretical basis of problem solving in nursing is also discussed in relation to problem solving in allied professional disciplines. Finally, the implications of the study for nursing education and practice are explained and recommendations made for further study.

<p> Advocacy for the use of the essential oil mixtures recently increased as a first line therapy for relieving anxiety because it improves both the physical and mental status of individuals. The research aimed to examine the calming effects of inhaling a mixture of rosemary and lavender oils, aromatherapy, on patients with anxiety. The research sampled 25 participants, of whom only 20 fully participated throughout the study period. The research was designed to collect preand post-test anxiety scores with Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) to evaluate the aromatherapy effect on patients with anxiety. Before aromatherapy intervention, participants had severe levels of anxiety on average (<i>M</i>=2.88, SD=0.92). After administration of lavender and rosemary oils for 28 days, their anxiety levels reduced from severe to moderate, an indication aromatherapy contributed to the observed difference. Findings from the paired t-tests for items in the HARS test suggested aromatherapy significantly reduced anxiety levels (p&lt;0.05). The ability of aromatherapy involving a mixture of lavender and rosemary oils to reduce severe anxiety to moderate levels was important in management of anxiety disorders.</p><p>

<p> Shamanism is the world&rsquo;s oldest integrated healing system. Cross-culturally this practice has survived marginalization to indigenous societies and has crossed over to the contemporary world. The reductionist model of the current health care system has prompted people to seek holistic and alternative methods to support their well-being. This has inspired health practitioners and researchers to investigate and experience the benefits of shamanic practices.</p><p> Following a yearning desire to explore shamanic practices, and to reconnect with her indigenous roots, the author, a therapist of native background, traveled to a remote location to participate in shamanic rituals with an indigenous community in Mexico. Using an autoethnographic enquiry approach, this dissertation research study provides an insight into the sacred healing shamanic practices and to the researcher&rsquo;s path to find the shaman within and her own wholeness. The researcher, who is the only participant in this study, collected data following qualitative autoethnographic enquiry guidelines. Narratives of personal experiences with shamanic practices served as data to transcribe and report this enquiry. The results of this study reveal the powerful cathartic effect shamanic practices had on the researcher as accounted expressively in this dissertation.</p>

<p> Mental illness is a serious problem in the U.S. and has historically been treated using traditional psychotherapies. However, mind/body modalities such as those in the field of somatic psychology are beginning to be recognized as alternative treatments. Tai chi is also a mind/body healing practice that has potential links to somatic psychology. A purposive sample of 10 clinicians was interviewed regarding the incorporation of tai chi in psychotherapy. Data was collected via semistructured interviews, transcribed, and was analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) producing three themes and eight subthemes. The three themes included (1) tai chi and theoretical models; (2) tai chi in psychotherapy; and (3) tai chi as a resource. The findings have theoretical and clinical implications for the role of tai chi in psychotherapy.</p><p>

<p> Healing touch is a holistic healing modality, grounded in nursing theory and process used to facilitate relaxation and self- healing through the practitioner&rsquo;s heart centered care and use of their hands to balance the patient&rsquo;s energy fields. It is not a widely implemented practice by nurses; less than one percent of the nurses in the United States are certified practitioners. This study was performed in an attempt to learn why more nurses are not informed about the practice, to educate nurses about the evidence supporting HT and to identify the barriers to practice.</p><p> This pilot study assessed nurses&rsquo; knowledge, attitudes and experience with Healing Touch and evaluated the efficacy of viewing an educational video about Healing Touch and the evidence supporting its use, to consider changing their practice to include Healing Touch techniques. The objective of the educational program was to (a) provide an overview of the theoretical basis, scientific data, applications, and nursing implications for Healing Touch; (b) position Healing Touch as an evidence-based nursing intervention that is consistent with the recommendations of Institute of Medicine and (IOM) American Nurses&rsquo; Association (ANA) to implement evidence-based practice (EBP) that promote healing of the self and others and 2) incorporate mind, spirit and technology into nursing practice.</p><p>

No description available.

The prevalence of a diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) has been on the rise globally. Due to the severe symptoms that interrupt the daily life of those diagnosed with SCD and the absence of an accessible cure, services addressing symptom management in those affected must be increased. Children are particularly susceptible to experience a decreased quality of life due to their developmental stage and often lack of effective coping skills. Music therapy has been shown to be effective in managing many of the complications associated with SCD and may prove effective in treatment for this specific disease. The purpose of this study is to explore the available music therapy research conducted specifically on children with SCD and explore the techniques used. Results of this review showed that the research was limited and inconclusive although the potential for a positive impact appears to exist. Further research specifically addressing children with SCD needs to be conducted to better determine best practice for music therapy with this population. / A Thesis submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the Master of Music. / Spring Semester 2017. / April 11, 2017. / Child, Hematology, Integrative Review, Music Therapy, Sickle Cell Disease, Techniques / Includes bibliographical references. / Lori F. Gooding, Professor Directing Thesis; Jayne M. Standley, Committee Member; Dianne Gregory, Committee Member.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Montana, 2008. / Title from title screen. Description based on contents viewed Aug. 21, 2008. Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-111).