<p> This narrative inquiry explores stories of forgiveness among adult women who forgave their mothers after difficult relationships and are now doing well in their lives. The author addresses a lack of in-depth qualitative research exploring this topic and contributes to an understanding of forgiveness as a potential factor in an individual&rsquo;s ability to do well. In this study, forgiveness is understood as a personal choice, regardless of whether there has been a restoration of the relationship. Two participants gave an initial interview, which was followed up by two validation interviews. The author analyzed the interview data using a holistic-content and categorical-content analysis method to produce two individual narratives and one common themes narrative. Seven common themes were co-constructed: (a) revisiting mom&rsquo;s past and finding empathy doing so; (b) revisiting one&rsquo;s own past and finding empathy doing so; (c) standing up for one&rsquo;s self and finding self-empowerment; (d) a fracture in the relationship and separation; (e) reflecting and owning responsibility; (f) acceptance, forgiveness, and empathy moving forward; and, (g) finding gratitude and love. The findings add to the literature on lived experience of difficult childhoods and journeys toward forgiveness. Key findings are about empathy for self and others and may suggest that the literature on forgiveness has room to expand into this area of consideration. The findings may also be relevant as a consideration related to enduring anger or trauma.</p><p>

<p> This thesis explores the evolution of consciousness through the lens of the relationship between masculine and feminine from the Neolithic era to the present and the impact on pregnancy and birth within the current patriarchy. Using heuristic and hermeneutic methodologies, the author"s experience through her pregnancy is explored as an example of the often dysfunctional and disempowering interplay between masculine and feminine in the modern era. The author specifies possible avenues of healing, integration, and awakening into a new state of consciousness. In an overarching traumatized collective culture that is characterized by the patriarchal system, how does the current medical model of childbirth, governed by the same rules of the patriarchal system in which it was born, distort the feminine experience? What is the impact of being pregnant and having a baby within this cultural paradigm on humanity at large as well as on individuals including mothers and babies? </p><p>

<p> The cost of the misuse of drugs is significant. The impact is felt across multiple systems across America and is covered mostly by federal, state, and local governments. Women comprise a significant portion of the persons using illicit drugs. Treatment is an effective way of reducing substance misuse. However, research into the efficacy of treatment for women lag that of men. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that women receiving substance abuse treatment from a man had shorter stays in treatment and poorer outcomes than those who had a female counselor while in treatment. Phenomenological and relational-cultural theory (RCT) was used both as the design and conceptual lens to examine the experiences of 6 women, 18 and older, who had completed substance abuse treatment with a male as a primary counselor. Collection of data occurred through semistructured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis yielded five main ideas: (1) rapport-building skills, (2) genuineness, (3) empathy; (4) flexibility; and (5) acceptance. In addition to this, the women were questioned to whether they were offered a choice of a man or woman for a counselor. The result is that participants indicated that having a man as a counselor gave them an opportunity to interact with a positive role model, however, they suggested that women be offered a choice in the gender of counselor and accommodated whenever possible. The findings of this study will be made available to stakeholders of substance abuse treatment programs and in public health journals to serve as a basis for further research. The implication for social change is that the information contributes to sustaining women in treatment and improving treatment outcomes. </p><p>

<p> This study reveals the experience of 8 Albanian women living in communities in Kosovo as survivors of large-scale trauma. The researcher used the Cultural Formation Interview (Informant Version, DSM-V, 2013) to explore the cultural perception of cause, context, support, barriers, coping strategies and help-seeking behavior for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The interviews yield colloquial descriptions of symptoms such as depression, somatic disorders, disassociation, intrusive thoughts and anxiety. The women identified cultural coping behaviors of talking about it, going to the doctor, faith, working hard and making a change in routine. The importance of the role of the husband is highlighted. They describe barriers of stigma and poverty which limit resource access. It is recommended that research be done on a model of PTSD treatment in Kosovo using community-based intervention through meaning focused coping and culture-embedded methods with culture-unique descriptors for addressing trauma-related distress and enhancing post-trauma growth. The study includes other clinical implications, limitations and suggestions for future research.</p><p>