Social Work - Master's Major Papers

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2SLGBTQ+ community health needs: an advanced practicum report
(2022-04-19) Pasanen, Paul Roy
This Advanced Practicum Report outlines activities, learning goals, and experiences of an advanced practicum placement working with the Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD), part of the Ontario provincial chain of health agencies that oversees public health. This paper summarizes the unique experience of a Master of Social Work Student Working as a Queer research assistant, conducting data analysis and policy development for 2SLGBTQ+ population community health within a public health agency. Roles of the student while working for PHSD included: analysis of secondary data from a study of 2SLGBTQ+ community health conducted the previous fall, scanning of existing policies of PHSD for any that pertain to this population, suggesting policy and programing to promote the safety of 2SLGBTQ+ people, writing briefing notes and researching training programs and creating presentations to promote new policy development and programing. This experience highlighted community and individual health disparities for 2SLGBTQ+ people. The lack of useful policies and programs within the PHSD indicated a clear need for better public health approaches for health service agencies in Northern and rural geographic locations like Sudbury and Districts. The outcome of this placement was a clearer knowledge of the needs of queer populations in rural and Northern Ontario, a stronger insight into the relationship between social justice and health equity in public health programing and policy, and a better vision of Social Workers’ roles in promoting health equity and social justice in the development of public health policy.
A braided approach within a mainstream counselling organization
(Laurentian University Library & Archives, 2023-08-29) Carpino, Stephanie; Dr. Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara Dr. Joey-Lynn Wabie
Indigenous people in Canada have experienced a complicated history that includes forced colonization, segregation, and forced assimilation tactics imposed on them by the Canadian government. As a result, Indigenous people today suffer from complex mental health needs and require a unique therapeutic approach. This final practicum report focuses on a braided approach in a therapeutic setting, which involved gaining knowledge around mainstream healing practices and Indigenous healing practices and learning to delicately braid them together to produce a unique healing approach that could be applied with Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients. Through my practicum at Family TLC, I set out to observe how braided approaches could be implemented into a mainstream therapeutic organization. Furthermore, it was essential for me to critically reflect on how my understanding of my social location would evolve throughout my practicum which was a secondary objective. The last objective reflected in this final paper, is regarding the use of a braided healing approach with non-Indigenous clients and their perception on their therapeutic healing journey. Finally, I have included reflections on the practicum site, the support within the organizations, barriers and challenges experienced, and a future within the organization.
Aboriginal adolescent girls : cultural identity formation and resilient trajectories
(2011-11-30) Pearce, Kelly L.
Addressing the needs of individuals with learning challenges in group CBT
(2016-03-01) Gingras, Julie
This practicum essay is based on a 450 hour placement that was done within the Mood and Anxiety Program via Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Ontario. Here, I gained some clinical experience and a better understanding of the applications of group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy approaches (CBT) for adults (16 years and older) who suffer from mood disorders. My objectives consisted of first, acquiring clinical skills and proficiency in the delivery of group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Second: to develop an understanding of approaches to social work assessment and individual therapy within MAP. Third, to adapt group CBT material to address the needs for people with learning challenges, this final objective represents my main challenge and represents the bulk of this essay. This project outlines some of the specific learning challenges found in populations with cognitive impairments focusing on those with Asperger’s, mild intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities. Basic adaptations and teaching strategies are discussed in hopes of increasing accessibility and creativity with the CBT approach. The need for individual services is also recognized. I am proud to say that this experience has allowed me to grow as a competent professional in the social work field.
Analyse de pratique en approche familiale auprès d'enfants et d'adolescents hospitalisés dans un contexte de crise psychiatrique
(2020-05-11) Gonçalves, Vanessa
Les problèmes de santé mentale atteignent les personnes de tout âge, incluant les enfants et les adolescents. Dans cet essai, je m’intéresse à mieux comprendre les bienfaits de la thérapie familiale chez les jeunes dans un contexte de crise psychiatrique par l’analyse de mon stage spécialisé à la maîtrise en service social, avec le Programme de santé mentale pour enfants et adolescents (PSMEA). Ce programme est une unité hospitalière de courte durée qui offre des services intensifs aux enfants et adolescents âgés de moins de 18 ans qui ont des problèmes de santé mentale sévères.Dans cet essai, j’expose les deux théories qui m’ont aidée à comprendre mon lieu de stage spécialisé (l’intervention de crise et la thérapie familiale), ainsi que le modèle d’intervention systémique d’Amiguet et Julier (1996) que j’ai choisi pour faire l’analyse de mon stage. Par la suite, je présente une étude de cas en utilisant ce même modèle d’analyse afin de mieux comprendre l’interdépendance entre le système-client et le système-intervenant où chacun des huit repères a un effet sur l’autre. Lors des rencontres et suite à mon analyse, j’ai remarqué l’importance de l’implication de la famille dans la vie de leur enfant durant ces périodes de crise psychiatrique. De plus, j’ai réalisé l’importance fondamentale de la relation thérapeutique puisque c’est à travers cette relation que la famille se sent entendue, validée et encouragée. Cette validation renforce les capacités parentales et leur désir de s’investir dans la famille malgré les défis, puisque chacun a un rôle à jouer au maintien du problème et sa résolution.
Analyse écologique des impacts simultanés de la dépression et de la douleur chronique sur le vécu quotidien d’individus du Nord de l’Ontario
(2022-07-26) Bates, Amanda
Ce mémoire tente de mettre en évidence les expériences d’individus qui souffrent simultanément de la dépression et la douleur chronique en analysant l’interfluence sur les systèmes de leur vie quotidienne à Timmins (Ontario), où peu de services sont disponibles pour les appuyer. Selon l’approche écologique, nous avons exploré les expériences des individus qui souffrent de douleur chronique et de dépression dans chaque sous-système de leur vie. Cette étude comporte deux objectifs. Le premier objectif est de comprendre comment la dépression et la douleur chronique concomitante exercent une influence sur la vie quotidienne des participantes. Le deuxième objectif est de saisir les défis auxquels sont confrontés ces individus dans un contexte où les ressources et les services sont somme toute assez limités. Elle tente ainsi de répondre à la question suivante : de quelle manière interagissent les différents niveaux de système dans le quotidien d’individus souffrant de dépression et douleur chronique ? Pour répondre à la question de recherche, des entretiens qualitatifs ont été effectués auprès de quatre individus souffrant simultanément de dépression et de douleur chronique à Timmins (Ontario). Ces entretiens ont permis d’analyser l’interfluence de six sous-systèmes dans leur vie : l’ontosystème, le microsystème, le mésosystème, l’exosystème, le macrosystème et le chronosystème. Après avoir analysé les résultats selon les sous-systèmes de l’approche écologique, cette étude a permis de cerner un certain nombre de facteurs de risque et de facteurs de protection. Les principaux facteurs de risque ayant émergé de cette étude sont : le manque de services, la faiblesse du réseau de soutien, une situation socioéconomique précaire, une culture négative au travail et un hébergement instable. Cette étude a également mis en lumière un certain nombre de facteurs de protection : l’accès à des services de qualité, l’empathie et la compréhension de la part des personnes qui entourent les individus atteints de douleur chronique et dépression, un réseau de soutien, un emploi stable, du soutien au travail et un hébergement stable. Ces résultats soulèvent des pistes pour des recherches futures et pour la pratique du travail social, qui sont détaillées dans le présent mémoire.
Analyse qualitative auprès des travailleurs licenciés dans le secteur forestier du nord de l'Ontario
(2015-09-07) Fillion, Steve
Cette étude porte sur le nombre élevé d’entreprises de la région du nord de l’Ontario qui ont été péniblement touchées par la crise du secteur forestier qui a sévie entre 2004 et 2009 et dont la conséquence a été le licenciement de milliers de travailleuses et travailleurs. Ce mémoire visait à mieux comprendre l’impact réel et les stratégies utilisées par les travailleuses et travailleurs licenciés afin de faire face à la perte de leur emploi en explorant les vécus subjectifs des travailleuses et travailleurs licenciés. Le mémoire a utilisé la méthode qualitative et a été mené à l’aide d’entrevues semidirigées auprès de neuf travailleuses et travailleurs ayant vécu un licenciement suite à une fermeture d’usine du secteur forestier. Les entrevues semi-dirigées ont été menées en fonction des objectifs et des questions de recherche. Ainsi, nous avons voulu connaître comment les travailleuses et travailleurs du secteur forestier du nord de l’Ontario ont réagi à la fermeture de l’usine et à leur licenciement, les stratégies prises pour faire face à la perte de leur emploi et à leur avenir, et les types d’aide psychosociale dont elles et ils auraient eu besoin. Les résultats de cette étude ont permis de répondre aux objectifs et questions de recherche. Dans un premier temps, selon les entretiens obtenus avec les participantes et participants, le licenciement entraine une forme d’invalidation personnelle et une dépersonnalisation chez l’individu. Toutes et tous ont partagé des sentiments de perte d’identité, de perte de sécurité et d’impuissance face à la situation. Ces types d’invalidation engendrent de la souffrance chez l’individu qui se manifeste sous la forme de tristesse, de frustration, de stress et de dépression. Les résultats expliquent également les différentes stratégies individuelles mises en place par les travailleuses et travailleurs licenciés et les types d’aide dont elles et ils auraient du besoin afin de faire face aux nombreuses épreuves.
The application of dialectical behavioural therapy and eco-systemic structural family therapy with children, youth, and families
(2019-08-09) Charlery, Vergie
Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to using three family therapy modalities with their clients at the Child and Youth Mental Health Clinic. Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy are evidenced-based interventions, sometimes used as the sole method of therapy, but often times as an adjunct to other techniques for children and youth afflicted with mental health challenges. This thesis is an analysis of the three methods, using the literature review to provide context, and eliciting examples from three families, that were counseled throughout a five-month period.
Apports des accommodements à la réussite des étudiants postsecondaires en situation de handicap en contexte de la pandémie : le cas du Collège Boréal.
(2022-06-28) Chaussé, Isabelle
Le choix du thème de cette recherche fut largement influencé par la position que j’occupais au Collège Boréal lors du lancement de cette recherche. Puisque j’étais responsable de la gestion des services d’accessibilité et des services de counseling du Collège Boréal, la réussite scolaire des étudiants était au cœur de mes activités professionnelles. À cet effet, je cherchais à comprendre davantage l’impact des accommodements sur la réussite scolaire des étudiants en situation de handicap en contexte de pandémie, un groupe qui ne cesse d’augmenter d’année en année. J’ai également voulu approfondir mes connaissances au sujet de cette population étudiante sachant que le tout allait me servir au niveau de ma carrière. Sur cette note, je confirme que les résultats de cette recherche m’ont permis de développer une meilleure compréhension de l’expérience des étudiants ayant utilisé des accommodements lors d’une pandémie de type COVID-19.
Beyond shelter: the power of women stepping into connection
(2019-09-04) McMahon, Stéphanie
Meeting the needs of women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), that seek emergency shelters across Canada is a persistent concern in shelters across the country as women are experiencing high rates of stress-related challenges after feeling abuse such as post-traumatic stress (PTSD), anxiety and depression. The annual national report of YWCA Canada acknowledges that women’s shelters require innovative, cost-effective supports that use a trauma-informed perspective to meet the diverse needs of their residents. They propose VAW shelters collaborate with local and provincial agencies to develop effective solutions and implement best practices that can empower women. My research study explored the suitability and effectiveness of an innovative mindfulness-based intervention (MBIs) called the Holistic Arts-Based Program (HAP) to teach mindfulness skills to women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), living in an emergency shelter. Arts-based methods are enjoyable and engaging, and enable individuals to express feelings/thoughts that might otherwise be difficult to elicit; this information is rich and interesting, even powerful. Results of qualitative thematic analysis of preand post-group group interviews led to the development of three main themes: (1) benefits of learning mindfulness skills and concepts, (2) benefits of arts-based experimental methods, and (3) benefits of strength-based group work. Participation in HAP helped women survivors mitigate the negative impacts of stress, and taught them mindfulness concepts and activities that they were inspired to use in their own lives and introduce them to their children. My research demonstrates how interventions such as the HAP could make a difference in women’s mental health. As MBIs may not have universal appeal they should not be a mandatory program requirement, but consideration may be given to offer mindfulness interventions to empower women survivors of IPV in emergency shelters.
Beyond the sandwich generation: the lived experiences of older Prince Edward Island women caregivers caring for an older adult
(2016-10-17) Swan, Jodi
This research examined the experiences of older Prince Edward Island women in providing care to an aging parent, partner, family member, or friend. I investigated these experiences using a feminist lens to recognize the valuable experience of women and use their voice in bringing attention to the issues related to caregiving. This study was designed to answer three research questions: 1) What is the experience of older female caregivers living on Prince Edward Island? 2) What does it mean to be caregiver? 3) How do Prince Edward Island women describe caregiving? These questions were designed to determine what experiences, meaning, and description caregivers assign to their work and what can be learned from these experiences. Previous research in the field of caregiving has largely focused on quantitative measures of caregiver burden, activities of daily living, or access rates for caregiver support. I conducted one-to-one, in-depth interviews based on open-ended questions designed to encourage participants to share their experience. This qualitative study has advanced understanding of the caregiver experience on Prince Edward Island by highlighting the challenges faced in providing care, as well as the positive growth associated with the role. The findings offer insights in engaging family caregivers in policy and strategy development and implementation. It also offers a vision for the continued integration of social work services for aging Islanders and their families. The need for specific skills and training in gerontological social work, including a focus in end-of-life care, advocacy, and counseling support has been demonstrated.
Canadian lone mothers: structural and systemic barriers in social work practice
(Laurentian University Library & Archives, 2023-10-20) Batantou, Djov; Dr. Tanya Shute Dorothy Larkman
This Advanced Practicum Project Report examined the experience of my advanced practicum at the Canadian Mental Health Association North Bay and District (CMHA). This report reflects on the questions from the onset and my learning goals that consisted of understanding how the structural and systemic barriers that are in existence impact Canadian lone mothers’ social determinants of health; in allyship with experts by experience (Canadian lone mothers), to understand what Canadian lone mothers suggest needs to occur to mitigate or eradicate these barriers; to become knowledgeable about local community services, if any, so I can better refer lone mothers in instances where the placement organization is not suitable or does not offer the supports; to learn how to best support lone mothers from a structural, AOP, feminist approach in community social services. Furthermore, this report describes how the identified learning goals were adequately met through methods of shadowing case managers, conducting client sessions/interventions, performing clientele home visits, conducting research that focused on Canadian lone mothers, confiding with CMHA staff and my practicum supervisor, and receiving clinical supervision from my Masters of Social Work supervisor. The Advanced Practicum Report concludes with implications for transformative social work practice.
A case study of homelessness in Sudbury understood through the Anishnaabe seven life stages
(2018-07-01) Slegers, Brian; Brennan, Justin
Colonial violence, multi-generational trauma and systemic racism greatly contribute to the high rate of Indigenous homelessness. This thesis focuses on the experiences of a formerly homeless Indigenous man; his life history is analyzed through an approach informed by teachings on the Anishnaabe seven life stages. The findings show how life events and experiences contributed to homelessness and to recovery. Many years of chronic homelessness came to an end with learning about cultural traditions and access to Elders. With additional supports from some positive mainstream interventions, he overcame barriers and obtained secure housing. The findings suggest the nature of the changes required to end poverty and homelessness among Indigenous populations. This thesis speaks to Indigenous perspectives about success and healthy communities. Organizations can be useful by supporting and assisting Indigenous communities to provide services based on homegrown solutions. Investing in the idea of a healthy community, healthy Elders and healthy families can help to break cycles of multigenerational trauma, internalized oppression, abuse and poverty. Initiatives led by Indigenous people such as Healthy Babies programs, schooling, health care, and child protection can support healing and preserving the culture, but also can create employment, pride, and the opportunity to give back in meaningful ways. Opportunities for communities to have access to healthy foods, recreation and physical activities may also provide young people with positive experiences. Places where youth can play safely and develop their skills are crucial during the Good Life and Fast Life. The factors needed for an urban Aboriginal person to achieve bimaadiziwin include involvement with supportive/healthy cultural communities and opportunities to give back in meaningful ways; they can lead to traditional healing, a sense of belonging and personal identity. Access to such supports should be ensured in childhood.
Challenges in the remediation of compromised housing situations in individuals exhibiting hoarding behaviours
(2016-12-31) Price, Sherry A.
Hoarding has been estimated to affect 2 to 5 percent of the population. There are considerable health and safety implications for those who hoard, others living with them, and for the community. For this reason, public health inspectors (PHIs) respond to situations involving vulnerable individuals living in these potentially adverse housing situations. Earlier research found that PHIs responding to these housing health hazards face many challenges in the remediation of these conditions including client health, structural factors, and policy issues. The purpose of this case study, approached from a social constructionist perspective, is to further explore the challenges in remediation of compromised housing health hazards in hoarding situations. The study included PHI’s documented reports of 40 cases referred to them between 2013 and 2015 as well as field observations and semi-structured interviews with an individual who hoards, his family, members of agencies involved with this case, and PHIs who respond to hoarding cases. This data is part of a larger two-year case study examining an Environmental Health Division’s response to housing health hazards in vulnerable populations. There were significant challenges in the remediation of hoarding. Client factors such as advancing age, infirmity, living alone, and lack of formal and informal supports hampered resolution of cases as did lack of training for PHIs about hoarding and its psychological ramifications. The lack of coordination of services within the City of Greater Sudbury, the magnitude of the cleanup required, and the chronic nature of hoarding also posed difficulties. The creation of a coalition to provide a more comprehensive response to hoarding is required to support this vulnerable population.
Challenging market food systems: how do we motivate communities to grow and share food?
(Laurentian University Library & Archives, 2023-12-19) Mooney, Kate; Dr. Lea Tufford Dr. Arielle Dylan
Gardening can be a valuable tool to ameliorate food security while concurrently easing the intersecting burdens of poverty, including isolation, disenfranchisement, and poor health. In addition to the nutritional benefits of accessing fresh produce, gardening has been shown to provide increased access to green spaces, foster neighbourhood social ties and interaction, increase community involvement, and create opportunities to develop a sense of identity (Ohmer, 2009). Participants (N = 15) in Renfrew County, Ontario, engaged in a study that examined how communities can be motivated to grow and share food. The belief underpinning this project was that gardening may reduce the strain of unstable food security and become an act of resistance toward the current, unmanageable, and restrictive capitalist market economy. The views of community members were considered crucial to planning and organizing a successful long-term project. A collection of heartfelt interviews emerged, reflecting a considerable desire for change, and emphasizing the importance of community. Participant narratives surfaced six themes: 1) Vision of Community Gardens; 2) Impact on Individual Well-being; 3) Impact of Gardens on the Community; 4) Importance of Equity; 5) Opportunity for Knowledge Transfer; and 6) Managing Challenges. Participants expressed significant enthusiasm for a large-scale community garden project, hoping it would facilitate vital relationships with individuals and their communities.
Cognitive behavioural therapy in corrections: an advanced clinical practicum with Correctional Service Canada
(2020-07-20) Chapelle, Laura-Kim S.
This advanced practicum research report describes my practicum experiences within a federal correctional facility, the incorporation of cognitive behavioural therapy in corrections, group work within the correctional environment, clinical discharge planning, social work supervision, and the role of clinical social workers as members of an interdisciplinary team. The literature review will provide a summary of cognitive behavioural therapy in a criminal justice setting in Canada, incarcerated individuals with mental health problems, the role of social workers in criminal justice settings, discharge planning in criminal justice settings, social work practice with groups in criminal justice settings, social work clinical supervision, and clinical discharge planning. Following this, a discussion of the practicum process will occur. Next, a discussion of my reflections and critical analysis related to my practicum experience will provide a discussion of major themes demonstrating the growth of my theoretical knowledge and clinical skill sets throughout the practicum process. Throughout the report, I will highlight the major themes revealed within my reflective practice, divided into five various categories: the cognitive behavioural therapy model in clinical corrections practice, social work group practice in corrections, social work clinical supervision in the correctional system, awareness of the responsibilities of clinical social workers as members of an interdisciplinary team in the correctional system and discharge planning in the correctional system. The report will then conclude with a summary of my experience as a clinical social worker in the federal correctional system and a discussion relating to implications for social work practice.
Compass and the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action
(2022-07-25) Didur, Ed
The main purpose of the practicum is to identify recommendations for organizational change to decolonize mental health treatment at Compass, an organization providing children’s mental health services in Sudbury, Ontario. Decolonization means to undo the effects of colonialism that currently impact Indigenous people (Schill et al., 2019). The recommendations around decolonization are in reference to the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada) Calls to Action of 2015. The TRC document contains 94 Calls to Action with a main purpose of redressing the injustices done by the Canadian Government and several church denominations through residential schools (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015). My practicum focused on applying Calls to Action 19, 22, and 23 to Compass. Call 19 reflects the need to close health outcome gaps related to suicide, and mental illness. Call 22 calls for the incorporation of Indigenous culture into health care. TRC Calls to Action 23 requires hiring an increased number of Indigenous professionals and increasing cultural education in the workplace for non-Indigenous people (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015). This practicum is to inspire interest in organizational change within the agency, and it has helped to focus Compass’s strategic plan regarding Indigenous services. The resulting effect has been increased Indigenous education activities at Compass. The following practicum thesis will include a review of literature, methods, and activities employed to identify recommendations for Compass to address the TRC Calls to Action for organizational change.
Compassion fatigue in child protection workers in Northeastern Ontario
(2019-12-08) Raymond, Melissa
A career in the child protection sector is one of the most complex roles in the social work profession. Child protection worker (CPW) duties include accepting referrals, conducting investigations of allegations or evidence that children are experiencing abuse, and protecting children from abuse where necessary. This can include providing short- or long-term intervention with families, or ultimately removing children from their homes, where the risks are too great to be mitigated with less intrusive measures. CPWs are on-call and available 24-hours per day, 7-days per week. Due to the demanding nature of the career, CPWs often experience symptoms of compassion fatigue which can manifest in many symptoms, such as physical, emotional, and mental distress and disturbances. The aim of this qualitative research thesis was to examine the experiences of CPWs in Northeastern Ontario through individual interviews with CPW retirees. A total of 11 retirees were individually interviewed. The interviews were then transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Three main themes were constructed from the responses: Quality/Impact of the Work; Recruitment and Retention; and Recommendations for Improvement. This thesis describes four implications of this study: the impact on CPWs’ well-being; the importance of increased training; the necessity of clinical supervision and debriefing; as well as the significance of peer-to-peer learning. Lastly, study limitations, as well as considerations for future research, are discussed.
Cultivating mindfulness for university students
(2019-07-16) Labranche, Danielle
Mental health wellness in post-secondary institutions is a growing concern as students are prone to experiencing mental health related challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Educational institutions lack comprehensive support services in order to effectively meet students’ mental health care needs. Post-secondary institutions have the obligation to ensure that mental health supports are in place in order to help students effectively manage their stress, enhance their psychological well-being, and develop coping skills so that they can achieve academic success. My study explored the suitability and the effectiveness of the Holistic Arts- Based Program (HAP) with university students. HAP is a 12-week arts-based mindfulness-based intervention (MBI). Arts-based mindfulness methods can help to promote health and psychological well-being. Furthermore, they are fun, engaging, and can help facilitate a deeper understanding of emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Fifteen students participated in two different HAP groups. Pre- and post-HAP individual interviews were conducted, and students completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Ryff Psychological Well-Being scale. Paired t-tests indicated a statistically significant increase in participants’ level of mindfulness and psychological well-being after taking part in the program. Results of the qualitative thematic analysis revealed four main themes: (1) the benefits of HAP in a group format, (2) the cultivation of mindfulness, (3) the benefits of making art, and (4) the impact of HAP on participants' relationships with others. I conclude that HAP can contribute to the improvement of students’ mental health by providing them with effective coping strategies in order to more effectively manage the stressors associated with university life. Post-secondary institutions are encouraged to consider implementing HAP as a strengths-based mental health promotion initiative.
Developing social work practice skills within a mental health context
(Laurentian University of Sudbury, 2013-09-12) Gorry, Vanessa
This report explores my experiences and desire to develop my clinical skills while completing an advanced practicum with the Mood and Anxiety Program through Health Sciences North. The Mood and Anxiety Program works with individuals that had been diagnosed with a mental illness and wanted to seek therapeutic assistance to learn how to manage symptoms and challenges of their mental illness. In this instance, mental illness is a health condition that is distinguished by considerable dysfunction in a person’s cognition, emotions, or behaviours that could often reveal a disturbance in the psychological, biological, or developmental processes, which could have underlying mental functioning. Through this practicum, and as shown throughout this report, I was able to create and achieve several goals that I felt would assist me in developing my clinical skills. I planned to refine my skills by working as part of a multidisciplinary team; continuously reflecting on my practice with the use of a journal and clinical supervision; completing assessments and cofacilitating group therapy sessions; and, integrating theory into practice. I was also able to critically reflect upon the theories that I used during my practicum; develop and improve my self-awareness; enhance my therapeutic presence; and develop an understanding of how stigma is present in the mental health field and could it acts as a barrier for people with a mental illness.

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