Browsing by Author "Durst, Douglas"

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Open Access
Addictions services and transitional outreach: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2010) Labatt, Ryan; Durst, Douglas
This report is a reflective consideration of my MSW graduate student practicum at the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s Addiction Services, an agency which provides several programs and services to address client needs in the Regina and surrounding area. My practicum objectives were for me to improve my knowledge in the area of addiction services and to specifically develop a program model to transition addiction clients who required housing into homes in the community. The result of my practicum was the creation of the Transitional Outreach Program (TOP) Model which I believe addressed the scope, objectives and learning activities identified in my MSW Practicum Proposal. This paper utilizes the Direct Practice Framework outlined for MSW Integrative Practicum Reports with headings that include: Ideology, Theory, Values, Ethics, Relationships, Strategies, Skills and Visions. It is through this identified structure that existing Addiction Services Programs and the TOP Model are explored. This report bridges both the theoretical and practice implications present in my practicum experience. Relevant literature is considered in relation to existing Addiction Services Programming and for the TOP Model.
Open Access
An exploratory study of critical incident stress in emergency nurses.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 1997) Schuster, Fay; Durst, Douglas
Open Access
Assertive community treatment: field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2017-10) McFadden, Chanda; Durst, Douglas; Kikulwe, Daniel
The following report is an account of my practicum experience at Calgary Assertive Community Treatment program. This report offers personal experiences and reflection, as well as a review of current literature concerning the complexities associated with severe mental illness. Mental health service delivery through this model is discussed throughout the course of the report, outlining both advantages and criticisms of the model. The Assertive Community Treatment Model, together with its vital components and guiding principles, is considered a successful course of action for treatment of individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness. This service delivery model aids in accomplishing several evidence based advances including but not limited to decreased symptoms of mental illness and overall positive gains for individual recovery. The social work profession, in particular, shares an important contribution towards the success and effectiveness of this treatment model.
Open Access
Best interest of the child: The directors of Indian child and family services speak.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2003) Young, Catherine; Durst, Douglas; Watkinson, Ailsa
Open Access
Caregiver burden: Implications for an aging population in the Swift Current Health District.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2000) Grant, Gregory John; Durst, Douglas; Acker, Mona
Open Access
The Circle of Self-Government: An Observer's Field Guide to Aboriginal Government of Social Services
(Social Policy Research Unit, University of Regina, 1996-01) Durst, Douglas
Open Access
Clinical counselling at the caring place in Regina: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-06-06) Forcheh, Irene A.; Pino, Fritz; Durst, Douglas; Novotna, Gabriela
This report documents the learning and insights I gained from my clinical field practicum at The Caring Place (TCP). In this report, I emphasize how I achieved my learning objectives, the ways in which I integrated theory and practice while engaging on the activities to achieve my objectives. My overarching goal was to gain graduate level clinical social work skills and knowledge in counseling, specifically on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care. I show examples from my counselling sessions that demonstrated how I implemented the tenets and principles of these therapeutic modalities. This report starts with the discussion of my rationale of doing a clinical social work practicum, which has led me to The Caring Place. This is followed by literature review related to the counselling modalities mentioned as well as discussion of my theoretical framework. I also incorporated a section where I discuss the challenges I encountered during the practicum. I concluded by reflecting on my vision for future clinical social work practice.
Open Access
Diversity in restorative justice: a research practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2017-04) Kamuti-Gaitho, Susan; Durst, Douglas; Kikulwe, Daniel
The research report focuses on the notion of restorative justice, which attempts to address the harm caused by the criminal acts, as well as underlying structural issues and issues of power and privilege. Restorative justice is fairly inclusive in terms of involving the victim, offender and the community. Restorative justice includes the ideas of dialogue and story-telling, which align with anti-oppressive approaches by giving people opportunity to voice their views and be involved in addressing crimes and conflicts, which can be empowering. Restorative justice also grapples with structural issues, oppression and the increasing diversity in Canadian society. The report addresses practices that could make restorative justice more responsive to the needs of diverse clients including integrating restorative justice with cultural safety and moving towards structurally transformative restorative justice by addressing issues such as racism, marginalization and poverty. Providing restorative justice practitioners with training in various areas such as cultural safety, intersectionality, application of anti-oppressive approaches and how to link their daily work with larger structural issues also is discussed. Over-representation of Indigenous people and racialized ethnic groups in the criminal justice system and limited literature on power, privilege and ethnicity in relation to restorative justice leads to the question of how power and privilege affects the practice of restorative justice in a diverse society.
Open Access
Empowering young mothers
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2015-07-17) Smiljic, Tanja; Durst, Douglas
This report discusses my experiences as a Master of Social Work (MSW) practicum student from University of Regina at a community agency, Family Service Regina (FSR). An overview of the agency and its Teen Parent Program are included in the report. Formal individual counselling and group work were incorporated in the practicum placement, as well as support work and community presentations, through the Teen Parent Program. Theories implemented in individual counselling sessions and the processes of facilitating a ten week “When Love Hurts” group are discussed. These theories are feminist approach, client-centered approach, solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy. Approaches used in above mentioned practicum experiences will be discussed in relation to ideology, theory, values, ethics, relationships, skills and strategies. The report ends with a brief discussion on empowerment and conclusions in relation to visions for future work as a social worker.
Open Access
The Experiences of People with Schizophrenia or Shizoaffective Disorder in Accessing Non-Psychiatric Health Care
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2018-05) Richardson, Jessica Lena; Novotna, Gabriela; Durst, Douglas; Fletcher, Kara; Ashcroft, Rachelle
In this study, a phenomenological approach was used to understand the lived experience of individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder when accessing non-psychiatric health care services. Healthcare can be accessed upon a variety of levels such as primary care physicians, specialized physicians, or emergency services. For the purpose of this study, all three levels of entry to healthcare were considered and included. Doing so provided a rich description of overall healthcare services accessed and the ways in which this population experienced accessing it. The findings from this study will contribute to the literature available to identify the ways in which people with a major mental illness experience healthcare, choose to access it, factors that impact the experiences, as well as ways in which healthcare practitioners can better support this population in receiving satisfactory care. In using a phenomenological perspective, multiple interviews were conducted with six participants. From the interviews data was transcribed and significant statements were identified. A total of 348 significant statements were identified and then clustered into six common themes and three sub themes. The six significant themes included the experiences of the onset of mental illness, physical health experiences, unsatisfactory experiences, family support, community support, and the relationship with the psychiatrist. From these major themes three sub themes were also identified; reciprocation of support, mutual respect in the relationship between the patient and healthcare professional, and lack of trust for healthcare professionals. Overall the reported findings were mixed with both negative and positive experiences. This study highlighted the importance of a positive patient-psychiatrist relationship and the concept of mutual respect in this relationship. Participants that identified a level of mutual respect in this relationship also reported higher rates of satisfaction of care in both physical and ii mental health services. Individuals lacking mutual respect reported decreased satisfaction of care and a reluctance to seek future healthcare interventions. The importance of perceived family support was a major theme throughout this study. Participants each accessed family support at different levels, however it remained important to have a support network available to discuss health concerns with or decrease feelings of loneliness. In identifying the available family support, it became very apparent that the ability to reciprocate that support was equally as important. Similarly, the reciprocation of support can be offered at a variety of levels; big or small gestures. Reciprocation is also extended beyond the family unit and can be delivered in a peer-to-peer relationship. Reciprocation of support has also been shown to promote recovery in mental illness. Overall the findings highlight the experiences of this population in accessing non-psychiatric healthcare services as well the importance in the relationship with family and mental health practitioners. These findings will contribute to the literature already available and can also help guide mental health professionals in improving the services provided to this population to increase their positive health outcomes and promote recovery in mental illness.
Open Access
Exploring and developing resources for families of children with a life-limiting illness
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-05-17) McKenzie, Lynn May; Johner, Randy; Durst, Douglas
Nothing can prepare a person to care for a child with a life-limiting illness. Children are not supposed to die before their caregivers. Caregivers sometimes are left alone to figure out how to navigate through their children’s illnesses. The health care professionals around them may lack the knowledge and experience to support them. The resources available to families of children with a life-limiting illness are scarce and scattered. Often health care professionals do not have access to information to provide support to these families. The purpose of this research study was to explore what resources are available for families and develop a resource booklet for health care professionals to use to support the families of children under the age of 18 years with life-limiting illnesses. A qualitative research study with open-ended interviews was conducted with eight health care professionals. The interviews were both face-to-face and by telephone. The intention was to gather information that would be utilized to develop a resource booklet. The findings suggest that there is a lack of resources available for health care professionals who provide support for families of children with a life-limiting illness. The research also showed that health care professionals would utilize a resource booklet if available. Health care professionals, families and children with a life-limiting illness are impacted by the lack of resources and would potentially benefit from a resource booklet.
Open Access
Female compulsive gambling: An exploratory study.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 1999) Skamanis, Val; Durst, Douglas
Open Access
Find your voice : through emotional focused therapy and attachment theory
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2014) Thoroughgood, Leanne; Novik, Nuelle; Durst, Douglas; Kane, Colleen
This final paper is part of the requirements for completion of a Master’s Degree in Social Work. This experiential final paper is based on a clinical field practicum focused upon Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples. This document presents the practicum student’s research into EFT and an exploration of the theoretical basis for EFT. Within the context of the requirements for graduate studies, investigation into the theory, ideology and challenges of this clinical approach was carried out in a private practice clinical environment. The primary goals of this field practicum were to gain knowledge of the process of EFT, and to learn the skills and challenges of this therapeutic process under supervision of an EFT clinician. A comprehensive investigation into Attachment Theory and its application to EFT was initiated. The field practicum provided a supervised environment to study Attachment Theory, EFT and its processes within the context of the practicum student’s personal and professional ideology. Clinical challenges; including student-client, student-supervisor and the student’s introspective relationships; are discussed within the framework of EFT. The challenge of Emotionally Focused Therapy for the clinician is the ability to develop a secure therapeutic relationship that provides the appropriate environment for clients to voice their vulnerabilities in order to allow healthy change to occur. The clinician is therefore responsible to insure that any of their own emotional triggers are addressed in order for the therapeutic relationship to be at its optimal functioning. Understanding Attachment Theory and the potential our own history has to influence or impact a therapeutic relationship is paramount in working with EFT.
Open Access
"For better or for worse": The impact of multiple sclerosis on the marital relationship.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 1998) Duncanson, Judith Lynn; Durst, Douglas
Open Access
"A Grip and a Dream": Voices of Older Carribean Immigrant Women in Saskatchewan, Canada
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2022-03-30) Watson-Jones, Peta-Gay; Durst, Douglas; Genoe, Rebecca; Pino, Fritz; Puplampu, Vivian
This hermeneutic phenomenological study integrates transnational feminism to describe the lived experiences of older Caribbean immigrant women living in Saskatchewan, who immigrated to Canada in early adulthood in the 1960s to1980s. A purposive and snowball recruitment method was used to select ten female participants that were interviewed. The participants' ages range from 65 to 83 years. To assess the impact of social relationships on aging and quality of life this study used in-depth, individual, and semi-structured interviews for data collection. The data collected were audio-taped followed by the transcription and data analysis. Field notes and reflexivity were documented to assist with the data analysis which followed hermeneutic phenomenology and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The objective of this study is to provide a clearer understanding and further knowledge of older immigrant women perceptions of social relationships and its impact on aging, and their quality of life. Social relationships play an integral role throughout the lifespan of these women. Their perceptions about social relationships, aging, and quality of life emerged in four primary themes: (1) perceived social relationships; (2) transnational migration; (3) perceived racial discrimination and (4) aging and quality of life across the lifespan. The study’s findings indicate that forming strong social relationships contributed to good quality of life among older Caribbean immigrant women as they aged in Canada. Also, it was further revealed that social relationships and social networks formed with family, fellow Caribbean natives, and friends within their community provided emotional support throughout their lifespan which helped to ward off social isolation and loneliness. Additionally, those with good health perceive their quality of life as they age as being good while others with poor health perceive their quality of life as poor. Presumably, this study illustrates key aspects of social relationships, and quality of life of older Caribbean immigrant women who have aged in Canada. Moreover, this research will contribute to gerontological literature, inform policy, and the development of interventions that are culturally sensitive to foster social relationships among immigrant women living and aging in Canada. Future research should examine Caribbean immigrant men and women living in the different provinces to better understand both genders’ experience of how they formed social relationships and specifically how these relationships impact their quality of life. Keywords: Social relationship, Aging, Quality of life, Caribbean immigrants, Transnational migration, Transnational feminism
Open Access
Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry: Risk and Protective Factors for the Left-Behind Children in the Northern Shaanxi Province, China With Gender Comparison
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2021-07) Ge, Lin; Brown, Douglas; Durst, Douglas; Massing, Christine; Triggs, Valerie; McNaughton, Kathryn A.
The rapid industrialization and uneven regional development of China over the past few decades have forced a large number of young and middle-aged people in rural areas and small towns to leave their hometown and undertake burdensome manual jobs in urban areas. Many of them have become parents. Moreover, limited by the Chinese national residency registration system and the higher cost of living, it is hardly possible for migrant children to be incorporated in urban public education. These facts contribute to the widespread Chinese left-behind children phenomenon. Shaanxi province as one of the impoverished provinces in China is no exception concerning the aforementioned issue. This research presents the lived experience of left-behind children living in northern Shaanxi province, China through the lens of resilience theory. Herein a hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry is employed to identify inner and outer risk factors faced by those left-behind children who are in primary school stage and probe the protective factors (internal assets and external resources) they possess. This study attempts to excavate how these protective factors can moderate or reduce the repercussions of risk exposure on the Chinese left-behind children’s development. Unstructured observations, including on-site observations in the classroom, life, and interpersonal relationship, were conducted in 2018 and remote classroom observations were completed in 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Face-to-face and remote interview data were thus respectively collected in 2018 and 2020. Successively, there were fourteen 9-13-year-old left-behind children (seven females and seven males), eight guardians, and six teachers participating in interviews. Given the complexity and particularity of these groups of Children, remote pre-interview activities (e.g., visual metaphor and storytelling on WeChat) were specifically employed in 2020. These activities enabled the child participants to recall and select memories to share, diminishing the inequitable power relationship between the researcher and the ii A HERMENEUTIC PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY children. The findings display the experiences of this group, including the risk factors (i.e., internalized and externalized problems) and the promotive factors (i.e., internal assets and external resources). It is argued that the findings in the study may potentially serve as viable targets for prevention and interventions and socially inclusive education of left-behind children in China. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends specifically resilience-based interventions in policies and practices to intervene in the trajectory from risk exposure to associated negative effects, in facilitating a more supportive and inclusive life and educational process for this marginalized group in China.
Open Access
How I see myself: Researching the self-esteem of grade four students.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 1998) Blackwell, Heather L.; Durst, Douglas
Open Access
Individual advocacy strategies and individual advocacy casework at the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2011-08) Nguyen , Thi Hong Thu; Durst, Douglas; Mulvale, James
This practicum report is about low income people in Regina, the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry (RAPM), and the journey of the writer to learn about poverty in its true colour. The report partly retells the self-exploration of the writer regarding low income people in Regina, her awareness of the deplorable conditions that low income people in Regina, and possible causes for damages in the lives of low income people. The report looks at the work of RAPM in the three following areas: 1) individual advocacy, 2) public education, and 3) social justice. The staff members at RAPM do not work by themselves to bring change to policies and regulations of the government. They work in collaboration with many community based organizations, non-governmental organizations, government organizations, self-advocates, and researchers to use case advocacy for cause advocacy. RAPM has achieved many successes in the individual advocacy area, public education area, and social justice area. The successes of RAPM have inspired me to be a social work advocate who is determined to bring change to the world around me.
Open Access
An integration of practice and theory: a practicum experience in primary health care
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2016-05-17) Kozan, Jenna; Durst, Douglas; Kikulwe, Daniel
This practicum paper is an integration of self-reflection, current literature, research, and theory and knowledge, based on my experiences and field practicum placement in Primary Health Care (PHC) - Central Network within the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region (RQHR). It will provide a summary of how I achieved my goals and objectives. This paper will focus on the organizational changes taking place and the adoption of the LEAN approach within the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region and how the health regions are implementing new strategies to be more efficient in delivering services to clients. Additionally, I explain the assessments tool used during my practicum and how motivational interviewing and strength based approaches are utilized into completing assessments and client care. Next, the report explains how the Trauma Informed Care approach is being integrated into health care in order to understand long term health and wellness and the impact trauma has on the clients the health region serves. Finally, I provide information on how I used social work values and ethics to guide my practice.
Open Access
Intimate Partner Abuse and Older Women: Exploring the Connection Between Abuse, Ageing and Health
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2018-03) Taylor, Meagan Lee; Hampton, Mary; Wagner, Joan; Genoe, Rebecca; Durst, Douglas
Intimate Partner Abuse (IPA) has been shown to negatively affect health in ageing women (McGarry et al., 2010). As the population in Canada matures, understanding how IPA affects and intersects with health and ageing becomes important for women, our health care system and governments. This research explores perspectives of women over 65, who have experienced IPA in an earlier stage of their lives, and how this experience intersects and affects with their health and ageing. The experiences of ten women who have lived through IPA relationships are investigated using the qualitative method of grounded theory. The significance of this research is three-fold. First, it serves to generate awareness about women’s perceptions of their own health and aging processes following IPA. Second, it adds to what is known about older women who have experienced abuse. And finally, this research has the potential to improve health care for older women who have experienced abuse.