Master of Social Work Research Practicum Reports

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10294/2906

The Master of Social Work program provides an option of completing the requirements with a thesis, or a practicum. The practicum option contains two streams: the field practicum and the research practicum. The full details for the program are provided here: Graduate Studies and Research -- Master of Social Work program.

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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
Rainbows and roadblocks: a counselling journey at Ehrlo Counselling Services
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-07) Nyalowo, Nina; Novik, Nuelle; Halabuza, Donalda
This practicum report reflects and summarizes my learning experiences as a student counsellor during a twelve-week field practicum placement at Ehrlo Counselling Services (ECS). This report outlines my learning goals and outcomes, as well as the challenges and successes I experienced throughout my practicum. It provides a literature review focused on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed practice (TIP). This report briefly highlights lessons I learnt, and skills I gained from practicing motivational interviewing under clinical supervision, which enhanced my social work skills. Additionally, this report will discuss my insights, learning opportunities, ethical considerations, self-care, and de-colonization in counselling.
Open Access
A dive into the ocean of counselling to explore learning treasure through the use of therapeutic approaches to support youth, children, and adults
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-12) Dave, Tanvi; Fletcher, Kara; Gebhard, Amanda
This field practicum report reflects my experience in counselling at Catholic Family Services, Prince Albert. Throughout the practicum journey, I have received various opportunities to work with a diverse population to practice cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy with mindfulness, play therapy, and motivational interviewing. This practicum report will explain learning objectives and treatment approaches in these areas, followed by the most suitable case scenarios to demonstrate my learning goal and activities. This report includes a literature review on counselling therapy and how I extracted my learning experience from the challenges I encountered. Additionally, this report connects mental health and the importance of social workers in this busy demanding field. This report illustrates my skill set as a social worker and how I have utilized this opportunity to sharpen my skills to support adolescents, adults, and children. This report connects mental health as an ocean and my practicum journey as a diver to practice therapeutic approaches in counselling to explore and strengthen my learning.
Open Access
Treatment of compasion fatigue with internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-04) Larson, Kimberly; Novik, Nuelle; Durst, Douglas
Compassion fatigue is a phenomenon regarding the psychological impact of bearing witness to the ongoing suffering of clients when working in a helping profession. Compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, professional burnout, and vicarious trauma are terms used interchangeably to explain this phenomenon. Compassion fatigue is the unique experience of those working in helping professions as it combines the emotional impact of secondary trauma exposure but also the frustrations and burnout related to the limitations to helping. Left untreated compassion fatigue can result in mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. The Online Therapy Unit is a psychology lab at the University of Regina for research, education and service delivery. The Wellbeing Course is an online transdiagnostic treatment course based on cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of anxiety and depression offered by the Online Therapy Unit. The purpose of this research project was to recommend specific adaptations that could be made to the current course, such as inclusion of specific trauma content and self-care strategies, that make the course a viable treatment option for helping professionals experiencing anxiety and depression stemming from compassion fatigue. Psycho-education about the components of compassion fatigue would make the course an appropriate treatment option. This research project is a qualitative exploratory study and includes a literature review, findings from experiential learning, content analysis of the Wellbeing Course and analysis of secondary data.
Open Access
Becoming trauma informed: a research practicum exploring haven family support staff experiences of trauma informed care
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-09) Gagne, Erin; Chalmers, Darlene; Gebhard, Amanda; Fletcher, Kara
The following report presents the findings from my research practicum with Haven Family Connections, Haven Family Support program in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The purpose of this research practicum was to assist the agency in meeting their identified need for staff capacity-building on vicarious trauma and trauma informed practice. The research practicum was guided by the following question: How can Haven Family Connections, Haven Family Support increase staff knowledge of vicarious trauma and trauma informed practice and improve their capacity in delivery of trauma informed services? A literature review was completed to determine emerging themes and identified key knowledge areas on trauma and trauma informed practice. This review also informed the development of a staff trauma informed practice self-assessment tool. The results of the self-assessment, which asked staff about their knowledge and skills related to trauma and trauma informed practice, informed staff focus groups and provided a baseline for assessing the current knowledge and skills of staff on trauma and trauma informed practice. Data collected from both the staff self-assessment tool and two focus groups were utilized in training recommendations and the development of a staff training guide. The findings revealed areas of strength as well as areas for further development in terms of staff training and practices.
Open Access
My clinical counselling journey during a pandemic at Francis Psychotherapy and Consulting Services in Ontario
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-12) Williams, Nekeya Lateka; Halabuza, Donalda; Nuelle, Novik
This field practicum report is a reflection of my clinical counselling journey during my Master of Social Work field practicum placement at Francis Psychotherapy Consulting Services in New Market, Ontario. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my placement involved providing clinical counselling services using telephone and video conferencing mediums from a remote location. The objective of my field practicum was to gain advanced level social work knowledge and counselling skills in a clinical setting by focusing on integrating various therapeutic approaches. I provided services to a total of six clients by using different therapeutic approaches via online platforms (Zoom and Jane App). This report highlights cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy, and how they were integrated throughout my clinical counselling placement. A discussion of my experience delivering services using various video conferencing mediums and telephone during the pandemic is also highlighted in this report. Ethical issues and challenges encountered when offering remote services were explored, as well as the different skills and strategies I learnt during the practicum journey. All in all, my practicum journey was transformative and emancipatory. I have gained tremendous insights and clinical experiences while my clients have benefited greatly from the application of cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and narrative therapy. I was also able to use my intersecting identities and experiential knowledge to provide support and respond to the varied needs of my clients which is pivotal in building therapeutic relationships.
Open Access
Through the lens of survivance theory: my time with the John Howard society of Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-05) Tu’Inukuafe, Stan; Milne, Lise; Fletcher, Kara
This report is a reflection of my Master of Social Work field practicum experience at the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan. The report includes an overview of the John Howard Society, outlines the goals and objectives of the practicum, and provides a review of the literature and history of survivance theory. My overarching goal during the four-month graduate level practicum was to gain knowledge and experience using survivance theory as I worked with gang-involved individuals in Saskatchewan: This report outlines how I integrated survivance theory into my practice during my practicum experience. Finally, this report includes sections on the challenges and ethical considerations I faced during the practicum and suggests implications of my learning for social work practice.
Open Access
Knowing my child: family-centric parent engagement and ADHD at school
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-12) Thiessen, Nicole; Milne, Lise; Chalmers, Darlene
The intent of this report is to explore family-centric parent engagement from an analytic auto-ethnographical perspective in the school environment with parents that have a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Completed under the umbrella of Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD), the largest rural school division in Saskatchewan, the qualitative research outcomes detailed in this document will examine current literature on family-centric parent engagement and ADHD within schools and provide an analysis of data collected through five qualitative interviews with parents. The themes of parental stigma, relationships, school systems failure, and parent voice emerged as critical considerations regarding family-centric parent engagement in schools with families that have children diagnosed with ADHD. The knowledge gained through examining this lived experience is a critical consideration connecting the concept of parent engagement with alternate ways of engaging families that have a child diagnosed with ADHD. This is an important connection in the field of school social work that will provide best practice recommendations for school counsellors and educators who work with families who have children diagnosed with ADHD. Recommendations provided to PSSD regarding best practice for working with families who have children diagnosed with ADHD are included.
Open Access
Adapting capacity at the Alzheimer Society of Calgary to meet the demands of a culturally diverse population of persons living with dementia
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-03) Roszell, Ashley N.; Novotna, Gabriela; Halabuza, Donalda
This report provides an account of the student’s Master of Social Work research practicum with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary (ASC), a non-profit dementia serving society. The report first starts with an introduction that describes the issue under consideration, the objectives of the study and the context of the research practicum. After the introduction, the report provides a comprehensive literature review on the topic of dementia and caregiving, highlighting research on trauma, trauma-informed care, the social impact of COVID-19, counselling frameworks, therapy techniques, single session interactions, and research on dementia perspectives. Next, the report reviews current policy and procedures within the Learning and Support Services (LSS) Department at the ASC, and provides a critical analysis of the Best Friends™ Approach which serves as the core professional development training offered by the agency. The report also incorporates Adaptive Capacity tasks aimed at building the internal capacity of the LSS Department. This includes the steps taken by the ASC to define agency social worker’s scope of practice and increase cultural awareness and sensitivity. The report then goes on to discuss the new acronyms proposed by the student researcher for caregivers’ communication with persons living with dementia (PLWD) and agency social workers’ communication with caregivers. It integrates presentations on mental health and therapy techniques that the student researcher created for this practicum as well. Lastly, the report includes data collected from an interview with an agency social worker, an environmental scan on dementia serving organizations in Alberta, a discussion on the major benefits and opportunities for growth at the ASC, implications for social work practice, and ends with a conclusion.
Open Access
Trauma-informed perspective to address homelessness youth experience after aging out of the Foster care system in Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-07) Reimer, Pamela; Novotna, Gabriela; Sinclair, Raven; Hopper, Tristan
This report details my experience completing a research practicum at Street Culture Project (SCP), a non-profit organization focused on providing the support and resources needed by youth to help them reach their full potential and self-sufficiency. This research practicum included an environmental scan of the current gaps and barriers impacting the access to housing services of youth utilizing services at SCP after they aged out of the foster care system in Saskatchewan. This report provides an outline for addressing the gaps within the foster care system to assist with making smoother transitions for youth aging out of care from a trauma-informed perspective. A list of recommendations to inform programming that can be taken forward to potential funders has been included for consideration by SCP.
Open Access
The power of the therapeutic relationship: a field practicum report
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-03) Kernohan, Heather; Fletcher, Kara; Milne, Lise
This practicum report outlines my field practicum experience as a counselor with the University of Saskatchewan’s Student Wellness Centre. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my field practicum was completed virtually including all counselling sessions, clinical supervision, professional development, and team meetings. I completed this field practicum in a part time capacity over a period of six months. During my practicum, I provided clinical counselling to 20 students, participated in monthly team meetings, engaged in regular clinical supervision, co-presented two mental health presentations to the U of S community, co-facilitated monthly mental health labs with U of S Peer Support, and engaged in professional development with my colleagues. This report will highlight a number of therapeutic approaches used during my practicum including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy. Case examples will be used to highlight the integration of theory into practice. Notable themes, ethical concerns, and a discussion on the nuances of virtual and telephone counselling will also be included. This report will conclude with some thoughts on both my personal and professional growth and development.
Open Access
Implementing aspects of trauma-informed care in psychoeducational groups for psychiatric patients in acute settings: social work perspectives
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-03) Egan, Patrick; Novotna, Gabriela; Novik, Nuelle
This practicum report discusses and analyzes my practicum experience as a social worker at Vernon Jubilee Hospital in Vernon, British Columbia. The focus of this practicum report is on trauma-informed practice and how it can be implemented into health care. My primary goal for the practicum was to gain experience and become familiar with the role of a social worker in an acute psychiatric unit, while designing and implementing a trauma-informed psychoeducational group for patients with a focus on wellness, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and discharge planning. This practicum report provides an extensive literature review on psychoeducation groupwork, trauma-informed practice, and adverse childhood experiences. It explores how trauma-informed practice can be utilized in health care, and how it can be applied in practice. Further, the report discusses my experiences and the role of the social worker while working in the emergency department, intensive care unit, psychiatric unit, and home health program. Finally, this practicum report will discuss and analyze the ethical considerations and challenges of my experience as a graduate social work student during my practicum placement with Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Open Access
Sand to screen: how virtual play therapy is being used in play therapy as a therapeutic approach
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-10) Chorney, Peggy; Halabuza, Donalda; Hunter, Garson
Close your eyes and imagine building blocks, miniature play creatures, modeling clay, paper, scissors and crayons. Many would associate this image with childhood play and the use of creative tools children use to create, explore and learn about their world through play. Now imagine a child intently focussed on a screen. Perhaps, that child is wearing a set of headphones and manipulating the tablet keyboard and mouse with their fingers. The child may be playing a virtual game, listening to a video or possibly chatting with others virtually. Childhood and the tools children play with often reflect the world we live in. This research practicum study sought to analyze perceptions and experiences of therapists about the technology they use in play therapy. Over the past number of years, there has been an increase in the interest, as well as, the concrete interaction of children with technology. The Covid-19 pandemic has made technology more essential, impacting the way we learn, communicate, and live our day to day lives. Like never before, technology is complementing and, in some situations, possibly replacing traditional methods of play. The pandemic has made in-person therapy, at times, impossible. Therapists have been forced to pursue virtual options for connecting with their clients. This research practicum consisted of interviews, surveys and a literature review that was aimed to synthesize and correlate themes regarding the use of virtual therapy with children ages 4-11 years. The literature review provided a historical review of play, play therapy, and technology in play therapy practices. Participants from the interviews and surveys revealed the strengths and challenges of virtual play therapy, as well as, practical and ethical concerns associated with incorporating virtual technology in play therapy. The findings will provide an opportunity to build social work knowledge on how virtual technology can be incorporated into play-based therapies. This knowledge will be shared with the Canadian Association of Play Therapy and the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers.
Open Access
A practicum counselling experience at Family Service Regina
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2022-04) Rhodes-Reilly, Andrea; Halabuza, Donalda; Fletcher, Kara
This report outlines my practicum experience providing counselling at Family Service Regina. It was my goal to fully immerse myself into the delivery of counselling services at Family Service Regina (FSR) and develop on my abilities to provide counselling with adults, children, families and couples. My initial focus was to incorporate emotionally focused couple’s therapy (EFT), solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) and acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT), however this goal was expanded to include the incorporation of models and practices that are effective with children in a counselling setting. In addition to the above noted models, I strived to operate from a trauma informed, attachment focused and anti-oppressive lens. I utilized self-reflective practice and integrated what I learned from regular supervision. I had the opportunity to work with a diverse population of clients, some of whom were experiencing challenging child behaviours, anxiety and depression, attachment and bond ruptures, historical trauma, grief and loss, transitional times of life, marital and relational challenges, and difficulties with strong emotions. My experience providing counselling at FSR has heightened my abilities and confidence as a counsellor.
Open Access
Residential treatment for young children in care: a field practicum with Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-05) Stocki, Julie A.; Fletcher, Kara
This paper is an account of a Master of Social Work field practicum with Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch (ENYR). ENYR is a Residential Stabilization Program (RSP) that provides out of home therapeutic services to children in care of the Ministry of Social Services (MSS) in Saskatchewan. The organization subscribes to the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI). These models are used by ENYR to address the complex needs of the traumatized children in their care. Internal data was collected and analyzed on a new home opened up for young children ages 6-12, and the findings illustrated the significance of the caregiver/child relationships as a critical component to these children’s therapeutic interventions. This resulted in the development of a training module to assist front line staff at ENYR in better understanding child development, the impacts of trauma on the neurological development of the brain, and the implementation of NMT when working with children in care.
Open Access
Community-based program development: a support group manual for individuals who experienced psychological trauma
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2021-04) Bleau, Carmen; Novik, Nuelle; Jeffery, Bonnie
The purpose of this research practicum was to develop a psychoeducational trauma support group facilitation manual in an effort to fill a gap identified in a Cultural Audit Report completed by Independent Living Vernon Society in January 2019. A primary theme identified through the Audit was the prevalence of trauma for service users, as well as the impacts of mental illness and substance abuse. Individuals who are not provided with the knowledge and understanding of the impacts that psychological traumas have on their mind and body struggle throughout their lives with various mental, emotional, and physical complexities. An Appreciative Inquiry approach, utilizing Trauma Informed principles, guided the development of this support group format. Information to use in the development of the manual was collected through a literature review, email interviews with community service providers, and environmental scan. The support group manual outlines areas of focus specific to individuals who identified adverse childhood experiences, historical trauma and interpersonal traumas. Through the incorporation of mind and body interventions, the support group manual that was developed delivers strategies and techniques to provide trauma survivors with coping mechanisms that will sustain and alleviate symptoms through their process of recovery. Through a social work program and service delivery lens, the support group manual was designed to be used to deliver programming to severely traumatized individuals by Independent Living Vernon Society in the community of Vernon, British Columbia.
Open Access
Sex trafficking in Canada: functional awareness and suggested strategies for service providers
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-12) van Tol, Tandi; Novik, Nuelle; Novotna, Gabriela
This report details my experience developing and completing a research project at Family Service Regina (FSR) which is an accredited, non-profit community organization that provides a variety of support services within the City of Regina. The goal of this research project was to gain foundational knowledge and understanding of the issue of sex trafficking in Canada which included identifying the gaps/needs in services specific to individuals who are trafficked, and an exploration of how the practice of social work can contribute to meeting the needs of those trafficked. This document will discuss reviewed literature on sex trafficking and will provide an overview of the data collected through eight interviews that were conducted with organizations currently offering support services in this area, or who are interested in providing services. A list of recommendations for consideration by FSR has been included.
Open Access
The PE Kiwewin project: an examination of aging out of care services for Indigenous youth
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-08) Neveu, Tatum; Funke, Oba; Sinclair, Raven
This report of the practicum completes an environmental scan of services and models of service delivery for Indigenous youth who are aging out of the foster care system. Questions for this report centered on Indigenous youth aging out of care. There is little information on what happens when Indigenous youth age out of care, the resources involved. A conversational method (Kovach, 2009) framed within Indigenous research methods, included interviews with eight social workers involved within social work and who have worked with Indigenous youth. The data revealed three core themes centered of the tipi teachings: obedience, humility, and respect. This report provides an outline for addressing the gaps within the foster care system to assist with making smoother transitions for indigenous youth aging out of care within an indigenous worldview and pedagogy and can be used for references in this area.
Open Access
The SIGN Walk-In Counselling Clinic evaluation : improving access to mental health services in rural Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2020-11) Garbutt, Brittany; Novik, Nuelle; Hunter, Garson
This report examines how the implementation of the Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours (SIGN) Walk-In Counselling Clinic (WICC) has impacted the rural area and community of Yorkton, SK in addressing mental health concerns. The SIGN WICC has been in operation since 2016 and was designed to reduce barriers and stigma associated with accessing mental health services through a no-cost, single session approach. This document provides information important to improving access to mental health care in rural Saskatchewan communities which was gathered through an evaluation conducted from September 2019 to April 2020. The information collected for this report demonstrates that the SIGN Walk-In Counselling Clinic is having a positive impact and meeting the needs of clients in addressing mental health concerns in rural communities. The information collected demonstrates that 65% of clients only require a single session, 71% of clients indicated they would not have accessed mental health services if the walk-in clinic was not available, and 100% of clients interviewed were able to maintain their mental health status for at least three-months following their walk-in counselling session. Using an Appreciative Inquiry framework, interviews with SIGN Walk-In Counselling Clinic service providers and service users were completed to gain an understanding of the experiences of providing and receiving mental health care through a walk-in clinic along with exploring how mental health is experienced within rural communities. Data analysis confirmed the need for more innovative and flexible mental health services, specifically in rural communities, and seven recommendations were identified for consideration by the Agency to ensure they continue to play a meaningful role in the continuum of care in providing mental health support in rural communities.
Open Access
Growing forward: best-practice(s) in client-centred service(s) for those experiencing and using intimate partner violence
(Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, 2019-12) Wyatt, Bronwyn Jeanne; Novik, Nuelle; Kikulwe, Daniel
Research indicates there are different subcategories of individuals who use Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) based on their personal characteristics, past experiences, and current psychopathy. While no agreed upon standard exists, both Johnson’s and Holtzworth-Munro & Stuart’s typology theories are well-respected, commonly utilized, evidence-based typologies outlining characteristics common to certain users of IPV. Further research indicates that interventions are more effective when tailored to meet the particular needs of each subtype. This research practicum report details completed review and analysis of best-practice risk assessment tools used to identify typologies of IPV users, research and reviewed literature regarding typology theories, and identified intervention treatments. This report outlines the evaluation of current practices of IPV assessment throughout all Family Service Regina service programs and provides research groundwork for future agency endeavours regarding the engagement and service of IPV users. Common themes identified included the impact of language to include or exclude, the necessity for purposeful assessment tools that are seamlessly incorporated with informal risk assessment skills of clinicians, and interventions that move from victim-centred to client-centred in a concerted effort to ensure that services are provided in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed ways that engage clients to be participants in their own growth. Finally, this report provides recommendations to encourage continued use of person-centred language, to incorporate understandings of typologies of IPV to inform interventions, and to pair best-practice, evidence-based assessments and interventions with the family-centred mission and values for which Family Services Regina stands.