Exploring counselors’ learning and application of neuroscience in clinical trauma practice
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Patricia H. Tousey (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- J. Scott Young
Abstract: In recent decades, neuroscience research has provided consistent evidence that counseling and psychotherapy alter the brain in prosocial and adaptive ways. An evolving understanding of the neurobiological basis of psychological processes has led to a push for the integration of neuroscientific findings into the counseling field. Trauma treatment is an emerging focus of clinical practice that has received growing attention within the counseling literature and is an area that is heavily influenced by neuroscientific research. It is known that traumatic experiences negatively impact the nervous system in contrast to how counseling has been proven to impact the brain and nervous system in positive, prosocial ways. Through effective counseling, trauma survivors may be able to heal the deleterious impacts on the nervous system caused by traumatic experiences. An exploration of how counselors are learning to integrate neuroscience into clinical practice, particularly in the treatment of trauma, would shed light on the effectiveness and practicality of relevant neuroscience knowledge, competencies, and strategies. At the macrosystemic level, to remain current as a mental health profession, the counseling field must keep abreast of current trends and integrate neuroscientific research findings into clinical practice, training, research, and clinical supervision. However, to date, it is unclear how counselors are gaining knowledge of neuroscientific principles and emerging research as well as if and how this information is being applied to clinical settings. The purpose of the current study was to explore the experiences of practicing neuro-informed counselors regarding their training in neuroscientific concepts and implementation of neuroscience-related concepts into their work with trauma survivors. The study sought to understand how practicing counselors gain access to training in neuro-informed counseling, the perceived efficacy of trainings, as well as any barriers they face to receiving appropriate training. Further, this study explored if and how these counselors are integrating neuroscientific concepts into their clinical practice, their conceptualizations of the neurophysiological impact of trauma on survivors, and which neuroscientific concepts counselors find most relevant and impactful in their clinical work. The study sought to begin bridging the gap between hard neuroscience research and application into counselor training and clinical work.
Exploring counselors’ learning and application of neuroscience in clinical trauma practice
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Created on 5/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Counseling, Counselor education, Neuro-informed, Neuroscience, Therapy, Trauma
- Subjects
- Mental health counselors $x In-service training
- Psychic trauma $x Patients $x Counseling of
- Clinical neuropsychology