Russ Curtis

Postpartum mood disorders: Results of an online survey

Abstract Purpose: Postpartum mood disorders (PMDs), the distressing mental and emotional symptoms experienced by women after childbirth, are just now receiving the attention they warrant. Given the serious and sometimes life-threatening nature of PMDs, we used a qualitative research design to examine more closely the nature of symptoms experienced and the effective strategies women used to cope with PMD. Participants: The respondents were 252 members of PMD and breast-feeding (La Leche League) support groups throughout the United States. Method: Participants responded anonymously to open-ended questions in an online survey. The data were reviewed by the research team to determine common themes and prevailing issues. Results: Participants reported myriad different symptoms and used a host of various strategies to alleviate problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours following childbirth. Postpartum symptoms affected participants’ plans to have future children. For some women, symptoms became more intens...

Experiences of Postpartum Mood Disorders of Women With More Than One Child

In this consensual qualitative research study, the postpartum mood disorder (PMD) experiences of 127 women who have more than one child were explored through an online survey. Implications for practice include an expansion in predictive factors and symptoms when screening for PMD and the identification of prevention and coping strategies useful in the education and treatment of women who experience PMD.

Integrating traditional and non‐traditional approaches to treat a client with a co‐occurring addictive and mental disorder: A case study

This paper presents a case study of a male client with co-occurring addictive and psychological problems. The aim is to describe this clients treatment within an inpatient facility that provided integrated care for those diagnosed with both mental illness and substance abuse. The course of treatment from admission to discharge and follow-up are discussed in an effort to provide a detailed account of the treatment modalities used to best help this client. Implications for counselling clients with similar issues and concerns are discussed.

Using Films to Increase Cultural Competence in Working With LGBTQ Clients

There is a dearth of research on effective strategies for teaching counselors-in-training how to work more effectively with LGBTQ clients. Experiential learning activities, such as watching films, can increase students’ knowledge of their attitudes and beliefs about themselves and culturally diverse clients. This qualitative study explored, in the context of a sexuality and counseling course, how 27 students’ awareness, knowledge, and skills were influenced by the use of two films, For the Bible Tells Me So and Normal, which illuminate the experiences of LGBTQ individuals and their families. Results and implications for counselor educators are provided.