Sejal M. Barden

Mindful Caring: Using Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy With Caregivers of Cancer Survivors

Caregivers of cancer survivors face many burdens that often require treatment by mental health professionals. One intervention, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, aims to help individuals change the ways in which they relate to their thoughts rather than changing their thoughts. In this manuscript, we discuss the use and adaption of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with caregivers of cancer survivors as a way to decrease caregiver burden and increase caregiver quality of life. A session-by-session breakdown of how to tailor mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to caregivers of cancer survivors is provided.

An Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Protocol Readiness Model

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread, pervasive issue that affects heterosexual and same-sex relationships. However, IPV is largely underreported, and many counselors do not formally assess for relationship violence. Additionally, counselors typically do not have a plan to manage disclosures of violence when they occur. We present an IPV Protocol Readiness Model that helps counselors determine their readiness to assess for IPV as well as manage disclosures. Additionally, we present a questionnaire intended to provide guidance for counselors regarding organizational and community factors important to the success of an IPV protocol. Finally, we discuss practical applications and suggestions for further research.

Finding Your New Normal: Outcomes of a Wellness-Oriented Psychoeducational Support Group for Cancer Survivors

Group interventions have been useful for survivors to overcome the challenges of cancer. This study employed a pre/post, mixed-methods design to explore the influence of an 8-week support group on the holistic wellness of 14 breast cancer survivors. Pairing experiential activities with wellness-centered psychoeducation was viewed positively by participants and corresponded to increased scores on the Five Factor Wellness Inventory. Interview data generated insight for future group work with cancer survivors. Notably, care should be taken to consider the varied individual cancer experiences and it may be worthwhile to structure groups so that members can “pay forward” their new knowledge.

International cultural immersion: Assessing the influence of a group intervention on intercultural sensitivity for counselor trainees.

Scholars (e.g., Bemak & Chung, 2004) underscore the need for group workers to be culturally sensitive. One group training strategy, cultural immersion, is often employed to develop cultural sensitivity. However, no studies have utilized quasi-experimental methodologies to assess differences in cultural sensitivity between trainees that immerse compared to those that do not immerse. To this end, this article provides an overview of the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity, description of an international cultural immersion experience and quasi-experimental research design, analysis of data, discussion of results, implications for group facilitators and counselor educators, and suggestions for future research.

A Narrative Approach to Supporting Clients Living with HIV

The number of individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to grow, increasing the responsibility of mental health counselors to effectively intervene and better understand the unique struggles facing survivors of HIV. Narrative therapy, a postmodern approach to counseling, is presented for use with clients living with HIV. Basic tenets of narrative therapy (externalizing the problem, identifying socially constructed messages, focusing on strengths, and reauthoring client stories) and application with HIV-positive clients are discussed, highlighting the influence of narrative therapy on both physical and mental health issues. A case application is provided.

Mixed Methodology in Group Research: Lessons Learned

Mixed methods research (MMR) is a useful paradigm for group work as it allows exploration of both participant outcomes and “how” or “why” such changes occur. Unfortunately, the group counseling literature is not replete with MMR studies. This article reviews the application of MMR to group contexts and summarizes the corpus of MMR on groups. Then, we synthesize lessons learned from planning, conducting, and analyzing 3 of our own mixed methods group studies that utilize consensual qualitative research. Practical guidance is presented as insights researchers may consider when they attempt to conduct meaningful and feasible MMR in a group setting.

Examining Parental Alliance for Low-Income Participants Who Attended Relationship Education With or Without a Partner

Couples and relationship education (CRE) programs indicate positive results for low-income couples who attend. However, most studies examined relationship satisfaction or communication patterns, with few addressing the influence of CRE on parental alliance and even fewer examining parental alliances for those who attend couples-level and individual-level programs. Thus, we examined changes in parental alliance for participants who attended CRE individually (n = 182) and with their partner (n = 190). Participants who attended couples level CRE with a partner reported significant parental alliance improvements at post-assessments, while those who attended individual level CRE independently did not.

Perspectiva Masculina An Exploration of Intimate Partners of Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, couples commonly face significant difficulties such as adjusting to new family roles, diminishing cohesion and communication, and increases in marital conflict. Latina breast cancer survivors report feeling less emotional support from their partners and an intimate partners’ level of distress can have a deleterious influence on the cancer survivor. The current study explores the influence of breast cancer on Latino male partners. Analysis of the data resulted in nine domains that provide significant insight into participant experiences. Results of this study also suggest several implications for counselors.

Investigating the Influence of Relationship Education on Parental Attitudes

Economically strained couples experience a multitude of chronic stressors and are at greater risk for lower quality relationships with their children. Relationship education (RE) programs indicate positive results for economically strained couples who attend. However, most studies examine relationship satisfaction or communication patterns with few addressing the influence of RE on parental attitudes. Therefore, we examined changes in parental attitudes for couples (n = 70) and compared differences in parental attitudes as measured by the empathy and family roles subscales of the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory-2 at pre- and post-assessment. Results partially supported the hypothesis becasue participants indicated no significant differences between pre- and post-scores on empathy; however, participants did indicate significant differences between pre- and post-scores on family roles. Implications of results and discussion are provided.

Mejorando Matrimonios Relationship Education as a Vehicle to Overcome Barriers for Hispanic Couples

Researchers have indicated that Hispanic couples and families experience high rates of mental health issues; however, they tend to underutilize mental health services due to cultural and structural barriers. One potential vehicle to overcoming barriers to mental health treatment for Hispanic couples is through engaging in marriage and relationship education (MRE). MRE, an empirically supported educational intervention, has been found to be effective for Hispanic couples. However, proper application of MRE warrants cultural sensitivity. To this extent, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of barriers to mental health treatment and suggest several cultural considerations when facilitating MRE for Hispanic couples.