Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 46 No. 12 December 2008
Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy with Adult Female Survivors of Abuse
Krista M. Meinersmann, PhD, RN; Judy Bradberry, PhD, RN; and Florence Bright Roberts, PhD, RN
ABSTRACT
This qualitative study examined the stories of 5 women who experienced abuse and participated in equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) as part of their recovery. Anecdotal accounts support the effectiveness of EFP with women who have experienced abuse, but there is a lack of supporting research. This study was designed to examine the effectiveness of EFP in the treatment of women who have experienced abuse. Selection criteria included age, experience of abuse, participation in EFP, and ability to understand English. Data analysis identified four patterns in the participants’ stories: I Can Have Power; Doing It Hands On, Horses as Co-Therapists, and Turned My Life Around. Overall, the participants’ stories show that EFP can be an effective intervention for women who have experienced abuse.
AUTHORS
Dr. Meinersmann is Associate Director, Undergraduate Program, and Clinical Associate Professor, Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Dr. Bradberry is Professor, Brenau University, Gainesville, and Dr. Roberts is Professor of Nursing, Retired, Dahlonega, Georgia.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support. The authors would like to thank the women who shared their stories with them. Without their courage, the authors’ work would not be possible.
Address correspondence to Krista M. Meinersmann, PhD, RN, Associate Director, Undergraduate Program, and Clinical Associate Professor, Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing, Georgia State University, PO Box 4019, Atlanta, GA 30302-4019; e-mail: kmeinersmann@gsu.edu.
Promoting Dual Diagnosis Awareness in Everyday Clinical Practice
Michelle Cleary, PhD, RN; Garry Walter, PhD, MB BS, BMedSc; Glenn E. Hunt, PhD; Richard Clancy, RN, BSocSc, MMedSc; and Jan Horsfall, PhD, RN
ABSTRACT
Working with and treating individuals with co-occurring substance misuse presents unique challenges for mental health nurses. Substance misuse is common in mental health settings, and its clinical challenges with system barriers impede positive treatment outcomes. To work effectively in everyday clinical practice with dual diagnosis clients, nurses need to consider potential guiding principles. These principles pertain to treatment aims, engagement, assessment, symptoms, care plans, cycle of change, motivational interviewing, traps to avoid, active treatment, relapse prevention, agency collaboration, and treatment diversity. Clinical tools are easily accessible resources that can provide a framework for contemporary practice in a range of settings. Such resources are helpful in practice and as a foundation for orientation, education, self-reflection, and peer review. Setting expectations for everyday practice and ensuring that clients with a dual diagnosis receive the best care possible are important goals for the nursing profession.
AUTHORS
Dr. Cleary is Clinical Associate Professor of Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, and Clinical Nurse Consultant, Research Unit, Sydney South West Area Mental Health Service, Dr. Walter is Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Discipline of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, and Area Clinical Director, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, Dr. Hunt is Senior Research Fellow, Discipline of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, and Research Unit, Sydney South West Area Mental Health Service, Dr. Horsfall is Research Officer, Research Unit, Sydney South West Area Mental Health Service, Sydney, and Mr. Clancy is Clinical Nurse Consultant, Dual Diagnosis, Hunter New England Mental Health, New Lambton, and Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This work was supported by an Educational Grant from Pfizer Australia.
Address correspondence to Michelle Cleary, PhD, RN, Concord Centre for Mental Health, Concord Hospital, Hospital Road, Concord, New South Wales, 2139, Australia; e-mail: michelle.cleary@email.cs.nsw.gov.au.
A Model of CAM Use by Women with Female-Specific Cancers
Valerie S. Eschiti, PhD, RN, CHTP, AHN-BC
ABSTRACT
In this cross-sectional, retrospective, explanatory secondary analysis of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, complementary and alternative modality (CAM) use by women with female-specific cancers is described. The effect of personal factors on the odds of CAM use was measured using the researcher’s model, based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model, as a framework. Women age 40 and older, with high levels of education, presence of pain, and presence of depression/anxiety were more likely to use CAM. Because women with female-specific cancers who report depression/anxiety are more likely to use CAM, they need to be targeted by mental health nurses for education regarding safe CAM use.
AUTHORS
Dr. Eschiti is Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Nursing, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Valerie S. Eschiti, PhD, RN, CHTP, AHN-BC, Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Nursing, 1100 N. Stonewall, Oklahoma City, OK 73117; e-mail: valerie-eschiti@ouhsc.edu.
