Assignment 4 Practicum Week 10 Journal Entry Reflect On Your

Assignment 4 Practicum Week 10 Journal Entryreflect On Your Overall

Reflect on your overall practicum experience in this course. Then, address the following in your Practicum Journal: Explain whether your therapeutic theory has changed as a result of your practicum experiences. Recall the theories you selected in Week 1 which are (Psychodynamic Theory & Cognitive Theory). Explain how you integrated the therapeutic approaches from this course in your clinical practice. Include how this helped you achieve the goals and objectives you developed in Week 1. Explain how you might impact social change through your work with clients who have mental health issues. Support your approach with evidence-based literature.

Note: Please see and pay attention to the attached Practicum Journal Template and Journal Sample (Time Log & Journal Entries) for writing this assignment. Also, for the Time Log and Journal Entries, just make up reasonable information and client information in mental health nursing. Include references.

Paper For Above instruction

The practicum experience in this course has been profoundly transformative, particularly in shaping my understanding and application of therapeutic theories within mental health nursing. Initially, I selected psychodynamic and cognitive theories in Week 1, aiming to develop a comprehensive approach for addressing clients' mental health needs. Over the duration of my practicum, my understanding of these theories has evolved, deepening my appreciation for their respective roles and integration in clinical practice. This reflection explores whether my therapeutic perspective has shifted, how I integrated these approaches, and their impact on achieving my professional objectives. Additionally, I will discuss the potential of my work to foster social change, supported by evidence-based literature.

Evolution of Therapeutic Theories

My experience in the practicum revealed that while my foundational understanding of psychodynamic and cognitive theories remains intact, I have developed a more nuanced perspective. Initially, I viewed psychodynamic therapy primarily as a tool for exploring unconscious processes rooted in early experiences (Wheeler, 2014). However, engaging directly with clients taught me that psychodynamic principles can effectively inform contemporary approaches by emphasizing insight and emotional awareness. Similarly, my view of cognitive theory expanded from a focus solely on symptom management to an understanding of how cognitions influence behavior and emotional responses over time (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Consequently, my therapeutic stance has shifted toward an integrative model that balances insight-oriented and skill-based techniques.

Integration of Therapeutic Approaches

Throughout my practicum, I integrated psychodynamic and cognitive techniques synergistically to support client goals. For instance, with a young adult client diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I employed cognitive restructuring strategies from cognitive therapy to challenge negative thought patterns (Bass et al., 2014). Simultaneously, I utilized psychodynamic principles by exploring underlying emotional conflicts and attachment issues that contributed to her maladaptive cognitions. This dual approach facilitated improved emotional regulation and increased insight, aligning with the objectives I set in Week 1: to enhance clients' emotional awareness and cognitive flexibility (Koocher, 2003). Incorporating mindfulness techniques from cognitive therapy also helped clients develop healthier coping strategies.

Achievement of Goals and Objectives

The integration of these therapeutic models helped me meet my initial goals by fostering clients' self-awareness, promoting adaptive coping, and reducing distress. For example, in one session, a middle-aged client with generalized anxiety disorder described persistent worry and sleep disturbances. Using cognitive restructuring, I identified and challenged irrational thoughts, which led to a decrease in anxious symptoms. Concurrently, I explored emotional patterns linked to unresolved childhood experiences, encouraging deeper insight. This comprehensive approach supported the client's progress and met my objectives of improving symptom control and emotional understanding (McLeod et al., 2016).

Impact on Social Change

My work with clients extends beyond individual healing; it has the potential to catalyze broader social change by addressing mental health stigma and advocating for equitable access to mental health services. Through culturally sensitive therapy grounded in evidence-based practices, I aim to empower marginalized populations who face systemic barriers to mental health care. Research indicates that mental health interventions rooted in psychodynamic and cognitive models can reduce symptoms and enhance functioning, enabling clients to participate more fully in society (Zilberstein, 2014). By promoting resilience and emotional regulation, my clinical work can contribute to healthier communities, breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma, and advocating for policies that prioritize mental health resources (Wheeler, 20114).

Conclusion

Overall, my practicum experience has refined my therapeutic approach, integrating psychodynamic and cognitive theories into a flexible, client-centered practice. This integration has facilitated the achievement of my initial goals and holds promise for fostering meaningful social change. Grounded in evidence-based literature, my evolving perspective supports a holistic approach that addresses both conscious and unconscious processes, ultimately aiming to improve mental health outcomes and promote societal well-being.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• Bass, C., van Nevel, J., & Swart, J. (2014). A comparison between dialectical behavior therapy, mode deactivation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 9(2), 4–8. https://doi.org/10.1037/h
• Koocher, G. P. (2003). Ethical issues in psychotherapy with adolescents. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59(11), 1247–1256.
• McLeod, B. D., Jensen-Doss, A., Tully, C. B., Southam-Gerow, M. A., Weisz, J. R., & Kendall, P. C. (2016). The role of setting versus treatment type in alliance within youth therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 84(5), 453–464. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp
• Wheeler, K. (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
• Zilberstein, K. (2014). The use and limitations of attachment theory in child psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 51(1), 93–103. https://doi.org/10.1037/a