Thai Journal of Clinical Psychology (Online)

Effects of Sand Tray Therapy on Mental Health Problems in Abused Children

2024-10-27T14:00:05+07:00

This academic review aims to present the history of sand tray therapy, the therapeutic processes involved, and its application for addressing mental health issues in abused children. It provides examples of using sand tray therapy to alleviate mental health problems in children who have experienced abuse. The author has gathered information from relevant documents published between 2009 and 2024, utilizing electronic databases such as Thai Journal Online (ThaiJO) and Google Scholar. The data collection results indicate that reveal empirical evidence of the benefits of sand tray therapy in addressing mental health issues in abused children. These include reducing anxiety levels, helping children adapt to negative past memories, and improving emotional and cognitive development. Sand tray therapy is particularly suitable for children who struggle to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. It is a childcentered approach where the therapist encourages the child to reflect on their problems or situations, allowing them to freely express themselves through the sand tray. Thus, sand tray therapy serves as a
form of play therapy, enabling children to release inner feelings, overcome communication barriers, and explore and express their thoughts, emotions, and feelings more effectively than through verbal storytelling. This technique delves into the deeper levels of the psyche, fostering a new positive understanding of oneself. Additionally, it serves as a tool to support growth and enhance creative development. The process involves detailed explanations of the methods, techniques, and equipment used in sand tray therapy for children. Therapists practicing this method should possess specialized expertise and undergo proper training in sand tray therapy.

Counseling Experience of Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

2024-11-25T21:50:27+07:00

Objectives: The study aimed to gain insight into the psychological experiences of counseling in intimate partner violence survivors.
Materials and methods: This qualitative research employed the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method and collected data through semi-structured in-depth interviews ranging from 74-123 minutes. The participants were four women aged 21 to 28 years who had experienced intimate partner violence and sought counseling regarding the relationship.
Results: This article presents two main themes: 1) Experience of counseling increased awareness of the
situation, revealing four subordinate themes: (1) Counseling increased awareness in perception of the
problem; (2) Counseling lessened self-blame; (3) Awareness of what prevents oneself from leaving the
relationship; and 4) Self-conflict leads to avoidance of continuing counseling. 2) Counseling helps with standing up for oneself, consisting of three subordinate themes: (1) Counseling helped create relationship boundaries; (2) Changes resulting from counseling helped end the relationship; and (3) Counseling helped remain stable during the process of ending the relationship.
Conclusion: This research provides an understanding of the psychological experiences of female survivors of intimate partner violence in counseling. The findings have the potential to significantly enhance counselor competence, providing a deeper understanding and more effective strategies for working with women seeking help for intimate partner violence.

Psychological Experiences of Trainee Counselors Working with Clients Who Have Suicidal Ideation

2024-10-27T15:31:23+07:00

Objectives: The study gained insight regarding the psychological experiences of trainee counselors working with clients who have suicidal ideation.
Materials and methods: This qualitative research employed the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis method. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with five trainee counselors who have experience working with clients experiencing suicidal thoughts. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. The process was started by noting key points, identified themes and subthemes, and categorized the themes. The credibility of the data was verified by the advisor through peer debriefing.
Results: The research related to the psychological experiences and self-care of trainee counselors identified two main themes. The first major theme, "Fear and Doubt in Handling Suicidal Thoughts," consisted of two subthemes: Self-doubt stemming from perceived incompetence, and Fear of failing to prevent suicide. The second major theme, "Learning to Cope with Suicidal Thoughts," included two subthemes: Realistic Perspectives, and Self-Care and Personal Development.
Conclusion: The psychological experiences of trainee psychologists, despite feelings of fear and lack of confidence, involve learning to cope with clients experiencing suicidal ideation by adopting a realistic
perspective. They take care of themselves and engage in self-development, enabling them to continue working effectively.

Experiences of Working-age Adults towards Receiving Video Counseling Services: A Qualitative Study

2024-11-06T14:54:38+07:00

Objectives: To study the psychological experiences of working-age adults towards receiving real-time video counseling during COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and methods: The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method was employed.
The data was collected through semi-structured interviews on perspectives and criteria for selecting video counseling service providers, clients’ emotions and adjustment in service encounters, and experiential learnings of receiving services. The research participants were 7 working-age adults, aged between 28-42 years, who had completed and terminated all psychological counseling services, both face-to-face individual counseling and real-time video counseling, at least 2 sessions.
Results: Five main themes were found: 1) Essential considerations before choosing video counseling services. 2) Emotional awareness and attempts to communicate for better engagement through video. 3) The perceived utility of video counseling. 4) The perception of positive changes after completing the video counseling services, and 5) Clients' expectations towards video counseling services.
Conclusion: The research findings had enhanced knowledge and provided better understanding of real-time video counseling services in Thailand. Findings could be beneficial for individuals who are seeking psychological help and entering services, as a guideline on effective and meaningful participation in video counseling, as well as a future guideline and applications for psychologists and mental health professionals to develop psychological service quality and advocate efficient delivery of video counseling service.

Childhood Experiences of Persons Growing Up with Depressed Parents

2024-11-26T22:04:12+07:00

Objectives: To study the childhood experiences of individuals who grew up with parents diagnosed with
depression.
Materials and methods: This qualitative research employed the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured questions. The primary informants consist of six individuals who experienced living with parents diagnosed with depression before the age of 18. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured questions. Data were analyzed by recording key points, identifying significant themes, and categorizing these themes.
Results: Three main themes of experiences were identified: (1) Noticing Changes but Not Recognizing
Depression (recognizing parents' depression without understanding it, feeling worried and guilty for possibly contributing to the illness, acknowledging how fragile parents alter family dynamics); (2) Feeling Overwhelmed and Uncertain about How to Respond During a Parent's Crisis (struggling to cope with the parent's relapses, experiencing frustration and dissatisfaction, lacking confidence in the ill parent's abilities, feeling both pity and compassion for the caregiving parent); (3) Adapting Oneself to Be with Sick Parents (efforts to adjust to living with sick parents, establishing personal goals and responsibilities, assuming the caregiver role, and becoming an emotional support for parents).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the negative impacts of growing up and living with parents suffering from depression. Psychologists, relevant professionals, and families should be aware of these issues to provide appropriate support when problems arise.

The Systematic Review of the Effects of Play Therapy on AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children 2015-2024

2024-08-13T10:49:58+07:00

Objectives: The objective was to review and synthesize empirical evidence on the effectiveness of play therapy in reducing the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, published from 2015 to 2024. In addition, the study analyzed the significant factors affecting its effectiveness.
Materials and methods: The research included a systematic review of the literature on the effects of play therapy on ADHD symptoms in children published from 2015 to 2024. Five internet databases were searched, including PsycLit, PubMed, ScienceDirect, APA PsycInfo, and ThaiJo. By searching according to PRISMA guidelines, duplicate articles were eliminated. Other articles were then considered based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, the data were assessed using JBI’s critical appraisal tools, followed by data extraction through content synthesis.
Results: In synthesizing the content relevant to this study, 23 articles were included. The synthesis revealed issues related to the effectiveness of play therapy in reducing ADHD symptoms in children. Key factors of play therapy influencing symptom reduction included: 1) the development of communication and self-awareness, 2) enhancing problem-solving confidence, 3) developing social skills within a safe relational context, and 4) promoting self-regulation skills through movement-based activities. However, this research might be limited in its selection of articles due to the inclusion of only published and disseminated articles.
Conclusion: Play therapy that incorporated factors such as communication, self-awareness, problemsolving, social skills development, and self-regulation helped reduce symptoms of ADHD, including inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, more effectively in children.