Papers by Amberley Buxton
This study examined the outcome of extended counselling sessions at a community counselling centr... more This study examined the outcome of extended counselling sessions at a community counselling centre. Participants were 38 female and 7 male clients who were categorized as dealing with one of the following issues: trauma, multiple acute issues, complicated grief, or support while waiting for referral. Results showed a signifi cant lessening of symptoms and increase in coping skills between sessions 12 and 24 for all clients. Having previous counselling was signifi cantly related to magnitude of change on the Target Complaint change score. Through qualitative analyses, trauma and nontrauma clients described simi-lar types of change from counselling: gaining insight, experiencing feelings, counselling relationship, self-growth, and new ways of being. However, some differences were apparent in the way that these categories were discussed by the trauma and nontrauma clients.
This study investigated the experience of posttraumatic growth for breast cancer survivors who vo... more This study investigated the experience of posttraumatic growth for breast cancer survivors who volunteered to complete a survey (N = 277). A number of participants also provided narrative responses containing their personal experiences of breast cancer (N = 100). Demographic characteristics, breast cancer variables, optimism, coping strategies, I have been fortunate to have had the support of many wonderful people throughout the time that it took to complete this dissertation. I am thankful for the women who participated in this research and shared their personal accounts of living with breast cancer. I have learned from their experiences that although this diagnosis can be trying and at times devastating, it can also lead to positive outcomes such as the formation of new relationships, new found strength, and appreciation for life. My supervisor, Dr. Lana Stermac, provided formative guidance and support along the way. Her knowledge and insight were instrumental in the completion of this project. My dissertation committee members, Dr. Niva Piran and Dr. Mary Alice Guttman, have generously given their time, support, and expertise. Also, my external examiner, Dr. Janet Jeffrey, provided helpful feedback and took an interest in this topic. Olesya Falenchuk"s knowledge, enthusiasm, and assistance with the statistical aspects of this research were invaluable. I am grateful for the ongoing support of my husband, Chris Brown, who has been my rock from day one of academic pursuits. His encouragement, interest, patience, and perspective have helped me through all of these years. My parents, Marilyn and Gerald, and brother, Joel, have been my number one supporters and have always believed in me. They have helped me celebrate every step and accomplishment along the way. My extended family and my in-laws, the Brown family, have also provided tremendous support. v Finally, this dissertation would not have been possible without the friendship, encouragement, and support of Kristen Dowling, Rachel O"Hearn and the Wellness
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Papers by Amberley Buxton