During my years in the social work field, I have worked with diverse and vulnerable populations, and I have found that clients face barriers that impede their ability to access mental health services. This has become more relevant to society as years pass and more struggles are identified, such as financial, organizational, and systemic impediments. Within my practicum placement at Currents Counselling and Consulting, I encouraged an environment involving equity within social work and private practice. I did this through narrative therapy and responsebased practice with the enmeshment of spirituality and holistic interventions. I was able to adhere to professional practice frameworks consistent with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) Code of Ethics. I aim to call into question how Westernized society has defined what evidence-based practice consists of and what could be used as appropriate interventions. As society evolves, we see significant benefits from approaches and interventions involving more holistic and spiritual perspectives. This report also discusses my practicum experiences, implications, need for ongoing involvement, effective self-care, and concludes with recommendations for social work practice.
Research on jurors and juror symptomatology has been conducted for many years; however, existing research has primarily been completed in the United States. What little research was conducted in Canada is now several years ago. Further, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence to suggest PTSD can and does occur as a result of serving jury duty. As such, this research sought to explore the relationship between jury duty participation and PTSD symptomology, as described by participants. This research is qualitative and involved two stages. First, participants (n=14) were asked to complete an online demographic survey that included a self-report measure for PTSD, the PCL-5. Second, participants (n=12) were invited to complete a one-two hour interview. Findings from the interviews were analyzed via thematic analysis. This research found three participants who met the criteria for probable PTSD (when using a cut-off score of 32). Overall, jurors in Canada echo previous research that states sources of symptoms relate to viewing disturbing images, deliberations, sequestering, and fear of making a mistake. New insight indicates fear associated with retaliation may be a major contributing factor for symptomology. Further, jurors whose life experiences relate to the trial type may be a contributing factor for symptomology. Policy and practice recommendations include improving information for jurors before they begin their service and providing more consistent follow-up support for jurors. Research should continue to explore the relationship between jurors and symptomology.
