M.P.S. Portfolio 1

RUNNING HEAD: M.P.S. PORTFOLIO

M.P.S. Portfolio

Lori Correa

Hodges University

M.P.S. Portfolio 2

Table of Contents

Dedication/Acknowledgement Page ……………………………………………………..3

Resume…………………………………………………………………………………….4

Professional Portfolio Components

Critical Thinking Assignment……………………………………………………..6

An Intercultural No-No:

Stereotypes……………………………………….7

Effective Communication Assignment…………………………………………..17

Listen with your Eyes……………………………………………………19

Initiative Assignment…………………………………………………………….26

The Role of a Counselor…………………………………………………27

Leadership Assignment………………………………………………………….36

Chrystal Methamphetamine……………………………………………...38

*Power Point Presentation

Research Assignment……………………………………………………………39

The Effects of Caregiver Stress on Homicide/Suicide…………………..41

Overall Reflection Paper………………………………………………………………...60

M.P.S. Portfolio 3

Dedication/ Acknowledgement Page

When I began my journey towards higher education, I was a single mother raising

three children. Deciding to go back to school was a choice I had to make knowing that

there would be evenings that I wouldn’t be home to cook dinner or tuck my children into

bed. My son, Brandon, who was about 13 years old at the time, fulfilled the

responsibilities of cooking dinners for his sisters, taking out the trash and making sure the

house was tidy for when I got home - which oftentimes, was after they were asleep. My

son grew up quickly during this time. I appreciate his sacrifices and I hope that today, he

knows how much I love him. I pray that I have been an exceptional example of a student

and I am hopeful that I have instilled the need for higher education in him.

During my pursuit of education, I was fortunate to meet my husband, Jaime. He

lovingly took the role as step-dad to my children and confidant to me. Many nights I

worried and cried about how I would get through this process while working and raising

children. Countless times, he offered words of wisdom and encouragement. I am thankful

everyday that God brought Jamie into my life and thank him for his continued support

throughout my Bachelor’s degree and upward towards the completion of my Master’s

degree.

M.P.S. Portfolio 4

Resume Lori Correa

451 Summit Rd.

Otto, NC 28763

828-421-7117

correa_lori@yahoo.com

Objective: I am currently seeking a position in a higher education institution that will

utilize my skills and education.

Education:

Master of Professional Studies in Psychology (2008) Hodges University, Fort Myers, FL

18 hours of Psychology related courses complete

Graduation: December, 2008

Related course work: Management Processes, Research Methods, Gender & Society,

Human Sexuality, Substance Abuse Theory, Psychosocial Theory, Interpersonal

Communication & Leadership, Professional Ethics, Topics in Crim and Stress

Management.

Bachelor of Science- Legal Studies (2006) Hodges University, Fort Myers, FL

Related course work: Law Office Management, Business Management, Legal Ethics,

Family Law, Criminal Law & Procedure, Legal Research 1 & 2, Torts, Professional

Writing, Constitutional Law, Evidence, Property Law.

Summary of Experience:

Management

Overseer of licensing

• Supervision of 20+ employees

• All disciplinary actions regarding students and staff

• Payroll

• Record keeping

• Communication with parents

• Purchasing

• Receivables and Deposits

• Banking

• Annual Budget, Grant Writing, Florida State Food Program

M.P.S. Portfolio 5

Skills and Abilities

• Microsoft Office Proficient

• Law Programs: Carpe Diem, Double-Time and Propel

• Multi-Media: Captivate, Toolbook, Photo Shop

• 75 wpm

Experience

Education Specialist/Presenter, Drake Software, Franklin, NC (June,

2008 to Present)

Pre-School Director, Harvest Christian Academy, Lehigh Acres, FL

(April, 2007 – November 11, 2007)

Legal Assistant, Marian Garcia Perez, P.A., Fort Myers, FL (January,

2007 –April, 2007)

Legal Secretary, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., Fort

Myers, FL (August 2005 - January 2007) Real Estate Division

with Douglas Waldorf and Edward Canterbury

Principal, Harvest Christian Academy, Lehigh Acres, FL (March

1997- March 2004)

Office Manager, Tomato Specialists, Lehigh Acres, FL (March 2004 –

August 2005)

References

Professor Jim Hodge – Hodges University 239-482-0019, Legal Studies

Chair

Esther Childs – Henderson, Franklin, et. al. 239-344-1127

Christine Reynolds- Drake Software Supervisor- 828-349-5700

Pam Collins- Macon County School District – 828-524-9215

M.P.S. Portfolio 6

Professional Portfolio Component Completion Record

Program/Competency: MPS/Critical Thinking

Lori Correa

Assignment: An Intercultural No-No: Stereotypes

This record certifies that the above-named student has satisfactorily demonstrated

Graduate-Level Critical Thinking Competency in accordance with current International

College requirements. The competency criterion requires that the students demonstrate

that he/she:

1. Develops analogies and other forms of comparison to clarify meaning.

This assignment is focused on the term “stereotypes”. This was an opportunity to

point out how important it is to be careful what we say and how we group certain

people into certain categories based on bias.

2. Uses multiple strategies including various independent sources to make

judgments that are reliable, intellectually strong and relevant.

An article was used about an actual event that took place in Herouxville, Canada.

3. Evaluates and revises the position/opinion on a topic/belief.

I evaluated what is likely to take place when stereotypical behavior is present.

4. Anticipates and assimilates cultural differences.

This paper was written from an intercultural stand point.

5. Incorporates other points of view in thought and action.

Other points of view would include the people of Herouxville and their views and

opinions about “outsiders”.

M.P.S. Portfolio 7

RUNNING HEAD: AN INTERCULTURAL NO-NO:

Lori Correa

Hodges University

M.P.S. Portfolio 8

An Intercultural No-No: Stereotypes

Stereotypes are as old as human culture itself. They reflect ideas that groups of

people hold about others who are different from them. The contents of this paper will

discuss the meaning of stereotypes, examples as well as ways to avoid bias and

stereotypical behavior.

A stereotype is a fixed, commonly held notion or image of a person or group,

based on an oversimplification of some observed or imagined trait of behavior or

appearance. (Media Awareness, 2008). A stereotype can be embedded in single word or

phrase (such as, “jock” or “nerd”), an image, or a combination of words and images. The

image evoked is easily recognized and understood by others who share the same views.

Stereotypes can be either positive (“black men are good at basketball”) or

negative (“women are bad drivers”). But most stereotypes tend to make us feel superior

in some way to the person or group being stereotyped. Stereotypes ignore the uniqueness

of individuals by painting all members of a group with the same brush.

Stereotypes can appear in the media because of the biases of writers, directors,

producers, reporters and editors. But stereotypes can also be useful to the media because

they provide a quick identity for a person or group that is easily recognized by an

audience. When deadlines loom, it’s sometimes faster and easier to use a stereotype to

characterize a person or situation, than it is to provide a more complex explanation.

Breslin (1991) cautions that subtle biases are particularly deadly because they predispose

a negotiator to view people as the problem, not as colleagues who work together to

resolve a problem.”

M.P.S. Portfolio 9

In January, 2007, Herouxville, Quebec felt as though they had an immigrant

problem. This is a very small rural town (population 1,338) and at the time of this article

only had one immigrant family living within its limits. The town was welcoming new

immigrants into the area but they wanted to make sure they got the “right kind of

immigrant”. The town drafted a declaration (Appendix A). To be fair, some of it sounds

quite reasonable and progressive. “We would like to invite, without discrimination, in the

future, all people…that would like to move to this territory. What discrimination means

to us, without regard to race or to the color of skin, mother tongue spoken, sexual

orientation, religion, or any form of beliefs.” Well, that sounds friendly enough. So does

this: “we consider that men and men are of the same value… a woman can drive a car,

vote, sign cherubs, dance, decide for herself, speak her peace, dress as she sees fit

respecting, of course, the democratic decency, walk alone in public places, study, have a

job, have her own belongings and anything else that a man can do.” But then take a look

at some of the points that take specific aim at religious groups: “If our children eat

mean… they don’t need to know where it came from or who killed it.” The whole tone

of the declaration reminds me of those people who talk really, really loudly and slowly

when their listener doesn’t speak their language. It’s patronizing. Another statement

was: “we consider it completely outside norms to kill women by stoning them in public,

burning them alive, burning them with acid, circumcising them, etc.” (BBC, 2007). This

of course is assuming that any immigrant coming to Canada would even do such a thing.

A poll in a Montreal newspaper in January, 2007 revealed that 59% of Quebecers

admitted to some kind of racist feelings.

M.P.S. Portfolio 10

“Cultural orientation can affect perception. According to Singer, “We experience

everything in the world not as it is—but as the world comes to us through our sensory

receptors.” (Zaremba, 2006). Solving intercultural communication tension is difficult not

because there is a secret regarding how to become effective in these contexts, but because

the process of adhering to the how-to steps can be more difficult than it seems. Often

people get off the track. One might know that it is important to adopt an egalitarian as

opposed to an ethnocentric frame when engaging in intercultural interactions. Yet it may

be difficult to shed your ethnocentric perspectives. (Zaremba, 2006).

The basic tactic is to focus on the particular individual, rather than on their ethnic

or national background. Remember that there are often greater differences within the

group than between groups. Productive interactions between different groups can also

counteract stereotypes. Recognizing that you yourself might hold or be the victim of

biases is the first and most crucial step in combating prejudice.

It is important to remember to carefully monitor what is being said. There are

many instances throughout society of stereotypical behavior where simple monitoring

would avoid many mishaps. If change of behavior begins in regards to stereotyping,

imminent change will follow.

M.P.S. Portfolio 11

References

Breslin, J. W. (1991). Breaking Away from Subtle Biases. Negotiation Theory and

Practice , 247-250.

Municipalite Herouxville. (January). Herouxville, Quebec. (Appendix A).

http://municipalite.herouxville.qc.ca/Standards.pdf retrieved July 27, 2008

Unknown. (2007, January 31). BBC News. Retrieved July 27, 2008, from BBC News:

www.news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6316151.stm

Unknown. (2008). Media Awareness Network. Retrieved July 27, 2008, from

www.media-awareness.ca

Zaremba, A. J. (2006). Organizational Communication. Mason: Thomson Higher

Education.

M.P.S. Portfolio 12

Appendix A

Municipalité Hérouxville Publication of Standards The social development and territory security are some of the major objective goals of the democratically voted individuals in our MRC. Hérouxvillebeing part of the MRC, we share these same objectives. To do this, we would like to invite, without discrimination, in the future, all people from outside our MRC that would like to move to this territory. Without discrimination means to us, without regard to race or to the color of skin, mother tongue spoken, sexual orientation, religion, or any other form of beliefs. So that the future residents can integrate socially more easily, we have decided unanimously, to make public, certain standards already in place and very well anchored in the lives of our electors. These standards come from our municipal laws being Federal or Provincial, and all voted democratically. They also come from the social life and habits & customs of all residents of our territory. Our objective is to show that we support the wishes of our electors and this being shown clearly by the results of our poll regarding this issue. And our goal is to inform the new arrivals to our territory, how we live to help them make a clear decision to integrate into our area. We would especially like to inform the new arrivals that the lifestyle that they left behind in their birth country cannot be brought here with them and they would have to adapt to their new social identity. Published by The mayor and 6 city counselors of Hérouxville, democratically elected. 2

Municipalité Hérouxville The Standards Our Women We consider that men and women are of the same value. Having said this, we consider

M.P.S. Portfolio 13

that a woman can; drive a car, vote, sign checks, dance, decide for herself, speak her peace, dress as she sees fit respecting of course the democratic decency, walk alone in public places, study, have a job, have her own belongings and anything else that a man can do. These are our standards and our way of life. Consequently, we consider as undesirable and prohibit any action or gesture that would be contrary to the above statement such as: killing women by lapidation or burning them alive in public places, burning them with acid, excising them, infibulating them or treating them as slaves. Our Children Our children are required to attend public or private schools to insure their social development and to help integrate into our society. Any form of violence towards children is not accepted. Our Festivities We listen to music, we drink alcoholic beverages in public or private places, we dance and at the end of every year we decorate a tree with balls and tinsel and some lights. This is normally called “Christmas Decorations” or also “Christmas Tree” letting us rejoice in the notion of our national heritage and not necessarily a religious holiday. These festivities are authorized in public, schools, and institutions and also in private. Our Health Care In our old folks homes men and women are treated by responsible men and women. Please note that there is no law voted democratically that prohibits a woman treating a man and a man treating a woman. In our hospitals and CLSC’s woman doctors can treat men and women and the same for the men doctors. This same principle applies for nurses, firemen and women, ambulance technicians. These responsible people do not have to ask permission to perform blood transfusions or any task needed to save a life. For the last few years men have been allowed into the delivery room to assist in the birth of their baby. They have been with their wives to prenatal courses to help them in this task.

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In the said establishments the patients are offered traditional meals. There is often music playing in the background. There are magazines or news papers available and any other form of multimedia that shows our community spirit and our way of life. 3 Our Education In our schools certified men and women teach our children. The women or men teachers can teach boys or girls with no sexual discrimination. They do not have to dress any different to accomplish their tasks. In our schools the children cannot carry any weapons real or fake, symbolic or not. The children can sing, play sports or play in groups. To promote decency and to avoid all discrimination some schools have adopted a dress code that they strongly enforce. For the last few years to draw away from religious influences or orientation no”prayer room” is made available for prayer or any other form of incantation. Moreover, in many of our schools no prayer is allowed. We teach more science and less religion. In our scholastic establishments, be private or public, generally, at the end of the year you will possibly see “Christmas Decorations” or “Christmas Trees” The children might also sing “Christmas Carols” if they want to. Many of our schools have cafeterias that serve traditional foods. Students may decide to eat elsewhere. The history of Quebec is taught in our schools. Biology lessons are also given. Our Sports & Leisure For the longest time boys and girls have played the same games and often play together. For example, if you came to my place we would send the kids to swim together in the pool, don’t be surprised this is normal for us. You would see men and women skiing together on the same hill at the same time, don’t be surprised this is normal for us. You would also see men and women playing hockey together, don’t be surprised this is normal for us. In our public swimming pools we have men and women lifeguards for our security to

M.P.S. Portfolio 15

protect us from drowning, don’t be surprised this is normal for us. All the laws adopted that permit these phenomenons have followed a strict democratic process. You would appreciate this new life style and share our habits & customs. Our Security Our immense territory is patrolled by police men and women of the “Surete du Quebec”. They have always been allowed to question or to advise or lecture or to give out an infraction ticket to either a man or woman. You may not hide your face as to be able to identify you while you are in public. The only time you may mask or cover your face is during Halloween, this is a religious traditional custom at the end of October celebrating all Saints Day, where children dress up and go door to door begging for candy and treats. All of us accept to have our picture taken and printed on our driver’s permit, health care card and passports. A result of democracy. Our Work Place The employers must respect the governmental laws regarding work conditions. These laws include holidays known and accepted in advance by all employees. These work conditions are negotiated democratically and once accepted both parties respect them. 4 8o law or work condition imposes the employer to supply a place of prayer or the time during the working day for this activity. You will also see men and women working side by side. We wear safety helmets on worksites, when required by law. Our Business Our businesses are governed by municipal, provincial and federal laws. In our businesses men and women work together and serve the clientele whether they be man or woman. The products sold by these businesses can be of any kind. Food products for example must be approved by different governmental agencies before being offered to the general public. You might see in the same store several different types of meat, eg. Beef , chicken, pork and lamb.

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Other stores offer their clientele a place and equipment to exercise. These places have windows that their clientele can look outside while exercising and are composed of men and women dressed in clothing appropriate for exercising. Our Families You will appreciate that both parents manage the children needs and both have the same authority. The parents can be of the same race or not, be from the same country or not, have the same religion or not, even be of the same sex or not. If a boy or girl wants to get married, they may, they have the liberty to chose who their spouse will be. The democratic process is applied to ensure each and everyone’s liberty to choose. In our families, the boys and girls eat together at the same table and eat the same food. They can eat any type of meat, vegetables or fruit. They don’t eat just meat or just vegetables they can eat both at the same time and this throughout the whole year. If our children eat meat for example, they don’t need to know where it came from or who killed it.Our people eat to nourish the body not the soul. Other You might still see crosses that tell our past. They are an integrated part of our history and patrimony and should be considered as such.

M.P.S. Portfolio 17

Professional Portfolio Component Completion Record

Program/Competency: MPS/Effective Communication

Name: Lori Correa

Assignment: Listen with your Eyes

This record certifies that the above-named student has satisfactorily demonstrated

Graduate-Level Effective Communication Competency in accordance with current

International College requirements. The competency criterion requires that the students

demonstrate that he/she:

1. Demonstrates originality and self-reliance in meeting assignment parameters.

This was a research paper on a topic of communication.

2. Applies complex analytical thinking and uses persuasive techniques in

professional communication situations.

This assignment persuades readers to take a look at non-verbal

communication.

3. Demonstrates collaboration skills.

Worked independently but kept focus on task at hand.

4. Demonstrates ability to use recognized plans of organization in preparing

professional documents such as memos, letters, reports, and proposals.

Research paper is organized in APA format.

5. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of grammatical choices in

preparing professional documents.

Grammar has been reviewed and acceptable.

6. Demonstrates ability to apply varied and sophisticated research support for

professional documents in correct APA style.

This research paper is organized in APA style.

7. Displays professionalism and a thorough understanding of oral

communication concepts and techniques in oral presentations.

This research papers focuses on non-verbal communication. Although there is

a great importance given to oral communication, it is important to note the in-

M.P.S. Portfolio 18

death communication perception of non-verbal communication as it pertains

to business.

8. Demonstrates an advanced knowledge of electronic programs and how to use

them effectively in a professional setting.

Microsoft Office proficient. I have demonstrated the use of Microsoft Word

throughout this research paper.

M.P.S. Portfolio 19

RUNNING HEAD: LISTEN WITH YOUR EYES

Listen with your Eyes

Lori Correa

Hodges University

M.P.S. Portfolio 20

Abstract:

Nonverbal communication involves more than just body language. Time, tone of voice,

smell, dress, size, and touch all contribute to what is perceived as meaningful. In

organizations and elsewhere, much of what receivers perceive is based on nonverbal

information. One researcher argued that ninety-three percent of what receivers perceive is

based on nonverbal messages. This paper will discuss the importance of nonverbal

communication including the roles that paralanguage and body language play.

M.P.S. Portfolio 21

Nonverbal communication involves more than just body language. Time, tone of

voice, smell, dress, size, and touch all contribute to what is perceived as meaningful. In

organizations and elsewhere, much of what receivers perceive is based on nonverbal

information. One researcher argued that ninety-three percent of what receivers perceive is

based on nonverbal messages. This paper will discuss the importance of nonverbal

communication including the roles that paralanguage and body language play.

When we typically think of communication, we think of reading, writing,

speaking, and listening – powerful channels for sending and receiving information. There

is another powerful means of sending and receiving information – nonverbal

communication, commonly called “body language”, though there is more to it than that.

Think about it. If you look and sound angry when you say, “I am angry,” people will get

that you really are angry. You can also send mixed signals. If you look and sound angry

when saying, “I’m not mad at you” people may well be confused – and are far more

likely to believe the nonverbal message than the verbal one. (Kello, 2007).

Nonverbal communication is any form of communication that is not expressed in

words. Nonverbal communication is estimated to make up 65-90% of all

communication, and understanding, interpreting, and using it are essential skills. Forms

of nonverbal communication include actions and behavior such as silence, failure or

slowness to respond to a message, and lateness in arriving for a meeting. Body language

is also an important part of nonverbal communication. Nonverbal elements of

communication may reinforce or contradict a verbal message. (Unknown, 2007).

M.P.S. Portfolio 22

There are five key elements that can make or break an attempt at successful

nonverbal business communication: eye contact, gestures, movement, posture, and

written communication.

First, good eye contact helps your audience develop trust in you, thereby helping you and

your message appear credible. Poor eye contact does exactly the opposite. (Hopkins,

2007)

People rely on visual clues to help them decide on whether to attend to a message

or not. If they find that someone isn’t ‘looking’ at them when they are being spoken to,

they feel uneasy. So it is a wise business communicator that makes a point of attempting

to engage every member of the audience by looking at them. If the audience is a handful

of people, this is easy; however, if the audience is in an auditorium, it can be a much

harder task. It is important to balance your time between these three areas:

• Slowing scanning the entire audience

• Focusing on particular areas of your audience (perhaps looking at the wall

between two heads if you are still intimidated by public speaking), and

• Looking at individual members of the audience for about five seconds per person.

When focusing on individual members in a large meeting or auditorium try and

geographically spread your attention throughout the room.

Next, gestures and movement are a powerful nonverbal aid. When people speak,

they tend to wave their arms, turn their hands this way and that, roll their eyes, raise

eyebrows, and smile or frown. Nervousness can cause one to “freeze up”. Movement is

important because it is more exciting to see people speaking who move about. It seems

to get people’s attention.

M.P.S. Portfolio 23

Written communication is an art. This is learned with diligence and practice. To

write too formally; to write too informally; to write too briefly; to write too lengthily –

these are questions that one asks of himself during the writing process. From persuasive

memos to complaint letters, sales letters to executive summaries – these exceedingly

useful guides help to write clearly and in an appropriate format, style and tone.

Recognition and analysis of nonverbal communication in sales transactions is

relatively new. Only in the past 15 to 20 years has the subject been formally examined in

detail. The presence and use of nonverbal communication, however, has been

acknowledged for years. In the early 1900s, Sigmund Freud noted that people cannot

keep a secret even if they do not speak. A person’s gestures and actions reveal hidden

feelings about something. Four major nonverbal communication channels are the

physical space between buyer and seller, appearance, handshake, and body movements.

(Urbaniak, 2005).

Paralanguage contains much meaning in our communication. Many people are

aware that the meaning of what is said is contained, in part, in the words, or what is said,

but that HOW things are said contains powerful messages. The word, “yes”, for example,

can mean completely different things (even in the exact same sentence), depending on

how it is said. The “how” something is said is referred to as paralanguage, which includes

intonation, emphasis, word and syllable stress, and so on. (Bacal, 2006).

The non-technical term, tone of voice, means the same thing as vocal qualifiers.

There are various things that can vary, and that affect our perception of tone of voice;

increasing loudness and softness (of a syllable, word phase or sentence) is one obvious

one. A second set of vocal qualifiers involves raised or lowered pitch, which can convey

M.P.S. Portfolio 24

things like fear, anxiety or tenseness, or designate a question. Third, there’s spread

register and squeezed register which refers to the spreading or compressing of the time

interval between the pitches when one speaks. Another one is rasp, or openness, which

has to due to with the muscular tensions in the larynx when someone speaks. Tenseness

will result in a more raspy type of utterance for example, a kind of choked sound, while

openness is the opposite. Then there’s drawling or clipping which is associated somewhat

with accent, and whether the speaker is drawing out individual syllables or clipping them.

This is most noticeable if you compare a native English speaker to someone who has

learned French or German first. Finally, tempo can be increased or decreased. (Bacal,

2006).

Vocal identifiers refer to the small sounds we make that are not necessarily words

per se, but have meaning. For example, ah-hah, un-hah, and huh-uh. All of these

nonverbal (but tied to the voice) characteristics strongly affect how something is

extracted by the other person, and how we interpret the words. They provide an

additional context, and a very important one. The key here is that we need to understand

that how we say things can be more important than what we say. When looking to

diagnose conflict, always look at these to determine if the how is the cause, rather than

the what. (Bacal, 2006).

In summary, effective communication is essential for a business’ success.

Nonverbal communication signals are an important part of the total communication

process between the communicator and the recipient. Professionals need to seek to learn

and understand the importance of nonverbal communication to enhance their

effectiveness in today’s busy society.

M.P.S. Portfolio 25

References

Bacal, R. (2006). What is Paralanguage? Retrieved August 8, 2008, from

Communication Improvement Free Resource Center: www.work911.com

Hopkins, L. (2007). The Five Key Elements to Nonverbal Communication in Business.

Retrieved August 8, 2008, from www.frugalmarketing.com

Kaufman, Z. (2006). The Increasing Demand for Nonverbal Communication. Dental

Economics , 64.

Kello, J. (2007, February). Package & Market your Message: Nonverbal Communication

Cues are Critical. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News , 16.

Unknown. (2007). Nonverbal Communication. A & C Black Publishers Ltd.

Urbaniak, A. (2005). Nonverbal Communication in Selling. Supervision , 13-15.

M.P.S. Portfolio 26

Professional Portfolio Component Completion Record

Program/Competency: MPS/Initiative

Name: Lori Correa

Assignment: The Role of a Counselor

This record certifies that the above-named student has satisfactorily demonstrated

Graduate-Level Initiative Competency in accordance with current International College

requirements. The competency criterion requires that the students demonstrate that

he/she:

1. Completes tasks with little or no direction.

I formulated a list of appropriate questions in determining the role of a

counselor.

2. Anticipates the next step in a situation and acts proactively.

Made appointments and followed private agency protocol in determining what

was needed for this interview.

3. Approaches and solves problems from more than one perspective.

Ethically, there are issues addressed here. The choice is ours to make how

these issues will be addressed.

4. Uses concepts discussed in classes to solve real life problems.

In taking courses that particularly relate to ethics, I can see how Sherri’s

training led her to clear and concise decisions relevant to the situation.

5. Teaches/inspires others to use initiative.

Being able to talk to someone in the field inspired more questions as we

spoke. It is important to be prepared and review questions for relevancy.

M.P.S. Portfolio 27

RUNNING HEAD: THE ROLE OF A COUNSELOR

The Role of a Counselor

Lori Correa

Hodges University

M.P.S. Portfolio 28

Abstract

The general use of the term counseling makes the title of professional counselor

rather precarious and confusing. However, if we use this term in the context of drug and

alcohol abuse, there are many issues that need to be addressed. These issues include

boundaries, burn-out, and at times, a sense of hopelessness. Drug and alcohol abuse

counselors cannot save the world (Personal Communication, Sheree Beauwells, April 4,

2008).

M.P.S. Portfolio 29

In conducting this research, I have had the opportunity to interview Sheree

Beauwells, SWFAS Prevention Director. Sheree provided some interesting insight into

the profession of drug and alcohol abuse counselor. In this interview, I could also see

how the theories and practices come together.

Lori: What value does the substance abuse professional place on self-exploration

and self growth within themselves?

Sheree: I look at myself daily. I feel privileged that I have the ability to help

someone struggling with substance abuse. I say to myself but for the grace of God. No

one wants to wake up each day and face that they have a disease. But the hope that can

be instilled in the patients that come across my path is this is one disease that you can

survive and I have some tools to help you do that.

Lori: Discuss the process in which the counselor can determine the theoretical

orientation from which he/she practices?

Sheree: Since a lot of the work occurs in group settings, the theoretical practice

used is Behavioral Group Therapy. This model goes through the assessment process

followed by therapeutic goals treatment plans objective evaluation and outcomes. There

are group phases and different applications and techniques that can be used to assist each

individual in the group to achieve the goal of recovery.

Lori: Explore how the counselor has or will cope with the initial self doubt and

fear of being a counselor?

Sheree: The training received and the practice of clinical supervision assists with

the fears and doubts, but when patients come back to see you or a success story is told

this increases your comfort level. One thing is that you must remember that you can’t

M.P.S. Portfolio 30

save the world and a person’s recovery is not based on you. The patient does the work; I

am just a vessel being used.

Lori: Discuss how the counselor manages boundary issues?

Sheree: Understanding and knowing the ethical standard of the patient-client

relationship helps me to understand the importance of setting boundaries. Updated

training is provided on an annual basis. I try to limit self disclosure and confrontation

techniques.

Lori: Examine challenges with ethical and or legal issues the counselor has

faced?

Sheree: I have learned how my own cultural background influenced my thinking

and I become familiar with the participants in the group as a way to bridge-the-gap of

misconceptions. I identify my own basic assumptions as well as look for the common

ground that exists among patients of diverse backgrounds.

Ethical Situation:

Every year the prevention department conducts a Spring Break Event at Fort

Myers Beach. Spring Break is an educational program for children of all ages. The event

takes place at Time Square on Fort Myers Beach and is open to all school aged children.

The goal is to teach them about the harmful effects of tobacco, drug use and alcohol. We

play a game called BEACHOPOLY. The children answer questions relating to the

harmful effects of tobacco, drug or alcohol. When they answer correctly, they move

around the large board and receive prizes donated by area merchants.

On the last day of the event prevention staff was on location and I witnessed a

staff member stealing two school checkbooks which were donated items, while unloading

M.P.S. Portfolio 31

the equipment truck that morning. I overheard the individual’s comment, “Well, I can use

some of these”, and proceeded to stuff the item in his shorts, then transferred them down

to the area where he had his personal belongings.

I felt this was stealing and my organization needed to know. That night I couldn’t

sleep. I was struggling to do the right thing. I kept asking myself should I report it or not?

After all, they might not believe you, he’s white and you’re black. Questions kept

coming, one after the other. Was anyone being hurt? Who would miss them? If we had

given them to the children they would be gone anyway, right? The next day I

remembered something about reporting abuse and neglect and other types of incidents, so

I looked up reporting incidents and there it was, in black and white, incident reporting

had several purposes, including risk management and ensuring the correct parties are

notified in a timely manner of an event. The instructions were clearly outlined and this

situation fell under the third category, theft (Personal/Agency property). Therefore, the

dilemma had been satisfied and I reported the incident the next working day.

What transpired after that wasn’t pleasant between me and that staff person but I

was supported and realized that I made the right decision regardless what other staff felt.

Once the investigation conducted by the human resource department was complete, the

awareness for the staff and administration was apparent. Training was added to address

this and other incidences that may seem like no “big deal”.

Professional character is questioned when this type of behavior is discovered.

People don’t look at their behaviors in the workplace as carefully as they should. There

are times staff take longer lunch breaks and only claim the allotted time that the agency

M.P.S. Portfolio 32

provides, taking supplies home that were for office use only, and using the copier

machine for personal use, telephone calls, etc.

If behaviors aren’t discussed and clearly defined, then the potential of

professional and ethical misconduct can occur. It is my belief that if agencies follow the

common Prevention Guiding Principles that have been provided in this week’s

assignment, the prevention professional will have the ability to search their motives when

making moral decisions. Then they can judge for themselves and recognized and deal

with the situation appropriately.

Lori: How does the counselor stay current with research, new treatment and

interventions?

Sheree: By attending trainings provided from the following: Florida Certification

Board, Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association FADDA, Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Florida Department of Children and

Families Substance Abuse Program Office, publication received from National Institute

Drug Association (NIDA).

Lori: Explore how the counselor manages stress and burnout from the

profession.

Sheree: SWFAS has a great benefit packet that allows for days off and wellness

programs to participation in. Counselors receive supervision and are able to debrief their

concerns at that time.

Lori: How have the counselors values changed as a result of experience?

Sheree: One thing in this profession is that change is constant. Change must

occur when new drugs combat the community. Learning new techniques and ways the

M.P.S. Portfolio 33

drugs affect the body, brain and environment takes continued updating and changing of

programs to serve the targeted population.

Lori: Examine how the counselor deals with multicultural issues.

Sheree: Each counselor is provided with training to address multicultural issues

in the work place and how it affects the ability to work with patients. In the substance

abuse field research has shown that this is an equal opportunity disease and it doesn’t

discriminate base on race, creed or origin. When a patient comes in for treatment we

consider ourselves the experts and they come to us for that reason.

During our interview, Sheree mentioned that SWFAS primarily uses the

behavioral model and their organization finds success with that. Cognitive behavioral

therapy (CBT) theory holds that surroundings strongly influence a person's thinking and

behavior, so CB therapists teach their patients new ways of acting and thinking in

response to their environments. In the case of CBT for addiction, patients are urged to

avoid situations that lead to drug use and to practice drug refusal skills. Interpersonal

psychotherapy (ITP) is based on the concept that many psychiatric disorders, including

cocaine dependence, are related intimately to disorders in interpersonal functioning,

which may be related to the origin or perpetuation of the disorders. (NIDA, 17).

Clinical social work shares with all social work practice the goal of enhancement

and maintenance of psychosocial functioning of individuals, families, and small groups.

Clinical social work practice is the professional application of social work theory and

methods to the treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability, or

impairment, including emotional and mental disorders. It is based on knowledge of one

or more theories of human development within a psychosocial context. The perspective

M.P.S. Portfolio 34

of person-in-situation is central to clinical social work practice. Clinical social work

includes interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics, and

life-support and management issues. Clinical social work services consist of assessment;

diagnosis; treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling; client-centered advocacy;

consultation; and evaluation. (Alterkruse, 2).

Sheree mentioned small groups as part of their behavioral therapy. Groups have a

number of important functions in substance abuse treatment, including education,

therapy, and support (e.g., twelve-step groups). The skills necessary to lead successful

treatment groups, like that in family therapy, must be learned and practiced under

supervision. The ideal size of treatment groups is between six and ten clients. It is

important to learn, understand, and know how to use group process to involve clients in

the change process. It takes skill and practice to avoid turning group treatment into what

can be defined as “individual therapy with an audience”.

I found this interview and my research to be consistent with what has been studied

thus far. Basically, I found that she brought the whole picture together as far as how each

part of the techniques used work together to achieve success for the addict. One thing to

remember is that we can only help those who truly want help and we cannot save the

world.

M.P.S. Portfolio 35

References

Alterkruse, Michael K , Harris, Henry L , Brandt, Marielle A (2001). The Role of the

Professional Counselor in the 21st Century. Counseling and Human

Development, 34(4), 1. Retrieved April 11, 2008, from ProQuest Education

Journals database. (Document ID: 108597240).

NIDA Study Finds Alcohol Treatment Medication, Behavioral Therapy Effective for

Treating Cocaine Addiction. (2004, May). Nevada RNformation, 13(2), 17.

Retrieved April 11, 2008, from ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health

Source database. (Document ID: 648740821).

Beauwells, Sheree. (2008, April 4). SWFAS Prevention Director. Personal

Communication on April 4, 2008.

M.P.S. Portfolio 36

Professional Portfolio Component Completion Record

Program/Competency: MPS/Leadership Ability

Name: Lori Correa

Assignment: The Effects of Chrystal Methamphetamine (Power Point)

This record certifies that the above-named student has satisfactorily demonstrated

Graduate-Level Leadership Ability Competency in accordance with current International

College requirements. The competency criterion requires that the students demonstrate

that he/she:

1. Prepares a self-assessment of leadership traits.

Upon reflection of the completion of the assignment, I would have used less

wording on the PowerPoint causing the students to listen to me rather than

having their eyes focus on the screen.

Other students in the class were asked to anonymously grade our work. I

wasn’t able to see the end result of those grades; however, I did receive an

“A”.

I gave ample opportunity for review and questions. I was knowledgeable in

answering those questions.

2. Utilizes persuasive techniques to manage conflicting positions.

There were opinions regarding child-rearing and the effects that may have on

a child/teen turning to Chrystal Meth. I viewed this as an opportunity to

discuss different influences that may or may not cause a child/teen to be

prompted to try and ultimately get “hooked” on this drug.

3. Establishes oneself in leadership position for a group project.

Being able to teach this subject in the class and “take the lead” on this subject

with confidence establishes myself as a leader. I was able to gain opinions

and provide an open forum of discussion. I kept it flowing and on topic.

4. Volunteers to lead a civic project, college activity, or work related activity.

I provided the students with a contact person, Sheree Beauwells at SWFAS to

provide any further training or information. I did have an interview with her

as well.

5. Teaches/inspires others to use leadership concepts and theories.

M.P.S. Portfolio 37

I used the Inspirational Theory to get my point across here. Providing

information from the viewpoint of serving others, I felt that it was most

important to emphasize that as “counselors-in-training” so to speak, it is

imperative to raising confidence in others and motivate them to change. I felt

that importing the video seeing the transformation from non-drug user to hard

core drug user was an incredible motivator to the students in my class to

actually see how they can make a difference if they choose to.

M.P.S. Portfolio 38

Chrystal Methamphetamine

By: Lori Correa

Hodges University, 2008

Substance Abuse Theory & Prevention Methodology

M.P.S. Portfolio 39

Professional Portfolio Component Completion Record

Program/Competency: MPS/Research Ability

This record certifies that the above-named student has satisfactorily demonstrated

Graduate-Level Research Ability Competency in accordance with current International

College requirements. The competency criterion requires that the students demonstrate

that he/she:

Student: Lori Correa

Assignment: The Effects of Caregiver Stress

1. Considers the costs and benefits of acquiring the needed information.

I considered the costs and benefits of acquiring the research needed for this

research project.

2. Constructs and implements effectively designed research strategies.

I am able to research using the Central Search on the Hodges website as well

conduct an interview by a nurse practitioner.

3. Synthesizes main ideas to construct new concepts.

Main idea revolves around the term “caregiver” and the needs that they have.

Possible solutions to Caregiver Stress are available in this paper.

4. Compares new knowledge with prior knowledge to determine value added,

contradictions, and other unique characteristics of the information.

Caregiver stress is increasing. Statistics prove that there is a need to recognize the

stress that a caregiver endures.

5. Determines whether the new knowledge has an impact of the individual’s point of

view and takes steps to reconcile differences.

Acknowledging this issue and providing opportunities for them may deter

possible homicidal/suicidal situations.

6. Validates understanding and interpretation of the information through discourse

with others, subject-area experts, and/or practitioners.

With the help thorough research and interview, I feel that I understand the

information and subject area.

7. Revises the development process for the assignment.

This paper was a process of research and review. The title and subject matter was

accepted by Professor Locklear. I began research through the Central Search of

the Hodges University website. I also conducted one interview to add to my

information.

M.P.S. Portfolio 40

8. Produces APA compliant assignments using a variety of sophisticated resources.

This paper is APA compliant.

M.P.S. Portfolio 41

RUNNING HEAD: THE EFFECTS OF CAREGIVERS ON HOMICIDE

The Effects if Caregivers on Homicide

Lori Correa

Hodges University

M.P.S. Portfolio 42

Abstract:

Stress in the area of caregiving is on the rise. Men and women from all ethnic groups are

finding themselves playing the role of a caregiver in addition to their regular family

duties as mother, father, sister, brother, church member, volunteer and employee. Taking

on this responsibility adds additional pressures and concerns to what is already

considered a “stressful” lifestyle. When caring for elderly family members who are

critically ill and need “round-the-clock” care, the needs of the caregiver are often

overlooked. The ethical dilemma of considering homicide can happen as a result of both

depression of the caregiver and the relief of pain for the person being cared for.

M.P.S. Portfolio 43

Stress in the area of caregiving is on the rise. Men and women from all ethnic

groups are finding themselves playing the role of a caregiver in addition to their regular

family duties as mother, father, sister, brother, church member, volunteer and employee.

Taking on this responsibility adds additional pressures and concerns to what is already

considered a “stressful” lifestyle. When caring for elderly family members who are

critically ill and need “round-the-clock” care, the needs of the caregiver are often

overlooked. The ethical dilemma of considering homicide can happen as a result of both

depression of the caregiver and the relief of pain for the person being cared for.

The term caregiver refers to anyone who provides assistance to someone else who

is, in some degree, incapacitated and needs help: a husband who has suffered a stroke; a

wife with Parkinson’s disease; a mother-in-law with cancer; a grandfather with

Alzheimer’s disease; a son with traumatic brain injury from a car accident; a child with

muscular dystrophy; a friend with Aids. (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2005).

Informal caregiver and family caregiver are terms that refer to unpaid individuals

such as family members, friends and neighbors who provide care. These individuals can

be primary or secondary caregivers, full time or part time, and can live with the person

being cared for or live separately. A family member or close friend and neighbors are put

in the position of providing the best “care” that they know how to give. Often times, the

family and friends do not know how to provide medical care but because of the close

emotional attachment to the individuals, they feel that they have an obligation to care for

them. This is a duty that many understand and live out daily. In these cases, full-time

earners who are now also full-time caregivers are reduced to part-time employment

M.P.S. Portfolio 44

because of the needs of the individuals they are caring for. Often, they are middle-aged

women with children and possibly grandchildren and a life of their own in addition to

their responsibilities as caregiver. This is an area near to my heart because I was also a

caregiver to my mother before she passed away recently.

Imagine this scenario: a niece, Donna, finds out that her elderly uncle, Mr.

Warren, age 81, is in need of critical care. Donna had taken Mr. Warren to the emergency

department at a nearby hospital with a painful inflammation of his right hip and thigh. On

the brink of septic shock, he had a high fever and was tachycardic and hypotensive. He

had been fighting diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and a poor appetite for the past two

years, but never sought treatment because he assumed it was all part of the aging process.

An exploratory lapartomy revealed adenocarcinoma of the rectum with

performation and gas gangrene. Bowel contents had oozed into the tissues surrounding

his rectum, buttocks, and right posterior thigh, causing a serious infection. Unable to

remove the massive tumor, the surgeon drained the abscess, debrided the infected tissue,

resected the bowel, and created a colostomy. The resultant of the wound, involving both

buttocks and extending down the right leg as far as the calf, soon developed necrotizing

fasciitis, requiring extensive debridement. A few weeks later, Mr. Warner was stable, but

extremely weak and in a great deal of pain.

Patti Sparling was Mr. Warren’s nurse and set about planning to relieve his pain,

help him and his family accept his impending death, and provide the care he would need.

Donna, his niece, was a skilled nurse’s aid with a compassionate heart who would

ultimately be his primary caregiver at home. Patti first met Mr. Warren on New Year’s

Day. He lay in a hospital bed in a darkened room; he was so weak and in such pain that

M.P.S. Portfolio 45

the light hurt his eyes. He did not speak, except to reply yes or no to questions. The

morphine he was given for pain relief allowed his frequent naps, but he hadn’t had a

single night of uninterrupted sleep in weeks. No antibiotics were prescribed because the

doctors felt that it was preventing the inevitable death that was sure to take place. His

caregiver and nice, Donna, kept a vigil at his bedside, repositioning him and offering

clear liquids and comfort measures. The death was not immediate as expected but was

prolonged to almost one full year after his prognosis. This entire time, Donna had cared

for him as well as her children during this time. Donna had to listen to her Uncle crying

out in pain almost continually all day, every day. Daily doses of morphine provided

temporary relief from the pain and allowed him to nap. (Sparling, 1996).

“This is perhaps the most important point to be made about moral beliefs and

ethical decision-making. The ethical life requires that we make good decisions, and good

decisions are justified decisions. To say that a particular choice, decision, belief, action,

law, policy, practice, punishment, or sentence is “justified” is to be able to show that

there are good reasons for it”. (Williams, 2008). Donna’s responsibility was primary

caregiver for her Uncle. Donna was a compassionate niece who was struggling with the

ethical decision of ending his life of pain through an overdose of morphine. No one

would even really know of such an overdose because he was already using this for pain

and the doctors had made Donna aware that this was the only relief that Mr. Warren

would receive. Mr. Warren begged her day after day to end his life because he did not

want to live in such pain anymore and understood very well of the burden that was placed

on Donna for his round-the-clock care. Some would say that it is not moral to make the

decision to end someone’s life for any reason including a man who is suffering 24-hours

M.P.S. Portfolio 46

a day. For others, they would be able to see that Donna is in a state of depression and

burn-out as a result of constant caring and giving to her Uncle as well as seeing him

suffer from day-to-day. One year later, after careful consideration and much thought,

Donna decides to give in to her Uncle’s wishes and slowly increase his morphine by

double dosages until he finally passes away. Mr. Warren is finally relieved of his non-

ending pain and Donna is now dealing with the emotions of the traumatic event.

However, due to the extent of her depression, Donna commits suicide shortly after.

Donna was suffering from something that all caregivers can associate with- depression

and burn-out. In this situation, Donna was a skilled nurse’s aid but many caregivers are

not formally educated and are left to figure things out for themselves. Many caregivers

do not know how to find support and often do not even know support is available to

them.

There is a wide latitude in the estimates of the number of informal caregivers in

the United States, depending on the definitions and criteria used.

� 52 million family caregivers provide care to someone aged 20 and over

who is ill or disabled.

� 29.2 million family caregivers provide personal assistance to adults aged

18 and over with a disability or chronic illness.

� 34 million adults (16% of population) provide care to adults 50 years and

older.

� 8.9 million caregivers (20% of adult caregivers) care for someone 50 years

and older with dementia.

M.P.S. Portfolio 47

� 5.8 – 7 million people (family, friends and neighbors) provide care to

persons 65 years and older who need assistance with everyday activities.

� Unpaid family caregivers will likely continue to be the largest source of

long-term care services in the U.S. and are estimated to reach 37 million

caregivers by 2050, an increase of 85% from 2000. (Family Caregiver

Alliance, 2005).

Homicides-Suicides are tragedies that appear to be occurring more frequently in

the U.S. than ever before. In these circumstances, a perpetrator, usually a man, kills a

victim, usually a wife or intimate, and then commits suicide shortly thereafter. Almost all

homicide-suicides in older persons involve a husband who kills his wife before killing

himself. In the previous scenario, it happened to be an Uncle/Niece relationship but the

Uncle had no other immediate family other than the niece. Older adults have homicide-

suicide rates that are twice as high as younger adults. Each year more than 500 homicide-

suicides or 1,000 deaths occur in persons 55 years and older, which means that nearly 20

older Americans die each week in a homicide-suicide. Although these events are

relatively rare, they have a traumatic impact on surviving family members as well as

neighbors and friends in the communities where they occur. The motivation of homicide-

suicide is complex. These lethal actions result from many factors. They are not impulsive

actions. The caregiver usually thought about the act for several months and sometimes

years. This means that you have a window of opportunity to help prevent a homicide-

suicide. (Cohen, 2005).

Homicide-suicides in older persons are not suicide pacts. Homicide-suicides are

also not acts of love or altruism. They are acts of desperation and depression. At least half

M.P.S. Portfolio 48

of the perpetrators and in this case, caregivers, are depressed or have other psychiatric

problems that are undetected and untreated. About half of the homicide-suicides are from

a variation of Caregiver Dependent Homicide-Suicide, where depression coupled with

increasing isolation and multiple stresses produces helplessness in the caregiver and

trigger the act. Caregiving responsibilities over time appear to cause significant strain and

depression in perpetrators of a dependent-protective homicide-suicide. These caregivers

are primarily described as having dominant or controlling personalities.

Imagine your loved one saying to you, “If something should happen to me, and I

couldn’t help myself, would you be willing to help me?” This is a question that many

dread hearing. A daughter was asked this of her mother on her 75th

birthday. It was clear

what the mother meant my help. She was a card-carrying member of the Hemlock

Society which is an organization that supports physician aid in dying. On the mother’s

bookshelves were books like “Final Exit” and “The Peaceful Pill Handbook”. The

daughter asked her if she could have some time to think about it hoping that the mother

would forget to follow up but this was not the case. Her mother had been ready to die for

years. She was not suicidal, but she had always been one of those people who found a

cloud in every silver lining. For her mother, life’s positives far outweighed the negative.

She lost all of her peripheral vision to macular degeneration and could not longer read,

drive or teach the scales began to tip in the other direction. Whenever an acquaintance

died, she would always say “that lucky fellow”. Her greatest fear was a stroke or some

other catastrophe that would force her to live on for unwanted years, unable to care for

herself. Later, her mother faced her with the same question and this time the daughter

replied, “If you ever need my help, of course I will help you.” The mother had immediate

M.P.S. Portfolio 49

relief and gratitude. A couple of months, short of her 87th

birthday, the mother’s health

began to decline. She was no longer able to perform simple functions such as working the

television remote and the daughter would have to painstakingly walk her through the

steps time after time. Then, she started having trouble turning on the faucets in the

house. The daughter suggested that she return to her physician for tests.

Right after her appointment, she was admitted into the hospital. She was

wheezing, and a chest X-ray showed pneumonia. In addition, the brain M.R.I. showed

several lesions- strongly suggestive of a tumor. Multiple scans and doses of antibiotics

later, the pneumonia was reclassified as a lung tumor and the brain lesions as metastases.

Her mother was put on steroids, and after considering and rejecting brain irradiation, she

left her home near Boston and moved into the daughter’s house in Philadelphia. The

mother reminded the daughter of what was discussed in regards to help. The daughter had

hoped that it would never come to this but had made the promise and was going to keep

it. At this point, the mother was in a great deal of pain relying on morphine to get

through the days and nights. The daughter was the round-the-clock caregiver who began

to give her overdoses of morphine until the mother slipped painlessly away. (Feld, 2008).

Many individuals suffering from chronic pain and illness have consulted Dr. Jack

Kevorkian, a controversial pathologist, writer and inventor, as a means to an end. Jack

Kevorkian was the only son of Levon Kevorkian a former auto-factory worker who

owned an excavating company and his homemaker wife. He had 2 sisters. Kevorkian’s

parents were Armenian refugees, whose relatives were among the 1.5 victims of Turkish

atrocities in World War I. As a young boy he quit Sunday school because he did not

believe in Armenian Orthodox teachings. He taught himself German and Japanese in high

M.P.S. Portfolio 50

school during World War II. Kevorkian graduated from high school in Pontiac, Michigan

with honors in 1945 at the age of 17. He then enrolled at the University of Michigan from

where he graduated from Medical school in 1952. Kevorkian completed an internship in

Pathology at Henry Ford hospital in Detroit, during which period he had an epiphany

when he saw a woman dying from cancer. It was then that he began to think of ways to

alleviate suffering in his patients. In 1953, he got his medical license for the state of

Michigan. After that, he served in the United States Army as an Army Medical Officer.

He got his nick name “Dr. Death” in 1956 when he started photographing the retinas of

patients at the moment of death to differentiate between coma and death. Between 1982

and 1986 he mainly did his writing and research. In 1988, even the pro-suicide Hemlock

Society founder, Derek Humphry, said that Dr. Kevorkian’s methods were too perilous

and risky. In 1989 after reading about a patient who had asked for euthanasia he began

working on a lethal-injection machine that would be able to do the task at the flip of a

switch. It was called the Thanatron (and later Mercitron). He got a lot of publicity

because of this. On June 4, 1990, he performed the first of his medicides as he liked to

call physician-assisted suicide. His client was a 54 year old woman with Alzheimer’s. It

was performed in the back of his VW van. She received sodium pentothal (an anesthetic)

and potassium chloride (to stop her heart). By 1998, Dr. Kevorkian had commited over

100 meticides. Relatives and caregivers of some of the patients claimed that he had

continued despite protests from his victims. He was charged with 2nd

degree murder. In

March, 1999, Dr. Kevorkian was sentenced by a Michigan jury to 10-25 years for his

crime. (Varma, 2001). Physician assisted suicide has been controversial throughout the

span of time while Kevorkian has helped patients end their lives. Kevorkian has found

M.P.S. Portfolio 51

supporters among people against the long-suffering of the terminally ill. He has found

understanding and empathy among people experiencing:

• Unbearable pain

• Physical discomfort

• Loss of quality of life

Kevorkian has found allies among the families of terminally ill patients and among pro-

choice advocates. Yet he has been denounced by people against his role in assisted

suicide and against its legalization. People feelingly strongly that there are alternative

options to assisted suicide have openly argued against Kevorkian’s activities. (Varma,

2001).

Being a family caregiver can be rewarding, challenging, and sometimes

overwhelming. “Caregiver stress” is extremely common. The many round-the-clock

physical and emotional demands of caring for an older family member- making sure you

effectively handle all of the issues as they come up, being the one who is responsible for

finding and coordinating the needed resources, dealing with all the feelings that surface

as you respond to daily caregiving pressure, can end up taking a big toll on both your

body and your mind. The common feelings associated with caregiving that can lead to

stress are:

• Guilt: It is not uncommon for caregivers to feel guilty about what they should be

doing or saying to better help their loved one; to feel guilty for wishing they

didn’t have to assume so many caregiving responsibilities and put areas of their

own life on hold; even to have feelings of guilt when considering getting outside

“strangers” to help or contemplating nursing home placement.

M.P.S. Portfolio 52

• Helplessness: As you see your loved one’s health and thinking processes

deteriorate, your own feelings of helplessness to do anything to change the

circumstances can compound.

• Embarrassment: Your loved one’s declining health may present certain behavior

that causes you to feel embarrassed- embarrassed for them, and embarrassed for

you.

• Anger: Feeling ager is a normal response to the many frustration of caregiving:

anger because sometimes even your best efforts don’t seem to be enough, anger

because your loved one doesn’t seem appreciative or maybe doesn’t even

recognize you, anger because it can seem that you are often the only one who is

wanting to help, and /or anger because you don’t know what to do and can’t

change the circumstances of your loved one’s health.

The stress response is a natural chemical reaction that is intended to help us

adequately react to extreme situations. When a person is faced with a demanding

situation, stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, send signals that

increase heart rate, blood sugar, blood pressure and breathing rate to help a body get

ready for action. The brain goes on high alert and the immune system temporarily

“shuts down” so that the body can give top priority to concentrating on the stress

demand. It’s not healthy to maintain this “high alert” level on a constant basis.

Chronic stress (when the stress demand doesn’t go away and the stress hormones

don’t turn off) wear down the body systems and can even end up damaging your

physical and emotional healthy. As the cholesterol and triglycerides stay elevated,

blood pressure remains high, arteries stay constricted, and the blood flow to the heart

M.P.S. Portfolio 53

continues to be decreased. The chances of heart disease are significantly greater. The

risk of becoming increasingly susceptible to colds and other illnesses- even to more

serious diseases, such as cancer- is higher because the immune system is suppressed.

Chronic stress can impair memory and accelerate aging processes. And, because of

the constant drain placed on the brain and nervous system, there is also an increased

likelihood of developing serious mental disorders such as depression. (4Therapy,

2008).

Fortunately, as stated earlier, there is a window of opportunity to be alert and look

for the signs of caregiver stress. The warning signs of stress can sometimes be so

subtle or insidious that they are difficult to detect if the individual does not know

what to look for. Too often, as people deal with ongoing stressful situations, they

tend to get so used to feeling constantly “stressed out” that they tend to ignore the

warning signs of serious trouble brewing and grow to consider symptoms of stress as

unavoidable, familiar and, sometimes, because of its predictability, almost

uncomfortable. The following ten warning signs can help identify commonly

experienced sources of caregiver stress:

1. Anger: Feelings of anger could be directed at the loved one whom care is

being given to, or it could be that the caregiver is angry at other family

members for not doing their fair share in helping with the caregiver duties.

The anger could also be directed at oneself, for instance, a caregiver could feel

self-directed anger because of feeling less than positive about how they are

handling their caregiver responsibilities.

M.P.S. Portfolio 54

2. Denial: The individual may be imagining that the current situation is only

temporary and that soon the loved one will get better and life will go back to

the way it was. It is important to remember to take things one step at a time,

one day at a time and know that extra efforts are helping the loved one have a

sense of well-being.

3. Difficulty sleeping: The caregiver feels tired and may have difficulty sleeping-

either falling asleep, staying asleep or feeling fatigue.

4. Health problems: Too often, caregivers are so focused on their loved one’s

health they neglect to take care of themselves such as eating properly, getting

regular exercise and taking time for relaxation. There may be feeling

constantly feeling run down and/ or suffering a seemingly never-ending series

of colds.

5. Irritability: Caregivers may be easily upset and irritability quickly grows to

large proportions. A caregiver may notice that they have very little “give and

take” to emotional reactions and that events of the littlest things feel like

major irritants.

6. Social withdrawal: The caregiver may avoid opportunities to be with family

and friends and prefer instead to keep to themselves and stick to a daily

routine of caregiver duties.

7. Loss of concentration: The caregiver may be immersed in caregiving

responsibilities- responding to all the many needs of the loved one, as well as

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worrying about all the “what ifs” , that they find it hard to concentrate, or to

pay attention when it comes to other areas of their life.

8. Constant exhaustion: The caregiver may be overexerting themselves so much,

emotionally and physically, that they feel constantly exhausted. This is

particularly common in caregivers who “do it all on their own,” receiving

little or no help from outside sources.

9. Anxiety: The caregiver may become so worried about and focused on the

loved one’s health, and how much responsibility they now have in making

sure they are properly attended to, that they end up always feeling constantly

anxious, as though something catastrophic is just about to happen at any

moment.

10. Depression: Depression is a serious (although very treatable) condition that

will not just “go away” but will, instead, become progressively worse until

you receive proper professional attention. Constant sadness, significant

changes in eating and weight, and disturbed sleeping patterns are just some of

the indications of depression. (Dennis, 2008).

It is important for caregivers to know that help is available. Emotional and

physical health depends on the care they give themselves. Just as the caregiver is

focused on attending to their loved one’s health needs, now, more than ever, need to

pay attention to their own well-being also. Unchecked stress is the number one cause

of “caregiver burnout.” Therapy can help them develop coping skills, specific to the

newly-assumed caregiving duties, for keeping stress levels from skyrocketing out of

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control. More and more family caregivers are finding that therapy, even those who

have never looked to professional mental-health help before in their lives, offers the

kind of emotional support and chance to work through troubling issues that allows

them to continue handling the myriad of daily demands while also maintaining an

overall healthy emotional balance.

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Appendix A

Caregiver Self Assessment

Directions: Please answer the following questions in this manner: Never, Rarely,

Sometimes, Most of the time, All of the time.

1. It makes me angry when people make me wait.

2. Others think of me as someone who makes big deal about everything.

3. I believe my way of doing things is usually the best way.

4. I eat a nutritionally poor diet.

5. I spend a lot of time complaining about things that happened in the past.

6. People characterize me as someone who behaves rudely.

7. I’m a perfectionist.

8. I neglect getting enough exercise.

9. It seems as though I never have any spare time.

10. I find it better to do things myself rather than ask for help from others.

11. Lately, I fail to see the humor in what others consider funny

Your responses suggest that you are dealing with major-league stress! Too often,

we are not always aware of the stress we are under and we become so accustomed to

constant pressure that it begins to feel normal. Unending stress is not normal and it is

definitely not healthy (in our Conditions Area you can read about some of the serious

disorders that can be directly traced to stress). Fortunately, there are a lot of things even

the busiest or most ambitious person can do to reduce the stress in their everyday life.

Therapy can provide an excellent opportunity to develop new, more effective coping

techniques for creating a life that’s as "stress-free" as possible.

*An online version of this assessment can be found at www.4therapy.com

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Appendix B

Resources for Caregivers

FCA: Family Caregiver Alliance

180 Montgomery St., Ste. 1001

San Francisco, CA 94104

1-800-445-8106

www.caregiver.org

Caregiver Support Group

www.agingcare.com

National Caregiver Foundation

1-800-930-1357

*This foundation will provide a Caregiver’s Support Kit. This is a product of the

Alzheimer’s Project of the National Caregiving Foundation.

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References

4 Therapy. (2008, January 13). Retrieved November 26, 2008, from www.4therapy.com

Cohen, D. P. (2005, November/ December). Caregiver Stress Increases Risk of

Homicide-Suicide. Geriatric Times , pp. 1-7.

Dennis, F. P. (2008, November 19). Caring for the Caregiver. (L. Correa, Interviewer)

Family Caregiver Alliance. (2005). FCA: Selected Caregiver Statistics. Retrieved

November 22, 2008, from Family Caregiver Alliance: National Center on Caring:

www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/conent_node.jsp?nodeid=439.html

Feld, E. D. (2008, November 10). Keeping a Promise When a Life is Near Its End.

Retrieved November 27, 2008, from The New York Times: www.nytimes.com

National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2004). Cargiving in the U.S.

Sparling, P. R. (1996). A Care Plan for Living. American Journal of Nursing , 16V-17.

Varma, S. R. (2001). Biography for Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Retrieved November 27, 2008,

from www.imdb.com

Williams, C. R. (2008). Ethics, Crime, and Criminal Justice. Upper Saddle River:

Pearson/ Printice Hall.

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RUNNING HEAD: REFLECTION PAPER

Reflection Paper

Lori Correa

Hodges University

M.P.S. Portfolio 61

In the winter of 2003, I embarked on my quest for higher education. I was only

40 hours into my A.A. pursuit always wanting to finish my education but never thought I

could. The situation was much different than when I was younger and thought I could

achieve anything that I set my mind to doing. I was going through a traumatic divorce,

raising three children and trying to make enough money to keep food on our table. I had

dreams of finishing my educating but honestly didn’t know how I would accomplish such

an enormous task.

One day, while reflecting on what direction I would like my life to go, I saw an ad

for what was then, International College. The advertisement made education later in life

seem doable and a real possibility. At the time, my children were 13, 10 and 7 and very

dependent on their mother. I had no money to speak of so the thought of having to pay

for child care in the evening while I attended school was out of the question, my parents

were too elderly and I just didn’t want to impose on another family to care for my

children which at the time, seemed like a selfish venture.

With nothing more than a dream and some faith, I decided to make an

appointment with Gail in registration and at least see if I could possibly begin to consider

this task. I had already been out of high school for 14 years and had not taken any college

courses since the year 2000. She told me that I would have to take an entrance test which

really worried me since it had been so long since I been in school. I passed the test. Now,

I had to decide what I wanted to major in. I had always worked in education and was

actually the administrator of a private Christian school but there was nothing available in

education from International College and I needed to be able to attend classes at night

rather than during the day because I had to work full-time. After some thought and a little

M.P.S. Portfolio 62

research, I decided that the quickest thing for me to do at the time was to get my A.A.

degree in Paralegal Studies. This was like learning a new language completely. It

seemed so difficult and unattainable but I stuck with it. There were times that I was

crying in Professor Ginsberg’s office because the toil of the divorce was wearing on me

as was raising the children along and trying to keep our bills paid. Honestly, he is the

reason that I stuck it out, at that time. He assured me that I could do it and that even if I

didn’t believe it for myself, he believed it for me. Before long, I had completed my A.A.

degree in Paralegal Studies.

During that time, I found a job at a law office so that I could apply the education

that I had acquired. When reviewing my transcript, I found that I was only short about 1

year from my bachelor’s degree. After some encouragement from professors, I decided to

go ahead and pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies. I had no aspirations of

being an attorney or anything, but thought that it would definitely benefit to have more

training and education, even if I didn’t necessarily work in a law office. For much of that

year, Professor Jim Hodges was my instructor. I had suffered and agonized over

homework, worried about how I could continue this pace of working so hard and not

knowing for sure if I would make it through.

Finally, it was June, 2007 and I was sitting among my other classmates at my

graduation ceremony. This was no doubt one of the best days of my life. During that

year, God had blessed me with my new husband who had been the rock in my life

assuring me every minute of the day that I would be where I was at that moment. I

looked up and saw my family cheering me on and it was a moment that brings tears to my

eyes to think about it. I sat there waiting for my name to be called choking back the tears

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and hoping that my children would be proud. I wanted more than anything to be a

stupendous example of both a mother and a student.

After I received my Bachelor’s Degree, I found that my nitch wasn’t necessarily

law. I wanted to teach. After some contemplation, I decided to continue at Hodges

University to pursue my Master’s Degree in Professional Studies. I have always had a

strong interest in psychology and wanted to have enough credits in that area to be able to

teach on the college level if I wanted to. So, here I am in my last semester of the master’s

program. There have been a lot of tears, stress, anxiety and anticipation involved in this

process. This year, my son will graduate high school and I will be receiving my master’s

degree.

Looking back over my life and my decisions, I know that God has been looking

out for me every step of the way. If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I would be

where I am now, I wouldn’t be able to image it. I would have said that I’m not smart

enough or it’s too hard for me to achieve. I have proved to myself that it is possible to

pursue your dreams in spite of life’s circumstances. Sometimes, it’s a healthy choice

during some of life’s difficult battles to absorb yourself in something productive to keep

your mind off of things that might cause you harm. Keeping myself busy in school has

probably kept me from worrying too much and to some degree help me maintain my

sanity.

I look at this experience as a positive step for me. I have enjoyed my professors

and friends that I have acquired along the way. I know that when this is all said and done,

I will have a great story for my children and grandchildren. It is my hope for anyone

feeling unsure of their future to invest in their education. This is something that no one

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can take away from you and will reflect the steadfastness and desire that is embedded in

your character.