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California psychologists' knowledge of medicinal herbs as it relates to discussions and recommendations of them when counseling clients

Author

Christine Machiko Nakamoto, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Dissertation - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Counseling Psychology

First Advisor

Linda Webster

First Committee Member

Rachelle Hackett

Second Committee Member

Dennis Brennan

Third Committee Member

Steven Rosenblatt

Abstract

There has been a tremendous growth in popularity in the use of herbs especially those designed to assist with mental wellness and to reduce psychological ailments. Clients' widespread usage of medicinal herbs for psychologically related symptoms has created a need for psychologists to become more informed about the health risks associated with taking medicinal herbs. It is important that psychologists be familiar with the most current information regarding medicinal herbs to be able to initiate discussions about medicinal herbs with their clients to help mitigate potential health risks. This study was conducted to increase knowledge about psychologist's perceptions and knowledge about medicinal herbs and about psychologist's practices regarding discussions and recommendation of medicinal herbs with their clients. A total of 1963 questionnaires were responded to by licensed psychologists in the state of California. Most psychologists felt they either did not have enough knowledge or that more knowledge was needed about medicinal herbs. The results show that there is a positive association between psychologist's perceived knowledge of medicinal herbs and their willingness to initiate discussions about them. It was also shown that the more perceived knowledge of medicinal herbs by psychologists, the more willing the psychologists were to recommend them. There was hesitancy among some psychologists to talk about herbs as they felt they either did not have the expertise or that it was beyond the scope of their practice to do so. As many medicinal herbs have significant pharmacological activity and thus potential adverse effects and drug interactions, psychologists should be familiar with herbs, their therapeutic modalities, and safety, so they will be better able to discuss these issues with their clients.

Pages

72

ISBN

9780542018091 , 0542018098

Recommended Citation

Nakamoto, Christine Machiko. (2004). California psychologists' knowledge of medicinal herbs as it relates to discussions and recommendations of them when counseling clients. University of the Pacific, Dissertation - Pacific Access Restricted. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2430