Month: November 2015
First Thoughts as a Student Volunteer
by Akshay Mehta
If you are a woman reading this right now, I’d like you to think about a scenario for a moment. Imagine yourself as a young teen seeking therapy for an unplanned pregnancy. You sit down on a nice comfortable couch in a pleasantly calm room with décor and atmospheric conditions tailored to immediately tone down your anxiety. As you prepare your thoughts, the door opens and a male therapist walks in. Wait…what?
Your first thoughts might be, “How is he going to understand anything I’m going through?”, “Is he a substitute therapist?”, “How do I start talking and what am I comfortable sharing?” Well, in the near future, I may potentially be that male therapist facing an environment dominated by female patients and issues.
I recently began a volunteer position at Claris Health Clinic. Claris’ mission is to empower women and men to make informed and positive choices in regards to their sexual and relational health. Additionally, Claris isn’t controlled by a linear way of thought or a strict religious ideology. Its utmost aim is to just help people make the best productive choices for themselves.
At first, I was a bit skeptical as to how impactful I would really be at this place. But I thought about it and bounced some ideas back and forth with my supervisor at Pepperdine, Rebecca Reed. Through her knowledge about my personal history and experiences, she helped me to see how important I could be. I gained confidence and applied. I was offered an interview. Dr. Route, the Clinical Director at Claris and Stacy Williams, the Client Services Director, conducted my interview. Aside from making the interview as comfortable as possible, they also assured me that they saw the benefits of having a male around the clinic. In fact, they explained that there is a male right now running an outreach program within Claris. It’s called Reality Check. Reality Check aims to proactively help young teens in school settings. Instead of waiting for the teens to come to the clinic, the Reality Check team goes out and talks to students in their schools. They run various activities, presentations and group therapy sessions. I learned that currently they are in a stage of innovating the ways in which they connect with students. Dr. Route and Stacy thought this would be a perfect fit for me.
I have yet to attend a ‘real’ Reality Check workday, so to speak. I have been attending trainings so far. But I am excited to know I am part of a non-profit health organization, which caringly, openly and interactively helps women and men make informed positive choices in their lives. The level of energy at Claris is abundantly clear through the team members’ efforts and enthusiasm. I am thrilled to be a part of Claris’ mission and hope that I can add another piece to their aspirations of becoming an important resource for our society.
Anatomy of Intimacy: Couples Training Workshops 2015-2016
The Anatomy of Intimacy is a series of in-depth workshops in couples therapy from some of the top experts in the field, brought to you by the Foundation for the Contemporary Family and the University of California Irvine Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. CE Credits and scholarships are available! Visit anatomyofintimacy.com for more information and to register.
The complete series of workshops:
October 17, 2015
Couples on the Brink: To Divorce or Not?
William Doherty
November 14, 2015
Lies, Self-absorption, and Unrelenting Hostility
Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson
February 6, 2016
A Relational Psychoanalytic Approach to Couples Therapy
Philip Ringstrom
March 5, 2016
Reigniting Desire in Sex-starved Relationships
Tammy Nelson
April 2, 2016
A Can of Worms: Legal & Ethical Issues in Couples & Family Therapy
Steven Frankel
Don’t Miss the CAMFT 2015 Fall Symposium in Costa Mesa: November 14-15
CAMFT’s fall symposium will be local to us — at the Hilton Orange County in Costa Mesa this November! The theme for this two day event is “Taking Charge of Change” and, for prelicensed people, is just $69 for one day or $120 for both days. Download the prelicensed offer here — otherwise go here to register and check out the speakers and schedule below!
Taking Charge of Change!
- Explore the L&Es of Supervising
- Discover What Works in Therapy
- Establish Your Own Identity
- Empower Yourself with Expressive Arts
- Employ Social Media Marketing
ALL-DAY WORKSHOP FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Elaine Brady, PhD, LMFT, CAS, CSAT-S
Barry L. Duncan, PsyD
Michael Griffin, JD, LCSW
Ernesto Segismundo, Jr., MS, LMFT
Featuring two days/two concurrent workshops (6 CE credits each), includes breakfasts, afternoon breaks, and resources room sponsored by the Fall Symposium Co-sponsors.
Saturday, November 14, 2015 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (6 CE Credits each)
“Marketing for Mental Health Professionals” (Level of Learning: Intermediate)
Presented by Ernesto Segismundo Jr., MS, LMFT
“Legal and Ethical Issues in Supervision” (Level of Learning: Intermediate)
Presented by Michael Griffin, JD, LCSW, CAMFT Staff Attorney
Sunday, November 15, 2015 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (6 CE Credits each)
“Integration of Poetry Therapy in the Treatment of Trauma” (Level of Learning: Intermediate)
Presented by Elaine Brady, PhD, LMFT, CAS, CSAT-S
“On Becoming Better at What We Do” (Level of Learning: Intermediate)
Presented by Barry L Duncan, PsyD
My Experience as a Graduate Assistant
by Akshay Mehta
Should I pursue an MFT, an MA or a Psy.D.? What are the requirements for licensure? When will I begin my internship and how long will it take to complete? What is the best way to network? These are ordinary curiosities for a graduate student. But for many, these questions seem to linger around without ever getting definite answers. It builds up in our minds to such an extent that we might find ourselves thinking of them as essay prompts. Therefore, this forces us to endlessly research about them online and/or attempt to understand them further by scheduling meetings with an expert. Sounds hectic right?
These ‘experts’ are Pepperdine’s faculty, staff and alumni. And luckily for me, I am an assistant to one of these experts. Her name is Rebecca Reed. She is the MFT Clinical Training Coordinator at the West LA Campus. She is a ‘one stop shop’ for anything related to MFT. Her genuine devotion to making sure Pepperdine students succeed easily makes her a critical and valuable resource for someone pursuing an MFT. Although she invests time and effort in everyone equally, I must brag a little about my accessibility to her as her Graduate Assistant. Not only am I able to help her in assisting other students with various needs, but by working next to her I am able to take advantage of her wisdom (stemming from over 25 years of experience at Pepperdine). I consider my assistantship to Rebecca an invaluable opportunity for which I am extremely grateful.
But the flip side of my position brings satisfaction through interaction with the students. Every new semester, Rebecca and I schedule ‘Quick Meets’ with new MA or MFT students. These are short but extremely beneficial presentations, which provide a large number of resources to ultimately help students in getting to know their program better and the various ways they can effectively excel in it. Equipped with information on private practice field trips, Pepperdine MFT workshops, career fairs and career-marketing tools, I am able to really connect with new students and witness the anxiety settle in them.
My work as a Graduate Assistant to Rebecca Reed has provided me with just as much satisfaction, knowledge and confidence as the education I have retained from my classes. With the level of support and accessibility to resources I have in my LMFT/LPCC path, it is now up to me to humbly recognize it and continue making the best of it. Because one day soon, my current experience will be seen as the foundation of my professional life.
Please also note that Quick Meets and Clinical Training Staff are present at every Pepperdine Campus. Please contact Kathleen Wenger, Manager of Clinical Training and Professional Development at the Irvine Campus, Alice Richardson, Clinical Training and Professional Development Coordinator at the Encino Campus, Andrea Lipnicki, at the Malibu Campus or Rebecca Reed, Clinical Training and Professional Development Coordinator at the WLA Campus depending on your specific campus or practicum site preferable locations.
Encino Graduate Campus November and December Events
Here’s what we have coming up in the M.A. Psychology Professional Development and Clinical Training Department at the Encino Graduate Campus for the rest of the fall semester!
Clinical Connections: How I Became a Specialist in Eating Disorders: Saturday, November 7, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Don’t miss out on this amazing presenter as she shares her training, education and experience. Presented by Alli Spots-De lazzer
Coffee Talk w/Alice Richardson: Thursday, December 3, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A casual discussion format. You bring the questions, we’ll provide the answers, and you’ll leave with some coffee and treats!
Intern Registration Meeting: Wednesday, December 16, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Psy. 642 class.
As you wind down your time in the MACLP program we will show you, step-by step how to transition from being a Student Trainee to becoming a registered intern with the BBS.
Irvine Graduate Campus November and December Events
Here’s what we have coming up in the M.A. Psychology Professional Development and Clinical Training Department at the Irvine Graduate Campus for the rest of the fall semester!
Clinical Connections Panel: A Vignette from Three Different Theoretical Orientations: Thursday, November 12
Come understand how three differing theoretical orientations treat the same clinical vignettes.
MFT Consortium of Orange County: Wednesday, November 18, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Intern Registration Meeting: Thursday, November 19, 7:15 p.m.
As you wind down your time in the MFT/LCC program, your Clinical Training Coordinator will lead a special edition of your PSY 642 class to help you transition from being a student to a registered intern with the BBS.
Coffee Talk w/Kathleen Wenger, LMFT: November (Date TBA)
Come with your questions to this casual discussion and leave with answers, coffee, and treats!
Doctoral Roundtable: Monday, December 7 (Time TBA)
Are you interested in applying for a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Program? Not sure what you need to do, how to prepare for the application process, costs, financial aid, research requirements, what programs are best for you? Find out what programs best fit your needs…and more!
West LA Graduate Campus November and December Events
Here’s what we have coming up in the M.A. Psychology Professional Development and Clinical Training Department at the West LA Graduate Campus for the rest of the fall semester!
Tips for a Successful Practicum: Thursday, November 5, 7:15 p.m., Psy. 661 class.
Clinical Connections w/Oliver Viboolkij, M.A.: Behind Bars: Working with the Forensic Population: Friday, November 6, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Intern Registration Meeting: Monday, November 16, 7:15 p.m., Psy. 642 class.
Private Practice Visit w/Cindy Shadel, M.A., LMFT: Friday, November 20, 11:00 a.m. at her practice in El Segundo.
Clinical Connections Panel w/Jacqueline Pinn, M.A.: Your Encounter with the Black Woman’s Psyche: Friday, December 4, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Coffee Talk w/Sheila Sayani, M.A., LMFT: Q&A Basics About Couple’s Therapy: Tuesday, December 8, 11:15 a.m
2016 CPA Convention Call for Poster Proposals — Deadline December 2
April 2016 may seem like a long time from now, but the deadline for presentation submissions for the 2016 CPA Convention happening that month has already come and gone! Thankfully, there’s still time to get your poster proposal in — the poster deadline is December 2. The convention will be in Irvine on April 14-17.
To help turn the brilliant idea in your mind into a great poster, CPA has the following guidelines:
“Things we are particular about:
- You must be a doctoral student in psychology or hold a doctorate in psychology to submit a proposal.
- All poster presenters are required to register for the convention at either the student or presenter rate. Students may volunteer in order to be reimbursed for their registration fee.
- All presenters listed on the poster proposal are expected to be present when the poster is presented. If you do not plan to attend the poster presentation please do not include your name on the proposal (this includes faculty).
What is a poster?
A poster is an excellent way to summarize your research or single case studies, or to present a conceptual model or innovative interventions in therapy. It is expected that posters will represent work, research, or projects that have been fully completed before presentation at the convention. Literature reviews and planned research are not appropriate for posters.
Guidelines for Poster Proposals:
- All proposals must be submitted online here
- All presentation submissions MUST be received by midnight, December 2, 2015. This is a firm deadline.
- Proposals from members of CPA will receive preference.
- No presenter may submit more than two poster proposals.
- A poster consists of key information (brief paragraphs, bulleted outlines, diagrams, tables, graphs) presented together. The CPA convention uses 24” x 36” black foam core board set on easels rather than on a bulletin board. The poster needs to fit on this board.
- Most copy or print stores can usually print posters (from a PowerPoint file) for a reasonable cost. Poster can be in color or black and white.
- There must be a primary presenter for each poster proposal. This individual will be the person who will be the main contact for CPA. It will be that person’s responsibility to notify the co-presenters of status and details.
- Those poster presentations selected will be assigned a time either on Friday or Saturday of the convention. Each day there will be a designated time when presenters are expected to be available to discuss their posters.
- All those proposing a poster will be notified of the Committee’s decision in January.”
2016 AAMFT-CA 6th Annual Division Conference Call for Presentation Proposals
San Francisco State University
February 26 & 27, 2016
Dimensions of Cultural Diversity in Couples and Families:
Race, Gender, and Social Justice
Abstract Submission Guidelines
- Submission deadline November 22, 2015. Abstracts must be submitted via e-mail by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time to drdana.stone@yahoo.com
- Abstracts will be anonymously reviewed and scored based on their fit with the conference theme, overall quality, and presenter qualifications.
- Bonus points will be given to presentations led by current students and recent graduates/new professionals (you may include faculty/clinical co-presenters).
- Individuals may not be listed on more than two abstract submissions.
- No more than 6 presenters per submission (workshop or poster).
- Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed, nor will notifications be provided.
- The lead presenter will be notified of acceptance/rejection and is responsible for notifying other presenters.
- You do not need to be an AAMFT member to submit an abstract.
- All workshop co-presenters are expected to pay for and be in attendance at the conference on the day of your workshop or poster presentation; poster presentations may be given by one co-author attending the conference.
- Workshops and posters previously presented at other conferences may also be submitted for consideration here. In such cases, please provide a statement explaining how your current submission is the same or different than previous presentations made on the same or similar topic.
- Presentations that include any form of commercial solicitation will not be accepted.
Definitions of presentation formats
Interactive Workshop: A 50-minute long session that should involve audience participation in some way. The presenters may show a video of their work and have a discussion with the audience (strongly encouraged), put together a panel of professionals who discuss a specific topic, or have a conversation hour that focuses on a particular topic with an experiential component. Abstracts for each of these types of interactive sessions should specify a clear topic, the type of interactive session, and one person who will be facilitating or organizing the panel or session. A one-page handout should be provided at your presentation.
Poster Session: A visual presentation (4′x 4′ poster) of research, treatment, advocacy, or other MFT issues. The AAMFT-CA Division Conference encourages poster submissions for the purpose of disseminating and sharing of research findings, new ideas, innovations, and advances in the profession with as many individuals as possible. Poster sessions allow presenters and attendees to engage in discussions about the author’s presentation that is in illustrated format on a poster board. Presenters are asked to be at their assigned poster board during the entire length of the poster session. A one-page handout should be provided during the poster session.
Proposal Formatting Instructions
Please complete the following information and e-mail it as a Word document to: drdana.stone@yahoo.com
Provide all information as you would want it to appear in the conference program.
Page 1: Cover Sheet to Include All of the Following
Title: Should convey the scope of the presentation
Presentation Type (Circle one) a) 50-minute interactive workshop or b) Poster
Presenter(s) 1-6 – Name, Agency or Practice Affiliation, and/or School
Page 2: To Include Each of the Following
Title:
Presentation Type (Indicate one) a) 50-minute interactive workshop or b) Poster
Brief summary:
- 250-words or less summary of the proposed workshop or poster. Be as specific as possible about the content of your presentation and what the participants will learn.
- Discuss as specifically as possible the usefulness of your content for the clinician, the community agency, community member, student, and/or educator.
- Research abstracts should include a statement of the research, results, and implications.
- Research Poster proposals must mention methodology, sample size, and findings, and must report completed data collection.
Learning objectives:
List at least three (3) specific learning objectives for your workshop or poster. Objectives should be phrased as “Participants will…”
Presenter background (all proposals):
Without providing identifying information, describe the qualifications of the presenters, including prior experience with conference presentations.
Has this presentation been submitted or presented to other conferences?
Yes or No
If “yes,” please explain.
Abstracts will be reviewed and scored anonymously. The conference committee will make all final decisions on the conference program, and will review evaluations, program balance, conference theme, and any other factors they deem relevant in selecting workshops and posters for the conference program. All presenters accepted to for the conference program will be notified by January 5, 2016.
Disclaimer: AAMFT, AAMFT-CA, are not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, or erroneously submitted proposals, and are similarly not responsible for any data processing errors.
For more information about the conference and registration, visit: aamftca.org
Any questions regarding abstracts or submission may be directed to
Dana Stone, Ph.D.
AAMFT-CA Division Conference Committee member drdana.stone@yahoo.com
November 14: CPAGS 2015 Student Leadership and Advocacy Conference
The California Psychological Association’s student organization, CPAGS, is holding its annual Student Leadership and Advocacy Conference at Alliant University in San Diego on Saturday, November 14 beginning at 8 a.m. Online registration is available until November 8, so go here to do so!
The SLAC introduces students to the importance of advocacy for clinical psychology, avenues for becoming leaders in their field, and role models for other students. The SLAC also offers networking and training opportunities.
This is a unique opportunity to learn how to incorporate advocacy into our work as psychologists-in-training, connect with like-minded students and professionals, or just come see a new opportunity for involvement in the psychological community. There will be ample opportunities to network with students and professionals, including a happy hour social immediately following the conference. Please join us for this incredible day!
Subscribe to the CPAGS listserv for updates on the event. For non-members, consider joining CPAGS before registering for the event. The fee to this event will be lowered and you will become eligible to apply for travel reimbursement!
Registration fee is non-refundable.
Focus on Psychology 