| MPA Day at the Capitol |
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8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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Join Our List
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| New Member Spotlight
Randy Burke, Ph.D. |
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Dr. Burke received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1999 and completed his internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Consortium. Over the past nine years he has served as Operations Manager for residential and outpatient programs within the Addictive Disorders Treatment Program. He has worked closely with Dr. Patricia Dubbert, VAMC Coordinator of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Psychology Residency Consortium since 2001. Dr. Burke also serves as the Coordinator of the recently- developed VAMC Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. In addition to his position at the VAMC, he holds an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Clinical and Research Interests
His interests include examining the relationship between substance use and anxiety disorders, along with HIV prevention in substance abusing populations.
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| 2010 MPA Executive Council and Committee Chairs |
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President Martha J. Cain, Ph.D., Jackson
(601) 978-7867
Past-President Angela O. Herzog, Ph.D., Jackson
(601) 981-5757
President-Elect/Financial Officer Lisa Yazdani, Ph.D.,
Byram
Representative to the APA Council James D. Herzog, Ph.D., Jackson
(601) 981-5757
Federal Advocacy Coordinator Natalie W. Gaughf, Ph.D., Jackson
(601) 815-1180
Communications Officer Karen Christoff, Ph.D., Oxford
(662) 915-5195
Region I Representative Fred Drummond, Ph. D., Oxford
Region II Representative Amy Hudson, Ph. D., Jackson
Region III Representative Sara S. Jordan, Ph.D., Hattiesburg
Continuing Education Chair Vicki Prosser, Ph.D., CIM., Jackson
(601) 979-4197
Newsletter Editor Beverly Smallwood, Ph.D., Hattiesburg
(601) 264-0890
Diversity Representative Cheryl Moreland, Ph.D., Jackson
Membership Chair Penni Smith, Ph.D., Jackson
(601) 815-1067
Rural Health Coordinator Scott Cardin, Ph.D.,
Biloxi
(228) 523-5495
Executive Director Tracey Curtis
(601) 372-7755
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The President's Desk
CREATING THE FUTURE: MPA IN A CHANGING WORLD Martha Cain, Ph.D., MPA President
Private Practice, Jackson
I'm excited and humbled about being MPA's President in 2010, a year certain to bring major changes in our healthcare system. As our nation, state, and workplaces face major financial and organizational challenges, we're called upon to embrace resilience and to identify and develop new ways to utilize our expertise. MPA is working hard to become one of your most valued resources! My goal as MPA President is to strengthen our professional organization to support members and facilitate their efforts to:
* meet healthcare needs in the state, with special attention to diversity
and rural health;
* increase the body of scientific knowledge of human behavior and
mind/body interaction;
* educate college and university students for an evolving system of
healthcare;
* serve as mentors to students and Early Career Psychologists, who in
turn are encouraged to share new perspectives with the Association;
* apply psychological expertise in forensic, occupational, educational, and
healthcare forums, and;
* provide public education to promote the benefits of psychology.
While these goals won't be fully achieved during my tenure, the Executive Committee (E.C.) and I are taking the following steps to operationalize strategies designed to move us forward:
◘ Increase organization transparency and leadership accountability. The first hour of each E.C. meeting will be open to the first five members who request to attend. Members may provide feedback and initiate involvement by contacting any E.C. Member.
◘ Improve networking opportunities through quarterly regional lunches. Formats for these meetings may include speakers, focused roundtable discussions, or book reviews. Another option is to form special interest groups, such as child/adolescent, neuropsychology, forensics, or health psychology. Vicki Prosser and the Regional Representatives will provide leadership for these quarterly lunches.
◘ Increase student and faculty interest and involvement in MPA. We welcome your ideas on how to achieve this important goal. We are working on special incentives, such as more distinctive highlighting of student poster competition and symposia. Dr. Beverly Smallwood, Mississippi Psychologist Editor, wishes to print abstracts of new and newly-published research. She would also like to have a member of MPA who is also a faculty member to serve on the Editorial Staff, inviting and reviewing submissions from all universities. Drs. Penni Smith, Molly Clark, Martha Cain, and the Regional Representatives will work together to discover other ways to make MPA more meaningful for those in academic environments.
◘ Publish informative newsletter three times a year. Dr. Beverly Smallwood, Editor, invites members to submit articles of interest.
◘ Actively solicit Early Career Psychologists and newly licensed psychologists. Leading the pursuit of this goal are Drs. Molly Clark, Penni Smith, and Martha Cain.
◘ Organize opportunities for local and national advocacy on behalf of the profession. APA's annual training of our State leaders at the State Leadership Conference has been invaluable in promoting psychology in the emerging national healthcare plan. As our State licensing law sunsets in 2011, it becomes increasingly important that psychologists become their own advocates with the State Legislature. MPA is creating position statements to guide us during the Day at the Capitol, January 26, 2010. Providing leadership in this area are Drs. Natalie Gaughf, C.D. Gaston, and Gerry O'Brien.
◘ Present a strong convention program. Planned for this year's convention are interdiciplinary presenters, a nationally-known speaker, special interest tracks, networking events, and an improved student poster session. Drs. Angela Herzog, Vicki Prosser, and Lisa Yazdani lead the convention team.
◘ Increase Public Education activity via interaction with media on behalf of psychology. Jeannette Bolte is soon resigning as Chair of this critical position. APA funds the Chair's attendance at training sessions in Washington, D.C. It's a real opportunity to promote psychology, as well as your own professional visibility. Please consider nominating yourself for this position today!
◘ Stay abreast of APA policies, developments, and opportunities. Dr. Jim Herzog, current APA Representative, cannot run for re-election, so we solicit nominations for this position now. Please consider self-nominating for this valuable opportunity to serve as liason between APA and MPA.
◘ Pursue grants to develop integrated systems to collaborate and compete in the new healthcare market. Our leaders in this area of development are Drs. Scott Cardin, Cheryl Moreland, Bob Nevels, and Lisa Yazdani.
◘ Continue developing the MPA Disaster Relief Network in collaboration with Dr. Bill Martin and the American Red Cross. Dr. Emily Thomas Johnson now heads the MPA Disaster Relief Network.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of being an MPA member is opportunity. I hope that this overview of MPA's 2010 goals has sparked your interest and will encourage your participation.
If you have additional ideas on how we can become more relevant to your needs, please let me know. Working together, we can create an MPA that positions Mississippi psychologists to be highly competitive in today's world, while supporting our professional goals in practice, research, education, and public service.
Martha J. Cain, Ph.D.
MPA President, 2010 |
| Disaster Response Network |
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MPA PARTNERS WITH THE RED CROSS
Lisa Yazdani, Ph.D. Emily Thomas Johnson, Ph.D.
 
In the years since Hurricane Katrina, MPA has been working with the Red Cross to train psychologists in mental health disaster response. Several psychologists have already informally volunteered in shelters since Katrina, but their skills in crisis intervention during smaller events seem to have been underutilized and steps are being taken to change that.
Currently, the MPA has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Red Cross, which provides for continued training for mental health professionals. The MPA has developed a Disaster Response Network (DRN) of approximately seventy psychologists throughout the state who are trained to respond when needed. When a disaster or crisis event occurs in the state, the DRN psychologists in that region are called to respond. Our role as psychologists is to not only to provide crisis intervention, but also to assess the need for further mental health services and to provide referral options.
In the fall, a planning meeting took place between officers of the MPA and personnel from the Red Cross Jackson Chapter to determine how to better coordinate mental health volunteers. The Disaster Response Network of MPA is currently seeking additional members to participate in disaster response. A more detailed mental health disaster response protocol is also being developed to assist with creating a more immediate and coordinated response. Our goal is to have a clear plan in place for utilizing the knowledge and skills of psychologists throughout the state when disaster strikes. For more information and/or to volunteer, please contact Dr. Emily Johnson at ETJPHD@GMAIL.COM. |
| Clinical Corner |
 We invited Dr. Jim Baugh to describe his innovative work in developing the Baugh Relationship Index, a clinical tool being used by clinicians, organizations, and two medical schools. If you have a clinical innovation or interesting case you'd like to tell us about, contact the Editor.
BAUGH RELATIONSHIP INDEX
Jim Baugh, Ph.D.
Private Practice, Jackson
The Baugh Relationship Index (BRI) began as I tried to understand the relationship needs of counselees. In an attempt to systematize my observations, I recorded the next 50 persons seeking counseling, and from these recordings divided their relationship needs into categories. Some of these persons wanted to please as a major way of relating. For example, this group freely complimented. A second group was dependent, asking directly or indirectly for reassurance. A third group was controlling, wanting to shape my behavior or thinking. The last group was avoiding, wanting to keep me from getting close. I then developed questions that would place counselees into the various groupings.
When assessed, the subjects did not necessarily fall into one group, although a few did. Instead, most would score high in two, with a smaller group straddling three of the categories.
The assessment was of some help in my knowing how to relate to my counselees. However, in the early 1980s, I had an epiphany. I counseled two women back to back. Both were high scorers in pleasing, yet one was aggressive, saying in effect, "I'm going to please you regardless of what you might want." The other was more passive, with her behaviors saying, "I'm willing to put myself second so that you get what you want." I added aggressive and passive to interact with each of the other four categories, giving six cells of data.
These two additions gave the test much more depth. Later, taking a cue from the Personal Profile test, I divided aggressive and passive into two categories each, creating a design of sixteen cells, the new four interacting with the original four. Later, I developed two versions of the test: the social version and the work version.
In the mid-1980's I purchased a statistical program for my computer. Data computations that took hours with a calculator now could yield answers in minutes. The data revealed four sets of negatively correlated pairs. I changed the names to suggest opposite ends of a continuum, Attaching vs. Detaching, Leading vs. Relying, Competing vs. Harmonizing, and Expressing vs. Thinking. At this point, some of my colleagues asked to use the test. Before I was willing to share the test, I ran reliability statistics.
In the late 1980s I put the test on the computer and changed the name to the Baugh Relationship Index {BRI}. In the early 1990's I began giving workshops on the BRI. After more recent improvements, the BRI is now on the Internet for my professional users, but not for the public. However, the professional can email the BRI to a test-taker and will receive the scored results and interpretation on their individual website. The Work Version gives a 13- to 16- page interpretation, and the Social Version yields a 17- to 20- page interpretation. When a couple takes the Social Version, their BRIs are integrated and include a compatibility section. The interpretation also includes: Relationship Style, Individual Scores, Core Personality Elements, Relationship Disrupters, Behavior Styles, Relationship Maturity, and Relationship Satisfiers.
The early use of the BRI was diagnostic, assessing various aspects of relationships. Now, it is more frequently used as an instrument of changing relationship characteristics that do not serve the client well. The work version is still used diagnostically in business settings (such as FedEx), and in assessing candidates for the clergy. The work version is also used by Vanderbilt and the University of South Florida Medical Schools to change problem behaviors of physicians who have lost their licenses. All of the problem behaviors pointed out on the BRI are followed by prescriptive change suggestions.
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| All About Addictions |
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CPR:LIFE SUPPORT FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CONTINUING CARE
Jefferson Parker, Ph.D.
Acting ACOS/MH, G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center
"Lack of follow-through" - the bane of relapse prevention for any chronic health condition, right? Substance use disorders (SUD) research has demonstrated that length of engagement in care predicts treatment outcome better than the intensity of the initial treatment intervention. Alcoholics Anonymous has long recognized this, prescribing as it does, "90 meetings in 90 days," and extended engagement in the 12-Step program of personal improvement. "Contracting, Prompting, and Reinforcement," or CPR, is a practical, inexpensive, flexible, and empirically-supported intervention to improve compliance with SUD continuing care.
In recognition of an abysmal follow-through rate after completion of the intensive 30-day primary treatment at the VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia, Steven Lash, Ph.D., undertook a series of pairwise experiments to address the situation. CPR has since been the subject of two VA-funded randomized controlled trails. The first study was conducted in the Salem VAMC's residential SUD program (Lash et al, 2007); the second study included Jackson VA's residential and intensive outpatient programs and is in the data analysis stage. The VA has funded a third study through its Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) that is in the process of examining factors relevant to broader implemention of CPR (Parker, Burden, & Lash, 2009).Of note, each of CPR's three core elements improves treatment attendance and outcome. In the original clinical trail, the package yielded superior rates for both completion of 3 months' of Aftercare (55% vs. 36% in treatment as usual) and 12 month abstinence (57% vs. 37%). Thus, it is not necessary to implement the entire package at once - CPR can be flexibly implemented in a component-wise fashion as program circumstances permit.
SO, WHAT IS CPR?
Contracting. During the final stages of primary rehabilitation, a 20-minute individual session is conducted using a supportive motivational style. The clinician presents normative data showing expected treatment outcome as it varies by degree of involvement in 12-Step activities and continuing care groups and encourages the client to make specific commitments for the following 90 days related to abstinence and attendance. Both sign the resulting contract, and the client takes a copy to post at home.
Prompting. Using a digital database for tracking, participants are sent postcard reminders timed to arrive 1-2 days before each scheduled continuing care activity. These reminders also provide feedback on progress toward established goals. For example, it might say, "Your next Aftercare Group is Tuesday, February 16 at 1 p.m. You have attended 4 groups and need 2 more by March 2 to meet your 90-day goal." When a participant misses a group, his group leader calls and/or sends a letter of concern and encouragement. Finally, participants carry wallet cards (one for abstinence, one for attendance) that work like coffee club cards: the cards are marked with their client's personal goals and are punched for each "clean" drug test and each group attended, respectively.
Reinforcement. Each time a client meets one of his abstinence or attendance goals, he is recognized in the group with words of congratulation from the group leader, applause from the group, and words of encouragement from volunteering peers. He is also given a medallion (for abstinence) or a framed certificate (for attendance). For met attendance goals, he is given the opportunity to place his name on the "Honor Roll," which hangs on the group room wall.In closing, CPR is a flexible, practical, theory-neutral intervention that has been shown to address one of the key concerns in SUD treatment: follow-through after intensive rehabilitation. A PowerPoint presentation that includes additional background information, examples of various materials used in CPR, and outcome data from the first randomized trail are available at this link: www.mirecc.va.gov/VISN16/docs/Webcast_Lash_sept07.ppt.
Lash, S.J., Stephens, R.S., Burden, J.L., Grambow, S.C., Demarce, J. M., Jones, M.E., Lozano, B., Jeffreys, A.S., Fearer, S.A., & Horner, R.D. (2007). Contracting, Prompting and Reinforcing Substance Use Disorder Continuing Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 21, 387-397.
Parker, J. D., Burden, J. L., & Lash, S. J. (2009). Evaluation of Implementation Factors Specific to the Contracts, Prompts, and Social Reinforcement (CPR) Intervention for SUD Continuing Care within the VA. |
| Red Flag Rules - How Do They Impact You? |
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 Michael Roberts, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Communicare
Last year, the Federal Trade Commission scheduled implementation of rules mandated by the 2003 Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. These "Red Flag Rules" require most medical service providers to develop policies and procedures to identify "potential patterns, practices, or specific activities indicating the possibility of identity theft." Originally required to go into effect August 1, 2009, implementation has been postponed several times and is now scheduled for June 1, 2010. As noted below, that, too, may change.
But, why should psychologists be concerned? Well, to begin with, the FTC says we must comply because we "extend credit" to patients who want to pay using their health insurance. The Rules require us to take certain actions and document our efforts to be sure our patient is who she claims to be. If we have reason to believe the patient is attempting to use someone else's identity to obtain healthcare services ("medical identity theft") we may be required to report him or her to law enforcement.
So, why else should we want to get involved with these new policies and procedures? Because it makes good financial sense to do so. Medical identify theft happens every day in our state. Communicare, the community mental health center where I work, has been victimized by medical identify theft. On one occasion, we were required to pay back several hundred dollars to Medicaid when they discovered one of our patients fraudulently used another person's stolen Medicaid identity card. Having to pay back the money was a real wake-up call for us. We learned that such fraud is common, especially with young children. How do you know that kid really is "Billy Smith" like it says on the insurance card and not Billy's cousin, Bobby?
Given our experience, we thought it a good idea to go ahead and implement new policies and procedures to minimize our risk - even though not required to do so.
You may decide you do not want to bother with this and you may not have to. This past October, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill (H.R. 3753) exempting from the Red Flag Rule requirements psychology practices with 20 employees or fewer. If the Senate concurs (the House passed it 400 to zero) and the President signs it into law, most psychologists will not have to worry about Red Flag Rules. But, I recommend you think hard about it before you decide not to act.
If H.R. 3763 does not become law and the Rules do become effective, I will publish a draft policy and procedure statement in the Mississippi Psychologist. In the meantime, you can learn more, and see some sample policies and procedures, at www.apapractice.org. Let me know if you want to see a copy of the policy we implemented.
I am not big on federal regulation of the practice of psychology, but in this case, I am happy for the heads up and prompt to action. |
| Foundations of Mental Health Training |
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AMERICAN RED CROSS
The Northeast Mississippi Chapter, American Red Cross
Sponsors
Foundations of Disaster Mental Health (ARC 3077-4)
(A Red Cross course for Licensed Mental Health Professionals)
DATE: Feb 19, 2010
TIME: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
LOCATION: University of Mississippi Student Union Building, Oxford
FE
E: No Charge
CE Credit: 6.5 hrs from APA, NASW, ACA
REGISTRATION:
***Pre-registration required (limited space)***
TO REGISTER:
Complete Registration Form & Fax, Mail or E-mail to:
Northeast MS Chapter Fax: (662) 236-5864
Registration Deadline: Feb 12, 2010
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Registration Form
Name: _______________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________
P
rofession/Lic #:________________________________________
Work Affiliation___________________
Title:__________________
Phone:_______________E-Mail___________________________ |
| Psychology and Law Update |
 FAQ'S FOR NON-FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGISTS
C. Gerald O'Brien, Ph.D.
Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
Jackson, MS
This is written for psychologists who do not specialize in forensic psychology but nonetheless may be faced with legal issues in their practice. If you are well prepared for all such possibilities, you need read no further. On the other hand, if you have doubts (or fears) about what could happen if, for example, you receive an unexpected subpoena for records or a demand to appear in a court proceeding, this article is designed for you. Since I frequently receive questions from colleagues about these issues, I appreciate the opportunity to briefly review them in this space.
Practicing psychologists may often testify as fact witnesses and as treating experts. Some specialize in forensic psychology and testify as forensic experts. However, if you are a clinician providing either assessment or therapy to a patient who turns out to be a litigant-or a defendant-you may find yourself unwittingly, and reluctantly, contacted by an attorney demanding your help. At this point, you might forge ahead if you are confident in your professional preparation, or you may slow down while you consider some of the following issues.
Q: When may I release clinical records to an attorney?
A: (When Hell freezes over? Sorry, no.) When you have your patient's consent, or with an order from a court with jurisdiction in the case. Is a subpoena a court order? In ordinary practice, no, it is not. If you do not understand a request for records, ask the attorney or the court for clarification. In addition, consider your patient's best interests in deciding on your course of action (see next question).
Q: What happens if I don't agree with the attorney's (or my patient's) plan or actions?
A: Discuss the issues with your patient in order to reach some resolution. For example, you may believe it is not in your patient's best interests to move forward with litigation, or that your records or testimony may actually do harm if given. If the patient or attorney is aware of this, plans may change. However, if you are still required to testify, answer the questions professionally and honestly, while recognizing your responses may subsequently affect the therapeutic relationship.
Q: If I have to appear for testimony, how will I get paid?
A: How do you usually get paid? Discuss fees with your patient before you take action. If you haven't already done so, consider adding a statement to your initial "information for patients" document which clarifies what happens, and how fees are handled, if you are called to court on their behalf. Do charge for your time, preferably at your usual rate.
Q: What if there is a conflict between my judgment about my patient's best interests and the demands of the legal proceeding?
A: The APA Ethics Code (2002) provides some guidance:
1.02 Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority
If psychologists' ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal authority, psychologists make known their commitment to the Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the conflict. If the conflict is unresolvable via such means, psychologists may adhere to the requirements of the law, regulations, or other governing legal authority.
For example, you may be asked questions that you believe violate the confidentiality due your patient and her information. However uncomfortable this may be, if the court requires you to answer you are still within ethical guidelines.
Q: What are the most important things to remember if I get caught in one of these situations?
A: First, prevention is the best strategy. Every clinician may be faced with these or similar dilemmas, so do your homework! Review the resources available through APA, attend MPA continuing education events, and study relevant materials, such as those listed below. Finally, keep that MPA contact information handy. If you find yourself struggling, please consult a colleague!
Footnotes
1. American Psychological Association Committee on Legal Issues. (2006). Strategies for private practitioners coping with subpoenas or compelled testimony for client records or test data. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37, 215-222.
2. American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. American Psychologist, 57, 1060-1073.
Other Resources
Barsky, A. & Gould, J. (2002). Clinicians in court: A guide to subpoenas, depositions, testifying, and everything else you need to know. New York, Guilford.
Greenberg, S. & Shulman, D. (1997). Irreconcilable differences between therapeutic and forensic roles. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 28, 50-57.
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| Taking Care of Yourself |
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ARE YOU IGNORING BURNOUT'S WARNING LIGHTS?
Beverly Smallwood, Ph.D.
Private Practice, The Hope Center, Hattiesburg
I pulled out of my garage that morning, car loaded down with computers, props, and learning notebooks for a seminar on burnout that I was conducting for a group of hospital managers. All of a sudden, next to the speedometer a little light in the shape of an oil can caught my eye.
Darn it, I meant to get that checked yesterday. That same light came on a couple of times earlier in the week, but it went off. It must not be too big a problem if it went off, right? I'd get it checked when I got time, and I thought I would get time yesterday, but it just slipped my mind. Glancing nervously at my watch, I calculated that I would have time to swing by the service station, make the two-hour drive, and be at the venue in plenty of time to get set up.
I knew from the disapproving look Mac gave me after he checked my oil, it might not be good. He went inside, returned with two quarts, and poured them into the thirsty tank. He put in the stick to measure, gave me that same look, and went back inside for yet a third quart. As he was taking my payment, he dutifully gave me the lecture about what could have happened to my car.
IS YOUR OIL GETTING LOW?
As I traveled up the highway, I regretted ignoring the warning lights, endangering my motor and therefore my mobility. I also thought about the similarity between this incident and the way I was managing my time and my life. I realized that I had been ignoring some signals - that I was pushing too hard, taking on too much, and trying too hard to keep everyone happy. In short, the psychologist and stress teacher was on a collision course with burnout.
Can you relate to any of my foolish behaviors in the oil scenario?
1. BEING TOO BUSY TO NOTICE.
If your life is too busy to pay attention to the burnout warning signals of emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced accomplishment, you're too busy. Here's an additional question, if you care to dig a little. Are you deliberately keeping yourself so busy that you don't have to notice? What are you pretending not to know?
2. MINIMIZING THE WARNING SIGNS.
A common form of denial is to acknowledge the facts, but rationalize and minimize their significance. I told myself, the oil light must not indicate too big a problem or it would have stayed on. Are you refusing to acknowledge just how spent you are, trying to maintain the illusion that you can save the world, have everyone's approval, and achieve, achieve, achieve?
3. CONSIDERING YOURSELF INVINCIBLE.
It won't happen to me. After all, I'm a psychologist! Famous last words. I have worked with hundreds of intelligent, talented, committed people who gradually lost their zeal and sank into depression, and I know you have. (In fact, research shows that it's the most committed people who burn out. The others don't care!) They believe the American myths that you can do whatever you set your mind to and that you should never ever quit. Baloney. There's a time to quit, redirecting your energies into something more productive. You must keep your mind and spirit renewed so that you'll have more to give.
4. PROCRASTINATING ON SELF CARE.
The late humorist Lewis Grizzard wrote a book entitled, "If Love Were Oil, I'd Be about a Quart Low." May I ask you, if energy, passion, and motivation were oil, how thirsty would your tank be right now? Do you push on, intending to slow down, set limits, get a life - SOMEDAY WHEN....? (Fill in the blanks.)
When will there be a convenient time to take better care of yourself, create a more reasonable work load and schedule, get more sleep, stop being such a perfectionist, or ask for help? The answer: Never. If it's ever going to happen, you have to do it now, convenient or not.
My fellow psychologist, you and I have miles to go yet in our lives and great things to accomplish. We're going to need our vehicles - the bodies we live in, the minds that help us generate ideas and solve problems, and our spiritual cores. Those vehicles are depending on us to take care of them.
Are there any warning lights flashing? Let's pull into the service station pronto. We definitely don't want our motors to blow up!
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| Recommended Resources |
|
We welcome you to share with our members the abstracts of your recently-published articles. Email to editor Beverly Smallwood at BevSmallwd@aol.com.
In the meantime, this a wonderful artice. Find it and read it!
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPAIRMENT: WHAT IS IT, HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED, AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ADDRESS IT?
Penni L. Smith, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Shannon Burton Moss, Baylor Family Medicine Residency at Garland
(Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 16, 1-15, 2009)
Abstract
Research indicates that psychologists self-report a variety of problems related to their personal and professional functioning, such as depression, substance abuse, and burnout. These difficulties not only lead to psychologist distress, but can also result in impairment and have a negative effect on patient care. This review of the psychological impairment literature provides information on the historical movement toward colleague assistance, rates of impairment, identifying distress and impairment, intervening with an impaired colleague, barriers to treatment, and preventing impairment. It is suggested that, through education of psychologists and graduate trainees, impairment may be prevented or its effects minimized. |
| News From APA Council |
|
 NEWS FROM APA COUNCIL
J
im Herzog, Ph.D.
Private Practice, Jackson
Much has been going on at APA. First a little good news! You've probably heard that APA has struggled financially with a severe budgetary crisis. The newest edition of the APA Publication Manual has sold more than anticipated helping to balance this fiscal year's budget and proves to continue to sell above expectations.
At the August Council meeting, policies were adopted, reports accepted, by-laws changes discussed, and various other actions taken. I will summarize here some of the major actions and decisions.
The APA Council received a report on global climate change. The task force examined how psychological science can be applied to encourage people to engage in environmentally-sensitive behaviors. This was the brain child and initiative proposed by the APA President Alan Kazdin. The report (which can be found on the APA website; see links below) summarizes the psychological literature on climate change issues and recommends ways that psychology can help create public policies designed to protect the environment.
A second report pertained to evidence behind the debate on whether sexual orientation can be changed through therapy. Based upon a review of the relevant published literature, the report found insufficient evidence for claims that sexual orientation can be changed through therapy and concluded that therapists should avoid telling their clients that they can change from gay to straight. Subsequent to receiving the report, the Council adopted a resolution on appropriate affirmative responses to sexual orientation distress and change efforts which grew out of the report findings.You may have read about these reports because they received national press coverage during the APA convention.
The APA links:
Climate Change:
www.apa.org/science/about/publications/climate-change.pdf
www.apa.org/science/resources/grand-challenges.aspx
Sexual Orientation:
www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/sexual-orientation.aspx
In other action, the Council:
o Voted to adopt as APA policy, Guidelines Regarding Psychologists' Involvement in Pharmacological Issues. The guidelines, developed by a Division 55 task force, are intended to provide a resource on optimal psychological practice in pharmacotherapy. The Council also adopted the policies, 2007 Recommended Postdoctoral Education and Training Program in Psychopharmacology for Prescription Privileges and 2007 Model Legislation for Prescriptive Authority.
o Voted to adopt as APA policy a resolution that endorses the concept of recovery for people with serious mental illness. Included were a resolution on Families of Incarcerated Offenders and an APA Resolution on Emancipating and Assisting Victims of Human Trafficking.
o Approved a suspension of the annual dues increase. Dues levels for all members and affiliates will remain at 2009 rates, as you will see on your 2010 dues statements. The Council also voted, however, to amend the bylaws to drop unpaid members if they haven't paid their dues after one year instead of the current two-year grace period.
o Approved a change in the timeline for APA presidential elections. The President-elect ballot will now be distributed to all voting members on Sept 15, rather than Oct 15.
o Approved the creation of two new division journals. These are: Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology (Div 47) and International Perspective in Psychology, Research, Practice and Consultation (Div 52).
o Clarified conflicts between Ethics and Law and Ethics and Organizational Demands. In response to ongoing concerns regarding Ethical Standards 1.02 and 1.03, the Council directed the APA Ethics Committee to propose language that would clarify the psychology's obligations when such conflicts arise. After a public comment period this fall, the Ethics Committee will come forward with proposals in preparation for Council's February 2010 meeting.
If you'd like clarification on any of these issues, feel free to contact me at jdherzog1@aol.com. |
| APA Strategic Plan |
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COUNCIL ADOPTS NEW GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The APA Council adopted three goals and associated objectives of the first strategic plan for the next three- to five-year time frame:
- Goal 1: Maximize Organizational Effectiveness
Objectives:
- Enhance APA programs, services and communications to increase
member engagement and value.
- Ensure the ongoing financial health of the organization.
- Optimize APA's governance structure and function.
- Goal 2: Expand Psychology's Role in Advancing Health
Objectives:
- Advocate for the inclusion of access to psychological services in health-
care reform policies.
- Create innovative tools to allow psychologists to enhance their
knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of
chronic disease.
- Educate other health professionals and the public about psychology's
role in health.
- Promote the application of psychological knowledge in diverse health
care settings.
- Promote psychology's role in decreasing health disparities.
- Promote the application of psychological knowledge for improving overall
health and wellness at the individual, organizational and community
levels.
- Goal 3: Increase recognition of psychology as a science.
Objectives:
- Enhance psychology's prominence as a core STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) discipline.
- Improve public understanding of the scientific basis of psychology.
- Expand the translation of psychological science to evidence-based
practice.
- Promote the applications of psychological science to daily living.
- Expand educational resources and opportunities in psychological
science.
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| Progress on Psychopharm |
PSYCHOLOGY AT THE CROSSROADS?
Bob Nevels, MSCP, Ph.D.
Chair, Psychopharmacology Task Force
By summer, there will be four states where appropriately-trained psychologists will be able to prescribe. Doesn't sound like much, but it's future-viable as an independent and entirely new healthcare profession. As former APA president Pat Deleon states, "Medical psychology is essential if psychology truly is to become a legitimate 21st century healthcare profession." This does NOT mean, as some psychologists believe, that having Epocrates.com, Drugs A-Z, PDR.net, and other downloadable pharmacopeia on their cell phone, is sufficient for recommending prescribing and other medical procedures. Many of these cell-phone prescribers, couldn't pass the PEP (of course, they would not even be eligible to take it) or a pre-test in Introductory Psychopharm.
Meanwhile, advanced medical psychologists in Louisiana now can admit their patients to the hospital, give nurses orders over the phone to change meds, draw blood for labs, discharge patients. They no longer have to consult with a physician to do so. Currently, general practice psychologists are better compensated than LPCs, MFTs, and "other providers," but this is a situation that, under the weight of healthcare reform, likely won't last. Doctoral-level school psychologists mostly have been replaced by masters-level practitioners. Psychologists virtually were left out of the national healthcare debate, a fact openly stated and bemoaned by APA president, James Bray. Some, like Jim Quillen, MP, see only forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and writing self-help books, other than medical psychology, as having a significantly distinguishable, viable private healthcare and/or professional practice future. I'm not smart enough to know the answer to this, just passing it on.
APA does appear to finally have come up with an agreement about a model bill, saying the 2007 model is the norm. However, unless I'm wrong, that model still was fairly general and included both what had happened in both New Mexico and Louisiana. (Their bills are very different). The minimal standard, though, is likely to be a university-based post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, and either a 1500-hour preceptorship and/or approval of the patient's primary care physician, and a passing score on the PEP.
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| Linking For Legislative Action |
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 How to Use Available Technology to Advocate for Psychology
Natalie W. Gaughf, Ph.D.
Mississippi's official website, www.mississippi.gov, has seen many improvements in the past couple of years. For example, The Secretary of State has a searchable link to the Unannotated Mississippi Code. You can search for psychology-related terms or any other topic of interest. I searched for "psychology" and found 27 related items. I clicked on "Definitions" and found the following:
"Psychologist" is a person who represents himself or herself to be a psychologist by using any title or description of services incorporating the words "psychological," "psychologist," "psychology," or who represents that he or she possesses expert qualifications in any area of psychology, or offers to the public, or renders to individuals or to groups of individuals services defined as the practice of psychology by this chapter. This section shall stand repealed from and after July 1, 2011."
As I read the code, two points occurred to me. First, we have a wealth of information at our fingertips. Finding information about psychology or our individual endeavors is easier than ever before. Second, MPA should utilize this information to promote and protect psychologists.
As quoted earlier, our title law will sunset in 2011. We have a task force working on a bill to submit during legislative session 2011. However, we need your help. Will you commit to working with me in 2010 to promote and protect the practice of psychology in the state of Mississippi? Yes? Great! here's how you can utilize technology to advocate for psychologists.
As you become aware of psychology related legislation, forward it to me. I will maintain and regularly disseminate a list of psychology-relevant legislation to the MPA membership.
When I contact you regarding important legislation, contact your legislators.
MPA DAY AT THE CAPITOL - BE THERE!!
The upcoming MPA Day at the Capitol 2010 is a wonderful opportunity to identify and begin developing relationships with legislators. Please make every attempt to participate. This year, 2010, is sure to be an exciting year for psychologists!
MPA Day at the Capitol 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Set up: 7:45 am
Meet and Greet: 8:00 A.M. until...
1st Floor Rotunda (B)
For more information about MPA Day at the Capitol on January 26, contact Tracey Curtis, MPA Executive Director, at mpassoc@comcast.net or 601-372-7755. Please be there!!! |
| MPA Editor Invites Article Submissions |
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Do you have an idea for an article for an upcoming Mississippi Psychologist? We will consider articles within the categories in this newsletter as well as others of relevance to Mississippi psychologists. We want your newsletter to do a better job of discussing issues of concern and interest you and to all segments of our profession.
Send a brief description of your article idea to BevSmallwd@aol.com, or you can call me at 601-264-0890 to discuss it. The deadline for the next newsletter is March 31. I look forward to hearing from you!
Beverly Smallwood, Ph.D.
Editor. Mississippi Psychologist
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