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| Issue: AUGUST 2010 | Volume 33. No 2 |
SPECIAL CONVENTION ISSUE!!
Have you registered yet? Made your hotel reservations at the Beau Rivage?
Don't delay! Convention is less than a month away.
As you'll see from this special convention preview edition of
The Mississippi Psychologist, the program line-up is great!
First, here are the basics:
MPA 2010 CONVENTION
-Transcendent Psychology-
Everywhere You Look. In Everything We Do.
Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MS
September 8-10
Dr. Angela Herzog, Dr. Vicki Prosser, and Ms. Tracey Curtis have done a phenomenal job of putting together a convention that has something for everyone, including the CE programs and the general convention programs. Read on to learn about some of the exciting professional development opportunities you'll have when you attend the 2010 MPA Convention. |
| CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS |
MPA is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor Continuing Education for Psychologists. MPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Targeting Emotion Regulation:
Treatment Applications and Research Support
Kim L. Gratz, Ph.D
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior
University of Mississippi Medical Center
 Introducing Your Speaker, Dr. Gratz
Dr. Gratz is imminently qualified to present this topic. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she serves as Director of Personality Disorders Research. Dr. Gratz received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2003, following completion of her pre-doctoral internship training (with an emphasis on the treatment of borderline personality disorder) at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She served as a Clinical and Research Fellow in the Center for the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder at McLean Hospital from 2003-2004, and an Assistant Research Psychologist in this program from 2004-2005. She also served as Director of the Personality Disorders Division of the Center for Addictions, personality, and Emotional Research at the University of Maryland. She is an award-winning researcher on emotional dysregulation and borderline personality disorder. What You Will Learn
This workshop will highlight the benefits of an acceptance-based approach to targeting emotion regulation in treatment. Dr. Gratz will review the ways in which this approach differs from more traditional CBT approaches to emotion regulation. Further, a clinically-useful conceptualization of emotion regulation that can guide interventions will be presented. She will also discuss research on the efficacy of a short-term treatment based on an acceptance-based model of emotion regulation. The remainder of the workshop will focus on teaching participants how to help clients recognize, accept, and regulate their emotions in appropriate ways.
In summary, as a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:
1) explain the difference between acceptance-based behavioral interventions and traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy;
2) discuss the benefits of targeting emotion dysregulation in treatment using an acceptance-based approach;
3) apply specific emotion regulation skills in the treatment of diverse forms of psychopathology.
Register now at www.mpassoc.org
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Ethics and Ethical Decision Making for Psychologists:
A Vignette-Based Approach
Stephen H. Behnke, JD, Ph.D.
Director, APA Ethics Office
Introducing Your Speaker, Dr. Behnke
Dr. Stephen H. Behnke received his J.D. from Yale Law School and his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. In 1996, Dr. Behnke was made chief psychologist of the Day Hospital Unit at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, a position he held until 1998, when he was named a faculty fellow in Harvard University's program in Ethics and the Professions. After completing this fellowship Dr. Behnke directed a program in research integrity in the Division of Medical Ethics at Harvard Medical School. In November of 2000, Dr. Behnke assumed the position of Director of Ethics at the American Psychological Association. He holds an appointment in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Behnke co-leads an ethics discussion group at the meetings of the American Psychoanalytic Association and has consulted to various psychoanalytic institutes regarding issues of ethics and law. Dr. Behnke's research interests focus on issues at the convergence of law, ethics, and psychology. He has written on multiple personality disorder and the insanity defense, on issues involving competence and informed consent to treatment and research, on forced treatment of the severely mentally ill, and on state laws relevant to the work of mental health practitioners.
What You Will Learn
This ethics workshop will address ethical decision-making, the relationship between ethics and law with specific attention to Mississippi state law, and ways for practicing psychologists to minimize exposure to legal and ethical liability. This workshop will include a discussion of the APA Ethics Code, with a focus on the structure of the Code and ethical standards that are especially relevant to clinical practice. Reference will be made to other mental health professional codes of ethics as a way of more deeply understanding and analyzing the APA Ethics Code.
The program will emphasize how psychologists can use the APA Ethics Code to facilitate ethical decision-making. Case vignettes will be used to illustrate ethical decision-making applied in actual clinical practice. The focus of the workshop will emphasize ethical decision making over risk management, although both of these important goals will be considered and discussed.
In summary, when you participate in this workshop, you will:
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identify a process for resolving legal and ethical dilemmas;
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find concrete ways to minimize exposure to legal and ethical liability;
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use the Ethics Code as a tool to facilitate ethical decision-making;
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identify how Mississippi law and the APA Ethics Code interact;
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compare and contrast other mental health care professional codes of ethics with the APA Ethics Code;
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understand how specific standards in the new Ethics Code relate to the clinical practice of psychology.
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn from one of the top authorities on ethics. (And it never hurts to get those ethics hours!)
Register for this workshop here: www.mpassoc.org
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Bringing Psychology to the People Through Professionally Appropriate Marketing and Communication
David W. Ballard, PsyD, MBA
Assistant Executive Director for Marketing and Business Development
American Psychological Association
Introducing Your Speaker, Dr. Ballard
Who better to help us learn about appropriate marketing and communication than David W. Ballard, PsyD, MBA, Assistant Executive Director for Marketing and Business Development at the American Psychological Association and the APA Practice Organization? In this capacity, David designs and directs efforts related to health and well-being in the workplace, works to enhance psychology's position in the marketplace, provides research and development and strategic consultation to further the Practice Directorate's marketplace agenda, and oversees the development of resources to help psychologists build, manage, market and diversify their practices. Dr. Ballard has provided research and consultation services to government agencies, medical schools, and universities in the areas of public health, prevention, and health care finance. He also has experience in management, marketing, and consumer research. He is currently a member of the Health Enhancement Research Organization Board of Directors and serves on the Partnership for Prevention's Workplace Health Advisory Group. A frequently requested speaker, Dr. Ballard regularly addresses professional audiences throughout the U.S. and Canada.
What You Will Learn
This session will focus on the practical, concrete skills psychologists need to establish a visible presence in the community, connect with those who could benefit from psychological services, and demonstrate psychology's value to a variety of target audiences. Participants will learn how to use basic marketing principles and techniques to build relationships, communicate relevant information that can facilitate effective healthcare decision-making, and use multi-channel communication to create win-win-win scenarios that benefit psychologists, the profession, and the general public. Special attention will be given to the opportunities and challenges that websites, social media, and other electronic tools present. You will learn risk management strategies for addressing the clinical, legal and ethical issues that may arise.
In summary, here are three of the many take-aways from this workshop.
You will:
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Apply marketing and communication strategies that are effective, yet professionally appropriate;
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Explore the legal and ethical aspects of marketing as it relates to your professional activities;
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Explain how the appropriate use of Web-based communication technologies
can benefit psychologists, the profession and the general public.
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| GENERAL CONVENTION LINE UP | |
Get ready for an outstanding array of programs available for general registration at the 2010 MPA Convention. Check out this impressive schedule!
Thursday September 9, 2010
Plenary Session/Breakfast
 David Ballard, PsyD, MBA - APA Practice Directorate Legislative Forum (Critical information for psychologists!)
C. Gerald O'Brien, Ph.D., Angela O. Herzog, Ph.D., MS Board of Psychology
The statute that governs our legal standing to be licensed will expire in 2011. This means that the law that provides for our professional identity as a "psychologist" will "sunset" - or cease to exist - unless we get our statute renewed during the legislative session that begins in January of 2011. We must accomplish a lot this year to lay the foundation in order to introduce a viable bill in both legislative chambers in January. It will take a lot of work, and this effort does NOT need to be on the part of just a few. This will require a network of psychologists from all around the state making connections with legislators -from all around the state- who serve on key committees to ensure a successful legislative journey for our bill to be passed out of both chambers and signed back into law by the Governor. Otherwise, the ability to call oneself a psychologist and
to engage in our professional roles as psychologists will CEASE. All psychologists will need to step up to take his or her part in this process to reach a successful outcome of extending the statute that allows for the licensure of psychologists in Mississippi.
Implications for Counseling and Psychotherapy with
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Clients
Presenter: Michelle L. Smith, MA
Co-Presenters: Anyaliese D. Hancock, BS; Alyssa E. Killebrew, M.Ed, LPC, NCC. Chair: Cheryl Moreland, Ph.D., Jackson State University
Barriers to Multicultural Psychology Work in College
Counseling Centers
JaNae' Taylor, Ph.D., Student Counseling Services, Mississippi State University
Disability Determination Services Training Workshop
Jo Ann Summers, DDS Executive Director; Gwen Williams, Mary Jane Williams, Leola Meyer.
The Autism Standards Project and Mississippi Resources
for Autism Treatment
Emily Thomas Johnson, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Emotional Effects of the BP Oil Spill
William Gasparrini, Ph.D.
Disability Determination Services Training Workshop: Part 2
Jo Ann Summers, DDS Executive Director; Gwen Williams, Mary Jane Williams, Leola Meyer.
The Mental Side of Sports: How Hypnosis and Self-Hypnosis Training Can Improve Peak Performance in Athletes and Life
 Joseph Tramontana, Ph.D.
Annual Meeting of the Disaster Relief Network of MPA
Emily Thomas Johnson, Ph.D., DRN Coordinator for MPA
Poster Session/Awards/Silent Auction
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Business of Psychology
Angela J. Koestler, Ph.D.
Mississippi Internships: Questions & Answers with Directors
of Training and Training Faculty
  Scott A. Cardin, Ph.D. Randy Burke, Ph.D., and Jane Varner, Ph.D.
Understanding Sexual Addiction
Megan McFarland, BS; Karyn Stahl BA, Natasha Laurent, BS,
R. Eileen Todd, MA, Kristi Ping, AA, Bradley Green Ph.D.
Open Meeting of the Mississippi Board of Psychology
Disaster Responding in Mississippi
 Emily Thomas Johnson, Ph.D. Lisa Yazdani, Ph.D., MPA DRN Coordinator MPA DRN Lisa Byrd, Ph.D., CFNP, Gerontologist; Jo Gibbons, Director of Preparedness and Response, Central MS American Red Cross; William Martin, Ph.D., American Red Cross/MS Psychological Association;
PTSD: An update on presentation, co-occurring conditions, and treatment options
Randy Burke,Ph.D., and Drs. Ted Bennett & Patricia Grigoryev, VAMC
Ethnicity Moderates the Relation between Trauma of
Rape and PTSD Symptom Severity
 Nicole H. Weiss, Kim L. Gratz PhD,
Jessica Fulton, Matthew T. Tull, Ph.D.
Assessment of Mental Retardation in Capital Murder Cases: Challenges for Psychologists and Courts
 Gilbert S. Macvaugh, III, Psy.D. (Chair)
Want to know a little more background on a few of these topics? Read on...
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UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL ADDICTION
First author: Megan McFarland, B.S. Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Coauthors: Karyn Stahl, B.A., Natasha Laurent, B.S., R. Eileen Todd, M.A.,
Kristi Ping, A.A., Bradley Green, PhD., University of Southern Mississippi
Over the past decade popular culture has become increasingly aware of high-profile sex scandals and the concept of sexual addiction. Despite the rise in interest, sexual addiction is largely misunderstood and highly stigmatized. The aim of this panel is to provide a basic overview on the broad topic of sexual addiction and an understanding why it is important for mental health professionals to be knowledgeable on sexual addiction.
The specific learning objectives are:
1) understanding what sexual addiction is and what sexual addiction is not,
2) sexual addiction as an addictive disorder,
3) the assessment of sexual addiction,
4) prevalence across various populations, and
5) sexual addiction in clinical practice.
Parallels between sexual addiction and other addictive disorders have been drawn based on areas of disturbance and progression of the addiction cycle. The four primary areas of disturbance in sexual addiction are: loss of control, preoccupation, relationship disturbance, and affect disturbance. Based upon research that addictive behaviors are frequently comorbid, Dr. Patrick Carnes proposed the concept of addiction interaction disorder, in which comorbid addictive behaviors may not occur independently of one another, but interact and exacerbate one another (Carnes, Murray, & Charpentier, 2005).
A variety of measures are available to assess sexual addiction, compulsive sexual behavior, sexual preoccupation and sexually intrusive thoughts. These measures have served both a clinical and a research function. Presenters will offer an overview of a number of measures, including the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (Carnes, Green, & Carnes, 2010), the Internet Sex Screening Test (Delmonico, 1997), the Sexual Dependency Inventory (Carnes & Delmonico, 1994), and the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (Coleman, Miner, Ohlerking & Raymond, 2001). One main focus will be the use of these measures as both clinical and research tools, and the evolving importance of online screening measures. Using a database of over 200,000 individuals that have taken the Sexual Addiction Screening Test from www.sexhelp.com, the differences in the four areas of sexual disturbance will be discussed across gender and sexual orientation groups, in individuals who report they have no concern regarding their sexual behavior and in those who report they are sex addicts. Theoretical explanations for these differences will be discussed in relation to characteristics of specific populations and the shame component of the addiction cycle.
Finally, the treatment of sex addiction will be discussed. The primary focus will be on the inpatient program outlined by Dr. Patrick Carnes (Carnes, 2009) and the influence of the Twelve-Step approach (Carnes, 1993; 2001). Other components, including experiential therapy, trauma therapy, and motivational interviewing will be reviewed (Barbieri, 2008; del Guidice & Kutinsky, 2007; Spooner & Lyddon, 2007). There will also be a discussion regarding the training and competencies necessary for effectively treating sexual addiction (Hagedorn, 2009) and ethical issues regarding treatment (Griffin-Shelley, 2009).
Ethnicity Moderates the Relation Between
Trauma of Rape and PTSD Symptom Severity
Presenters: Jessica J. Fulton1, Nicole H. Weiss2, Kim L. Gratz3, and Matthew T. Tull3
1Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
2Department of Clinical Psychology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
3Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
The goal of the present study was to examine the moderating role of race/ethnicity on PTSD symptom severity following a completed rape. Evidence was found for the moderating role of race/ethnicity in predicting PTSD symptom severity for Whites who had been raped, but not for African Americans. Results add to the body of literature on factors accounting for PTSD symptom severity following a completed rape.
Rape produces one of the highest rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among civilian trauma (Breslau et al., 1998), with reported rates of PTSD among rape victims ranging from 34 to 78% (e.g., Kilpatrick et al., 1987; Kilpatrick, 1990; Resnick et al., 1998; Rothbaum et al., 1991). In addition to PTSD, several other long-term negative psychological outcomes have been associated with rape, including major depression, other anxiety disorders, substance abuse (e.g., Best et al., 1989; Kilpatrick et al., 1987; Veronen et al., 1987), sexual dysfunction (e.g., Becker, Skinner, Abel, & Treacy, 1982), physical symptoms (e.g., Resnick et al., 1997), and social maladjustment (e.g., Letourneau et al., 1996).
Few studies have examined factors that may moderate the relationship between trauma exposure and PTSD symptom severity. One such factor may be racial/ethnic identity. The existing body of research investigating the relationship between race/ethnicity and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is sparse and inconsistent in terms of findings. Studies of racial/ethnic differences in PTSD among civilians provide some evidence that racial/ethnic minorities (e.g.,African Americans and Hispanic Americans) have higher rates of PTSD than European Americans (non-Hispanic Whites); however, controlling for demographic variable such as age, marital status, and socioeconomic status was found to eliminate racial/ethnic differences (Breslau et al., 1997, 1998; Kessler et al., 1995).
Similarly, studies of military personnel report that African Americans and Hispanic Americans evidence more PTSD symptoms that their White counterparts (e.g., Kulka et al., 1990 Sutker et al., 1995). However, unlike civilian samples, these racial/ethnic differences were not accounted for by differences in demographic variables, but instead were accounted for by differential combat exposure. Contrary to the aforementioned studies, Ghafoori and Hierholzer (2010) found no significant differences between Black and White combat veterans in PTSD symptom level.
Thus, the goal of the present study was to examine the moderating role of race/ethnicity on PTSD symptom severity following a completed rape in a sample of civilian college students. The interesting results and their implications for psychologists will be presented in this MPA Convention program.
BARRIERS TO MULTICULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY WORK IN
COLLEGE COUNSELING CENTERS
Presenter: JaNae' Taylor, Ph.D.
Staff Psychologist
Student Counseling Services
Mississippi State University
Underutilization of counseling services by ethnic and racial minority college students has been a source of concern for many counseling centers. Historically, students who belong to minority populations (i.e., as defined by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual identification, and religious affiliation) have not participated in mental health services on college campuses. Little effort was made to accommodate the needs of these students in traditionally white institutions. As a result students belonging to these categories often would turn to faculty and staff on campus that shared their own cultural identity for support and guidance. As the movement of multicultural psychology continues to grow, its advocates are beginning to represent the students that once felt marginalized in these environments. Now some of those very advocates, psychologists and counselors, are in college counseling centers across the nation.
Dr. JaNae' Taylor, presenter, is working with traditionally disenfranchised student populations to nurture their mental health needs. She also meets numerous challenges: engaging the administration on supporting diversity initiatives that are counseling-related, apathy from colleagues who feel the work of the multicultural movement has been completed, and exhaustion from continuing to strive for social justice while responding to the needs of our students most in need of support.In the program, Dr. Taylor will share the triumphs and downfalls of juggling these roles in multicultural work.
When you attend this program, you will learn:
- how to bring to light the distinctive strengths that scientests, practitioners, educators and policy makers have to offer multicultural psychology
- how to participate in difficult discussions regarding the tensions among psychologists that have challenged the advancement of multicultural psychology
how to create an inclusive atmosphere of support and interpersonal connection by sharing ideas on how to maintain committed to the advancement of multicultural psychology.
IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER CLIENTS
Principal Presenter: Michelle L. Smith, M.A.,
Department of Psychology
Jackson State University
Co-Presenters: Anyaliese D. Hancock, B.S., Jackson State University
Alyssa E. Killebrew, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, Jackson State University
Chairperson: Cheryl Moreland, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Jackson State University
Approximately 4 to 10% of the United States population includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Those living in states with institutional discrimination such as bans on same-sex marriage, educational and workplace prejudice, or hate crimes are at increased risk of psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, substance abuse, etc.), according to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health studies (Hatzenbuehler et al., 2010). Consequently, gay men and lesbians attempt suicide two to seven times more often than their heterosexual counterparts (Robinson & Howard-Hamilton, 2000).
Past assumptions about homosexuality were that its origins were troubled family dynamics or faulty psychological development; however, those assumptions are now understood to have been based on misinformation and prejudice (American Psychiatric Association, 2010). Twenty-five percent to 65% of the gay, lesbian, and bisexual population seeks psychotherapy, a percentage 2 to 4 times higher than the heterosexual population (Robinson & Howard-Hamilton, 2000).
Previous research findings indicate that there is a high risk for anti-gay bias in psychotherapy with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients (Robinson & Howard-Hamilton, 2000). Consequently, a higher percentage of gay men and lesbians report dissatisfaction with their treatment, compared to heterosexuals. Even though there is a need to provide psychotherapy to the LGBT community, many mental health professionals have not received the appropriate training to effectively counsel this population (Robinson & Howard-Hamilton, 2000). Mental health professionals need to be aware of their level of competency when working with LGBT clients.
When you attend this program, you'll be able to:
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demonstrate knowledge of the heterosexual bias that exist in this culture and know how an assumption of heterosexuality can be damaging to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) clients;
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demonstrate an understanding about the implications for counseling and psychotherapy with LGBT clients;
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demonstrate knowledge about how to competently counsel LGBT clients.
or
Fax your completed registration form to (601) 372-5752
or
Mail to MPA, PO Box 16826, Jackson, MS 39236
Call Tracey Curtis on (601) 372-7755 if you have any questions or require assistance.
2010 MPA CONVENTION
MISSISSIPPI PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
61st ANNUAL CONVENTION
SEPTEMBER 8th - 10th 2010
TRANSCENDENT PSYCHOLOGY:
Everywhere You Look. In Everything We Do.
Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino
875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Mississippi
Hotel reservations: (888) 383-7037. |
| CALL FOR HELP ON THE MISSISSIPPI PSYCHOLOGIST | |
 Would you like to serve on the Editorial Board of The Mississippi Psychologist? I'd like to have Editorial Board members from various areas of the profession in our state. If you are interested, contact me, Beverly Smallwood, at 601-264-0890 or BevSmallwd@aol.com.
Whether or not you are interested in serving on the Editorial Board, I'd love to hear your ideas for features, include your articles and announcements, print letters to the Editor, or consider any other suggestions you have for our newsletter. Let me hear from you! |
| FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK | |
Martha Cain, Ph.D.
President, MPA
Mississippi beaches are sunny and clean, but almost empty.
Hotels are hurting as cancellations pour in, and even the finest restaurants require no reservations.
Fishermen fear that the only livelihood they've ever known is gone.
Even though national news coverage is decreasing, the undercurrent of stress among Gulf Coast families is apparent. Many are now affected by unemployment or theatened unemployment. Children worry about television scenes of oiled birds in other states. They don't understand why they can't go fishing with their dads, or why their parents talk late into the night about "what we'll do."
MPA extends heartfelt concern and well wishes to all who are affected by the Gulf oil spill. We're also partnering with the American Red Cross to train mental health professionals in the "Neighbor2Neighbor" program, a multi-faceted community-based program promoting stress management and coping, resiliency, and recovery for Mississippi citizens impacted directly or indirectly by the Gulf oil spill. Bill Martin, PhD, Disaster Mental Health Manager for ARC, announces that financial support from BP Oil will contribute to this project, and that the first Train the Trainers Day will be held in Biloxi on August 14. For more information, please contact Dr. Martin directly at wlm1843 @gmail.com.
It's gratifying to know that just by holding our Convention on the Coast, MPA will be offering a measure of support for our fellow Mississippians. And what a Convention it will be! Our keynote speaker, David Ballard, PsyD, MPA, from the Practice Directorate at APA, will share practical, concrete skills psychologists need to enhance marketing and communication efforts to create a thriving profession. Stephen H. Behnke, JD, Ph.D., from the APA Ethics Office will use a vignette-based approach to address ethical decision- making for psychologists. Kim Gratz, PhD, from the Department of Psychiatry at University of Mississippi Medical Center, will present research and treatment applications on emotion regulation.
Other highlights include lively panel discussions, and advocacy education/training that will offer guidelines for how we can most effectively address the 2011 sunsetting of our licensure law. You'll want to be sure to attend the Student Poster Session to give your feedback and encouragement to our up-and-coming professionals. We'll announce awards, election results, and, of course, the infamous silent auction!
Many thanks to Angela Herzog, PhD, Ms Tracey Curtis, and Vicki Prosser, PhD, for their diligent work on this Convention, and to our sponsors for offering their generous support in such an economically challenging year.
See you all at the Beau!
Martha
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| Taking Care of Yourself | |
Psychologists' Self-Care: How to Maintain Motivation for an Active Lifestyle
Patricia Dubbert, Ph.D.
Julia M. Hormes, M.A.
The question of how to implement and maintain a healthy lifestyle is an important one for psychologists. Though therapists tend to report higher degrees of life satisfaction overall, they also experience more depression, anxiety and emotional exhaustion than research psychologists (Radeke & Mahoney, 2000). Healthy habits are an important part of the self-care necessary to counteract burnout and embrace our ethical obligation to prevent the professional impairment that can potentially result from it (Baker, 2007; Barnett et al., 2007).
Regular involvement in physical and recreational activities is an important aspect of self-care (Carroll et al., 1999). It is widely known that exercise can improve mental as well as physical well-being and the benefits of regular exercise have been well-established (e.g. Fox, 1999; Penedo & Dahn, 2005). However, though most people have at some point initiated an exercise program, significantly fewer are able to maintain a regular exercise routine over time (Ulmer, Stetson & Salmon, 2010). Psychologists may be experts at initiating behavior change and managing resistance to change in others, but oftentimes it can be quite challenging to apply these lessons to ourselves. Spending most of our time sitting with patients or in front of a computer, some additional effort is necessary to begin as well as continue with a regular exercise program.
Here are some tips designed to help you get started:
1. Make a plan.
Good planning is an effective way to bridge the so-called "intention-behavior gap" that separates good intentions from actually implementing a regular exercise routine (Sniehotta, Scholz & Schwarzer, 2005). Decide what your exercise routine will look like and set aside specific times for your workout each day or week. Identify activities that will be enjoyable and rewarding to do - at least most of the time. If you prefer spending time outdoors, skip the gym in favor of a game of tennis or a round of golf. If you like being around others, join a sports team; if you'd rather have some time alone schedule a solitary walk or run.
Mark times for exercise in your calendar just like you would schedule any other appointment or activity. Note that finding time for three 10-minute bouts of activity each day will add up to the same benefit of the recommended 30-minute exercise routine (Pate et al., 1995), and may be more easily incorporated into a busy day. Having a realistic plan in place will make it easier to find the time to do what is good for you, and it will be harder for you to find excuses to get out of sticking to your new routine.
2. Keep track.
Having a written plan for regular exercise is also a great way to log the time you spend being active each week. Any kind of self-monitoring - whether it is through a schedule, spreadsheet, or journal - increases adherence to a self-care regimen such as a regular exercise routine (DiMatteo, 2006). In addition, tracking your exercise and observing progress over time can be a great motivator to keep going with what you have started - and perhaps even challenge yourself to do more!
3. Stick with it.
When it comes to maintaining motivation to exercise, avoiding long lapses is critical. It is harder to bounce back from a period of inactivity than it is to just keep going with your routine in the first place. At times when lapses are inevitable - perhaps because of illness or travel - establish support to help you cope, get back into the swing of things as soon as possible, and prevent a lapse from turning into a complete relapse (Stiggelbout et al., 2006)
4. Get support.
Social support will help you adhere to a new exercise routine. Planning to work out along with others is more fun and it is yet another way to make it less likely for you to want to skip your scheduled exercise on any given day. Find friends, family members, or colleagues who are looking to get more active and schedule regular times when you meet to go for a jog, swim, or hike. Think of back-up plans when the weather is bad so you don't have to skip weeks and risk falling into a lapse. Enlist the help of friends and family members and give them permission to gently push you to get going on days when you have a hard time motivating on your own.
5. Be your own cheerleader.
Self-efficacy is positively related to the achievement and maintenance of health behavior change (Sniehotta, Scholz & Schwarzer, 2005; Stretcher et al., 1986). Fostering your self-efficacy with regards to exercise means cultivating a belief that you are capable of being successful at sticking with your program (McAuley, 1992). Look back at your activity log to demonstrate to yourself that you are able to do what you set out to do. Seek out feedback and encouragement from others who may have observed or even participated in your new exercise routine. Remind yourself of ways in which you have overcome obstacles in other areas of your life and reassure yourself that you will be able to do the same when it comes to being and staying active.
6. Find additional meaning in physical activity.
Physical activity is beneficial in more than one way. Its positive effects on health, weight and even emotional well-being are widely acknowledged. However, there tends to be much less discussion about the ways in which being active can help cope with challenges specific to being a clinical psychologist. For example, activities such as yoga can provide an opportunity for a physical work-out as well as exercise in mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation. Finding additional meaning in your physical activity and being aware of its many benefits to you, your abilities as a professional, and ultimately your patients can be a powerful motivator to get up and get active.
References:
Baker, E. K. (2007). Therapist self-care: Challenges within ourselves and within the profession. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38(6), 607-608.
Barnett, J.E., Baker, E.K., Elman, N.S. & Schoener, G.R. (2007). In pursuit of wellness: The self-care imperative. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38(6): 603-612.
Carroll, L., Gilroy, P. J., & Murra, J. (1990). The moral imperative: Self-care for women psychotherapists. Women & Therapy, 22(2), 133-143.
DiMatteo, MR (2006). Enhancing adherence. In GP Koocher, JC Norcross, & SS Hill (Eds.), Psychologists' desk reference. New York: Oxford University Press.
Fox, K.R. (1999). The influence of physical activity on mental well-being. Public Health Nutrition, 2: 411-418.
McAuley, E. (1992). Self-efficacy and the maintenance of exercise participation in older adults. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 16(1): 103-113.
Pate, R.R., Pratt, M., Blair, S.N., et al. (1995). Physical activity and public health: a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine. Journal of the American Medical Association, 273:402-407.
Penedo, F.J. & Dahn, J.R. (2005). Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. Current Opinions in Psychiatry, 18(2): 189-193.
Radeke, J.T. & Mahoney, M.J. (2000). Comparing the personal lives of psychotherapists and research psychologists. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 31(1): 82-84.
Sniehotta, F.F., Scholz, U. & Schwarzer, R. (2005). Bridging the intention-behaviour gap: Planning, self-efficacy, and action control in the adoption and maintenance of physical exercise. Psychology & Health, 20(2): 143-160.
Stiggelbout, M., Hopman-Rock, M., Cronse, M., Lechner, L. & van Mechelen, W. (2006). Predicting older adults' maintenance in exercise participation using an integrated social psychological model. Health Education Research, 21(1): 1-14.
Strecher, V.J., McEvoy DeVellis, B., Becker, M.H., Rosenstock, I.M. (1986). The role of self-efficacy in achieving health behavior change. Health Education and Behavior, 13(1): 73-92.
Ulmer, C.S., Stetson, B.A. & Salmon, P.G. (2010). Mindfulness and acceptance are associated with exercise maintenance in YMCA exercisers. (In press).
Helpful Resources for Further Reading on Self-Care:
Norcross, J.C. & Guy, Jr., J.D. (2007). Leaving it at the Office: A Guide to Psychotherapist Self-Care. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Geller, J.D., Norcross, J.C. & Orlinsky, D.E. (2005). The Psychotherapist's Own Psychotherapy. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. |
| Linking for Legislative Action |
Natalie W. Gaughf, Ph.D.
Federal Advocacy Coordinator
Thank you for responding to federal action alerts! As the Mississippi Psychological Association's Federal Advocacy Coordinator (FAC), I receive regular Action Alerts from the American Psychological Association Practice Organization. Action Alerts are specific to federal legislation impacting the practice of psychology, and they often target specific legislators and/or legislative districts. When Action Alerts request one response from each state, I respond by making phone calls and sending emails. When they request responses from KEY CONTACTS I have a short list of psychologists in Mississippi who respond on our behalf. I would like to thank our KEY CONTACTS for their time and effort on behalf of psychologists in Mississippi. Thank you! Member of Congress Key ContactsSen. Thad Cochran (R) Natalie Gaughf, PhD Gerry O'Brien, PhD Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R) Natalie Gaughf, PhD Gerry O'Brien, PhD Mike Roberts, PhD Rep. Travis W. Childers (D-1st) Mike Roberts, PhD Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-2nd) Natalie Gaughf, PhD Gerry O'Brien, PhD Rep. Gregg Harper (R-3rd) Angela Herzog, PhD Penni Smith, PhD Rep. Gene Taylor (D-4th) Scott Cardin, PhD Beverly Smallwood, PhD There are also times when Action Alert responses are requested of all psychologists in the state, and I forward those alerts to you by way of the MPA listserv. Thank you for your tremendous response to these Actions Alerts. You are an important part of the legislative process and can impact future legislation regarding psychological services. Please contact me if you would like to become a KEY CONTACT for your district or would like to get more involved in the federal legislative process for MPA ( nwgaughf1@umc.edu). MPA Governmental Relations
What Can You Do To Ensure that MS Psychologists' Title Law is Renewed in 2011? 1) Partner with the MPA Governmental Relations Committee and the Statute Review Committee. 2) Familiarize yourself with the issue. Go to the following website, and click on Mississippi Code of 1972 to review the current code. (http://michie.com/mississippi/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=)
3) Attend the panel discussion led by the Statue Review Committee at the MPA Convention.
4) Participate in discussions via the MPA listserv.
5) Become a KEY CONTACT for Mississippi legislation, willing to contact your state legislator personally at key moments during the legislative process. Contact me for more information ( Natalie Gaughf).
6) Donate funds to assist MPA Governmental Relations.
7) Contact the Chair of the Statute Review Committee, Dr. Gerald O'Brien, with questions or suggestions ( C. Gerald O'Brien). 8) Speak directly with your legislators. This is the most effective means of gaining his or her support. These are some tips for speaking directly with legislators over the phone or face-to-face. a. Identify your legislators. (http://www.capitolconnect.com/demoassoc1/legislatorsearch.aspx)
b. Make an appointment. (I would suggest meeting with them on or before Day at the Capitol.)
c. Arrive/call on time. Introduce yourself and identify your district.
e. Plan a clear agenda.
f. Clearly and briefly ask for his or her support of a particular issue. (In this case, it is our Title Law.)
g. Offer yourself as a resource and establish your expertise.
h. Avoid false promises.
i. Be a good listener.
j. Be gracious.
k. Send a follow-up thank-you letter.
9) Participate in the Mississippi Psychological Association's Day at the Capitol 2011. There is strength in numbers, and this is a wonderful opportunity to educate our state leadership.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Set up: 7:45 am
Meet and Greet: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
1st Floor Rotunda (B)
New Capitol Building
Participants in 2010 Day at the Capitol
2011 is sure to be an important and exciting legislative year for Mississippi Psychologists. I urge you to get involved. As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or comments ( Natalie Gaughf). Natalie W. Gaughf, Ph.D. |
| MPA Early Career Psychologist Wins Award! | 
Molly C. Clark, Ph.D., Receives National Award for Excellence as an Early Career Psychologist
On June 16, 2010, Washington, D.C. - The National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (National Register) Board of Directors announced the winner of its award for early career psychologists.
Molly C. Clark, Ph.D., of Jackson, MS, was named winner of the 2010 Judy E. Hall, Ph.D., Early Career Psychologist Award. The award is named for the National Register's current Executive Officer, Judy E. Hall, Ph.D., and recognizes excellence in a nationally credentialed psychologist with less than ten years of postdoctoral experience.
According to Dr. Hall, "The National Register Board of Directors was equally impressed with Dr. Clark's career accomplishments, her focus on rural and underserved populations, and her proposal to devote the funds associated with the award to providing equipment
and training materials for the Health Psychology Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The Board was delighted to present this prestigious award to such a deserving early career psychologist." Dr. Clark received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 2005 from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. She completed her Health Psychology Fellowship in 2007. Since that time, she has worked within primary care settings and often accepted or found leadership opportunities within those positions. For example, she became Operations Manager of the Mental Health Telemedicine Service within several months of employment
at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center and in this role was responsible for the oversight, management and improvement of this service for six community-based outpatient clinics throughout the state of Mississippi. Additionally, she has served on the Mississippi Psychological Association's (MPA) Executive Council as Chair of the Early Career Psychologist Committee for the past three years. She is currently the Fellowship Director for Health Psychology in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Clark has been credentialed by the National Register since April 14, 2010.
About The National Register
The National Register is the largest credentialing organization for psychologists. The independent, non-profit organization was created in 1974 with the help of the American Psychological Association and the American Board of Professional Psychology. Today,
the National Register is the leading source of information on nationally credentialed psychologists in health care. Psychologists who are awarded national Registrant status have achieved the highest educational and professional standards in health care. Early career psychologists can accumulate the necessary credentials during their training so
that when they apply for a license to practice, they also are ready to become registrants
of the National Register. It is the only independent, credentialing body with a national level standard for verifying education and training qualifications, licensing, and ethical standards with more than 11,000 doctoral level psychologists in its database. The National Register
is relied upon by the health care industry, state and provincial licensing boards, and consumers. National Register also provides this valuable information to consumers as a
free referral service to top quality psychologists at www.findapsychologist.org.
Editor's Note: We welcome any announcements of honors and awards so that we may recognize and applaud the accomplishments of our psychologist colleagues! Send to Beverly Smallwood, Ph.D., at BevSmallwd@aol.com, or Tracey Curtis at mpassoc@comcast.net. |
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| Region IV Psychologists "De-Stress" | |
Region IV Psychologists Reduced Stress to the Music of
Janis and C. D. Gaston hosted a stress reduction party for Region IV psychologists on June 18, 2010 in their home in Gulfport. An abundance of heavy hors d'oeuvres were consumed and washed down with a variety of beer, wine and cocktails in an effort to meet the demands of the id without offending the superegos of those attending the annual bash. No one let their egos get in the way of having a great time and catching up and the latest news and gossip with friends and colleagues. |
| Clinical Corner |
ETHICAL DECISIONS IN CLINICAL RECORDS Mary Evelyn Brown, Ph.D. and Martha Cain, Ph.D.
Navigating psychology's professional environment presents numerous challenges and risks to the practitioner. While psychologists are charged with protecting clients' privacy, there are often legitimate reasons for sharing clinical information with third parties. Determining how best to record clinical information and knowing when to resist releasing information are multi-faceted clinical decisions which may involve overlapping and ambiguous interpretations of the ethical standards themselves. We would like to alert Mississippi psychologists to one such situation. Applicants requesting to sit for the Bar are required to give consent for their mental health records to be released to the Character and Fitness Committee of the Mississippi Bar, if the applicants note they have a mental condition that if untreated would affect their ability to practice. Although the applicants sign a release of confidentiality, psychologists might fear releasing data could be a violation of the first general principle in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence), which states, "Psychologists strive to benefit with whom they work and take care to do no harm." In an attempt to meet their requests, a summary letter was provided in an actual case. However, they found this unacceptable and wanted the entire clinical file. Releasing clinical records under these conditions could put the clinical relationship and treatment in jeopardy since once the material is released, there is no way to know who will interpret the records or how they will be used. In order to express our concern and seek clarification, we asked to meet with the Chairman of the Bar Admissions Committee, Mr. Peter Teeuwissen, the Chairman of the Character and Fitness Committee, Mr. Jim Smith, and Mrs. Linda Knight, Administrator. In meeting with them, we explained that providing them all of the raw clinical information puts the treating psychologist in an ethical dilemma, as well as intrudes on the clinical relationship and likely impedes treatment. In addition, trying to answer "fitness for duty for licensure" is a totally separate issue from treating someone clinically and a misuse of clinical information. Certainly, this intrusion into treatment also discourages law students from seeking help, as well as focusing on significant clinical issues that perhaps initially brought them into treatment. We also explained that releasing test results such as the Millon and MMPI puts the psychologist in an additional ethical dilemma, as there is not an individual on the Committee trained to interpret these tests. Ethical Standards 1.01 (misuse of psychologists' work), 3.01 (unfair discrimination), 3.04 (avoiding harm), 4.01 (maintaining confidentiality), 4.04 (minimizing intrusions on privacy), 9.02 (uses of assessments), 9.04 (releasing test data), and 9.07 (assessment by unqualified persons) in this situation are of concern and need to be considered. We have made several recommendations to the Board concerning these issues; and hopefully, a dialogue has been created that will continue. However, for now the responsibility for ethical practice rests with psychologists in their record keeping and informed consent procedures. We would suggest that at their first session, law students be informed of these Bar Admissions requirements. Psychologists need to use their clinical judgment in record keeping and to consider how this information might be used. Lastly, APA has been informed of this situation, and Mr. Al Nessman in the Practice Directorate has been of great assistance and support. This will likely be an ongoing issue. We hope this information will be useful to clinicians. |
| Psychology & Law Update |
Gilbert S. Macvaugh III, Psy.D.
Chair, Psychology and Law Task Force I am pleased to report the progress of the MPA Psychology and Law Task Force, which held its initial organizational meeting in Greenville on May 21, 2010. We had a terrific turnout and accomplished a great deal during this productive initial meeting.
One such accomplishment was the decision to invite several additional legal professionals to participate on the task force. Since that time, we have added two more members, including Judge Marie Wilson (Washington County Chancellor), and Ms. Brenda Mitchell (Coahoma County District Attorney), and are currently working on extending invitations to several other key legal professionals from around the state. These will include invitations to three Judges (i.e., one Circuit Court Judge, one Youth Court Judge, and one Federal Court Judge), a law professor, and a public defender.
Psychology & Law Task Force Members pictured left to right (front row): Mr. James Robertson, Mr. Heath Franklin, Dr. Beverly Smallwood, Dr. Mike Roberts, Mr. Andre de Gruy, Dr. Gilbert S. Macvaugh III, (back row): Dr. Robert M. Storer, Mr. Marvin L. White, Jr., Judge Marie Wilson, Dr. W. Criss Lott, Dr. C. Gerald O'Brien.
Another important accomplishment from our initial meeting was the development of six subcommittees that will focus on the wide range of issues that lie at the heart of the intersection between psychology and law. These subcommittees include:
A. Criminal Issues:
1. Competence to Stand Trial / Competence to Assist in Post-Conviction
Appeals
2. Criminal Responsibility / Mental State at the Time of Offense
3. Competence to Waive Miranda Rights / False Confessions
4. Mental Retardation and Capital Murder Defendants (Atkins)
5. Capital and Non-Capital Mitigation / Sentencing
6. Violence / Sexual Violence Risk Assessment / Sexually Dangerous
Predators
7. Correctional Psychology / Mental Health Services in MS Jails and
Prisons
B. Civil Issues:
1. Civil Commitment
2. Guardianship/Conservatorship
3. Testamentary Capacity
4. Personal Injury Litigants
5. Workers' Compensation
6. Disability
7. Fitness for Duty
C. Child and Family / Juveniles / Youth Court Issues:
1. Child Custody / Parental Competence
2. Disputed Visitation
3. Parental Relocation
4. Child Abuse and Neglect / Domestic Violence
5. Juvenile Delinquency / Transfer (Waiver) to Adult Court
D. Issues Related to Education, Training, and Research
1. Teaching Forensic Psychology (undergraduate, graduate coursework)
2. Internship / Post-doctoral training
3. Continuing Education
4. Research in Psychology and Law
E. Ethical Issues in Forensic Practice
1. Competence as an Expert Witness / Professional Qualifications
2. Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
3. Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists
4. Inter-jurisdictional Forensic Practice (out of state experts)
F. Legal Rules and Regulations / Other Legislative Issues
1. Mississippi Code, as Annotated 1972
*Psychology Licensing Laws (MBOP)
* Statute on Confidentiality / Privilege/ Mandated Reporting of
Abuse
* Statute on Civil Commitment Proceedings
* Statute on Criminal Insanity Proceedings
2. Uniform Rules of Circuit and County Court Practice (Rules 9.06 and
9.07)
3. Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure (Rules 30-37, 45)
4. Mississippi Rules of Evidence (Rules 503, 504, 701-706)
5. Relevant case law (competence, sanity, commitment, admissibility of
scientific evidence, etc.)
I am very excited about my role as Chair of this task force and will keep the membership informed of our progress. If I can be of any assistance to MPA members regarding the work of the task force, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to seeing you at the annual convention in September.
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