The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP)

Every month or so, I receive a heartbreaking call from someone, about to complete a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology from another school, who has just found out (after years of class!) that the degree they have earned is not license eligible in the state of Michigan. What does this mean? The MA is practically worthless to advance their career.

These students are – understandably – frantic. Can I help? What can they do? Typically nothing can be done. They have completed a MA in Psychology that either did not have the proper coursework, or most often, did not have the 500 hour practicum experience that the state of Michigan requires for licensure.

These students, almost always, are completing their MA online. Very few online programs in our area offer an in-person 500-hour license eligible practicum experience as part of the degree. Without that practicum, you cannot become licensed as a psychotherapist or psychologist in Michigan. And it is not possible to add on a practicum experience after you graduate.

After the last conversation I had with such a student, I decided to do some investigating myself. I called the online program that they were a part of to see how clear the school was about license eligibility. The Admissions Counselor I spoke with was very nice, and after I asked, he did explain that the MA in Psychology was not a license eligible program and directed me towards the MA degrees that his school offered that were license eligible. I asked if there was anywhere on their website that explained which programs were or were not license eligible and he encouraged me that he could answer any of those types of questions that I might have.

That conversation confirmed that, for at least that particular school, admissions staff are upfront about what I could or could not do with the degree, as long as I knew to ask the question. So many people do not know to ask.

Don’t let this be you! Here are three questions you should ask of any school that you are considering:

Is your school accredited by a Regional Institutional Accrediting Organization?

Not all accreditation is equal. Some schools are technically accredited, but by smaller accrediting boards that are not recognized by larger institutions. For example, if the school you are looking at is accredited by the ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools), this may be an applicable accreditation for some careers, but most large Masters and Doctoral institutions would not recognize that degree if you wanted to continue your education.

Some examples of Regional Institutional Accrediting Organizations are the MSA (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools), HLC (Higher Learning Commission), or the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools).

If you are looking at a very specific type of career, then you want to see what type of accreditation that career expects. (If you are looking at attending a doctoral program in Psychology, for either your PhD or PsyD, make sure it is accredited by the APA (American Psychology Association).

Is the degree license eligible in the state where I want to work?

Psychology, along with many mental health fields and a whole wide variety of other careers, requires a state license to be able to legally practice. It is extremely important that you find out if a license is required in the field you would like to work in and then only attend a program that is eligible for that license.

How successful are your students in receiving a license?

Admissions staff should have data on what percentage of graduates are licensed after graduation. If the number is low, proceed with caution! Remember – ultimately your career depends on earning a license to practice psychology – the MA is just a stepping stone to this goal.

Carrie Pyeatt is the Coordinator of Admissions and Student Engagement at MSP. She can be reached at cpyeatt@msp.edu. Her advice to students who are earning an MA without a practicum: “Look into receiving an additional certification – such as in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or in substance abuse – that do not necessarily require that you have a MA with a practicum experience. Both are more specialized fields within psychology, but that may give you a chance of being able to practice. It will require additional coursework to receive the certification.”

The post How to Pick a Grad School: Essential Questions to Ask appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Paul Farley

Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

Favorite quote: “It’s never too late to be what you could have been.” George Eliot

What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised to know I’ve gone to Pine Ridge South Dakota three times with my clients to build relationships with those on the Native American Indian Reservation.
What is a cause that you’re passionate about? I am passionate about teaching youth about ways to love and support each other during their struggles at school.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? I chose to attend MSP because I love the community and educational collaboration that comes with a smaller school.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? I would like to become a Licensed Psychologist in the United States Army with my degree following graduation.

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

The post PsyD Student Spotlight appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Earlier this year I lost my friend, mentor and business partner, Dr. Lavinia Ekong, unexpectedly. As painful and tragic as her death was for me, her clients were even more devastated. I’ve had the challenging responsibility of sitting with her clients and students to process their grief and sadness. As a therapist Dr. Ekong made her clients feels safe, understood and not judged. For many of them this relationship was the first time in their lives they felt this way so to lose her this quickly and unexpectedly was a reverberation felt deeply in their lives.

Several of Dr. Ekong’s clients have questioned whether it’s normal to experience this kind of grief over someone who was not a family member or friend. I do my best to reassure them it is normal to experience grief over the loss of their therapist. Consider this, your therapist is often someone with whom you share your innermost secrets, your truth; someone whom you felt safe to reveal your authentic self to. In return, you felt unconditional, positive regard from your therapist. I was lucky enough to experience this with Dr. Ekong as my friend, so I know that her clients experienced this as well.

When a therapist dies unexpectedly there is so much left unknown. Many clients had questions about the unexpected way Dr. Ekong died and felt unprepared for and even angry about her death. It’s normal for clients to experience feelings of anger and abandonment with the death of their therapist. Others may experience worry about the therapist’s family members and friends.

Many clients had questions about how to gain access to treatment records if needed in the future, how to find another therapist, and how to know if one is ready to re-enter treatment. Due to my professional relationship with Dr. Ekong, I was able to assist her clients by identifying clinicians within Dr. Ekong’s practice to whom their treatment could be transferred. Therapists are required to have a professional will, which outlines the steps to be taken for their clients and the practice should the therapist die.

Some of Dr. Ekong’s clients have also experienced hesitance at the idea of resuming therapy with another clinician, as though they are replacing her in some way. There is also the frustration of starting treatment over again, having to share themselves with yet another professional. To these clients I say it is important to know that continuing with your healing is exactly what Dr. Ekong would have wanted; she would not want her death to be the reason for potentially undoing all the great work you have already accomplished. Resuming your treatment with another provider is a continuation and extension of the work you and she were already doing together. Although it can be scary to reveal yourself to another therapist, it can provide the space you need to grieve your loss and continue your growth and healing.

In the end, I hope that Dr. Ekong’s clients know that whatever emotions arise as a result of her death are normal given the loss they have experienced. Her clients have every right to grieve her death. She may not have been a family member or close friend, but for many client’s Dr. Ekong knew as much, or more, about their lives as their own friends and family. She had a profound impact on the lives she touched through her work, and her clients remain a walking, talking testament of her dedication to improving families, one client at a time.

La-Toya Gaines, PsyD, LP (’12)

Dr. La-Toya Gaines is a psychologist, educator, and public speaker with over a decade of experience serving the greater Detroit Metro area. A fully licensed and practicing psychologist, she is the founder and president of Family Matters Counseling, in Southfield, Michigan. Dr. Gaines taught at MSP as an adjunct and associated faculty member for many years before joining the core faculty from 2016-2018. She also served as Member at Large on the Executive Leadership Team with the Society for Humanistic Psychology.

Dr. Gaines specializes in speaking to the specific cultural issues faced by African Americans when accessing or providing psychological services. When she’s not helping clients or managing her business, Dr. Gaines enjoys reading, traveling, and most of all, being a soccer mom and dedicated fan of her daughter’s team.

In Memoriam
Lavinia Ruckes-Ekong
December 7, 1961 – February 25, 2019

Dr. Lavinia Ekong was a graduate of the Michigan School of Psychology doctoral program (’12), Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, and a member of the Executive Board of Imago Therapy of Michigan. After obtaining her degree Dr. Ekong often returned to MSP to share her knowledge and experience with students. She joined the adjunct faculty in 2017, facilitated clinical training for masters and doctoral students on Imago Therapy, and taught continuing education workshops. Her clinical practice at Ekong Counseling Center focused on helping clients develop healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships using Imago Relationship Therapy.

The post What Happens To Clients When Their Therapist Dies? appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

First semester is fully underway – in the library and around the atrium a serious energy has settled. To mark this mid-semester transition, we asked a few MA students:

What has been the best part of your MSP experience so far this academic year?

The post What has been the best part of your MSP experience so far? appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Don’t let this be you! Here are three questions you should ask of any school that you are considering:

Is your school accredited by a Regional Institutional Accrediting Organization?

Is the degree license eligible in the state where I want to work?

How successful are your students in receiving a license?

Carrie Pyeatt, MBA is the Coordinator of Admissions and Student Engagement at MSP (cpyeatt@msp.edu).

Her advice to students who are earning an MA without a practicum: “Look into receiving an additional certification – such as in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or in substance abuse – that do not necessarily require that you have a MA with a practicum experience. Both are more specialized fields within psychology, but that may give you a chance of being able to practice. It will require additional coursework to receive the certification.”

The post How to Pick a Grad School: Essential Questions to Ask appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

In November, MSP’s focus is to shine a light on other organizations who are also doing important work in our community.

Today we invite you to take a moment to explore the many organizations who provide MSP students with clinical training opportunities.

We are grateful to be part of this diverse community who is making a difference in Michigan and beyond! Click on the links below to find out more.

Safehaus

Sage Tree Psychology Group, LLC

Saginaw County Community Mental Health

Samaritan Counseling Center

Sanctum House

Seniors Wellness Group of Michigan

Stonecrest Behavioral Health Hospital

Total Health and Wellness Associates

Turning Point Recovery Center

University of Michigan Autism Consultation and Treatment Services (UM – ACTS)

University of Michigan Psychological Clinic

University Pediatricians Autism Center – Novi

Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital

Wayne County SAFE

Wayne State Counseling and Psychological Services

Wentworth & Associates, P.C.

Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan

Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility

Wright State University School of Professional Psychology – Miami County Juvenile Court/Ellis General Practice Clinic

The post Giving Thanks To Our Clinical Partners appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Ally Bauman

Hometown: Pleasant Ridge, MA

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Favorite quote: “A goal without an action plan is a daydream.” Nathaniel Branden

What would people be surprised to know about you? I am an enormous animal lover! I would love to have a small “farm” where animals could live harmoniously and without fear. Ideally, there would be a few goats, chickens, a potbelly pig or two, a pair of donkeys, and my two cairn terriers, Josie and Harriet.
What is a cause you’re passionate about? I feel very passionate about empowering young girls and women to feel confident in their self-worth and capabilities to be independent, successful, and secure. Too often there are young females who turn to abusive individuals or dangerous lifestyles because they don’t believe in themselves or know how to leverage resources available to them for support.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? I have wanted to complete my MA in clinical psychology for a very long time. The momentum of life and demands of day to day prevented me from doing that until I found MSP. Their flexible programs and the ability to graduate in just under a year, coupled with a lovely, supportive faculty and an intimate campus, made me feel right at home and I knew I had made the right choice.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? Once I am fully licensed, I would like to practice in a group that values humanistic therapy and personal growth. I would love to work with women toward the above mentioned goals of helping them to instill self-reliance, confidence and self-worth. I would like to become involved with community outreach groups as well to expand my exposure and maximize any benefit or support I can offer.

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

The post MA Student Spotlight appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Jared Bonnici

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Program: MA with ABA Certificate

Book I would recommend: A Sport and a Pastime by James Salter

Favorite quote: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” J. K. Rowling

What would people be surprised to know about you? I think it would surprise people to know that I have lived in four different states.
What is a cause you’re passionate about? I have a great many causes that I like to involve myself with, but mainly I think my biggest interests are wildlife preservation and mental illness awareness.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? I chose to attend MSP mostly because of the way the staff and faculty made me feel like I was wanted. In most cases, the universities don’t make a huge effort to make the prospective student feel like they are wanted as much as the other way around. I feel this school is much more personal and I can’t wait to see where my life goes from here.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? I would ideally like to practice as both a BCBA and a clinical psychologist, but I am keeping an open mind about everything because it is still so early on in my MA program.

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

The post MA with ABA Student Spotlight appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Nadeen Majeed

Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: Man’s Search For Meaning by Victor Frankl

Favorite quote: “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” Malala Yousafzai

What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised to know that I was born in Iraq and lived in Jordan for two years.
What is a cause that you’re passionate about? A cause that I am passionate about is helping immigrants in the United States. Many immigrants are looking for assistance and safety for their families and they are faced with a lot of opposition and should be protected.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? I chose to attend MSP because of the unique learning environment. The staff, professors, and students work together to create a space for everybody to grow. The values of MSP are evident in class and I look forward to returning to a place that fosters growth and respect.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? After graduation, I want to use my degree to bring more access to mental health care to underprivileged groups. I would like to work in a hospital setting and integrate mental health care with overall healthcare.

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

The post PsyD Student Spotlight appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

The President’s Perspective is a blog series from MSP President Fran Brown that explores the field of humanistic psychology and share insights into her experience as President. This month as the holiday season approaches, President Brown reflects on families.

At this time of year our focus often turns to family. Celebrating holidays with family. Family vacations. Quality family time.

But for many, the anticipation of gathering with family does not bring about feelings of joy and warmth. For those, eye rolling and forced conversation may come to mind – accompanied by feelings of dread. Others may choose to isolate themselves during this time. Getting together with an assortment of people who share common relatives, out of tradition or habit or obligation, does not always make for the perfect holiday depicted on TV and social media.

During these times it’s important that we practice good self-care. We can remind ourselves that we don’t have to do everything that’s expected of us. We can choose what’s most important, and let other things go. We can read articles about surviving our relatives, getting through a meal without arguing, and coping with those who are openly offensive or unkind.

If your family is like mine, we often bemoan that everyone is too busy and we hardly get together anymore. So we try very hard to gather on Christmas Eve. My immediate and extended family – children and grandchildren, brothers and their families, great nieces and nephews – come together for one night every year. And we do pretty well. Mostly. But what about the rest of the year? And what about those who are estranged from their families or, for a variety of reasons, are unable to be with relatives?

That’s when we can widen our circles and reach out beyond our birth families to other people we love. The ones with whom we choose to spend our time. These people also are family – our chosen family. The family that grows naturally, over days and years. The ones with whom we share joys and disappointments. Who make us feel better about ourselves, the world, and life in general. Or who simply listen when there are no words.

Chosen family may be particularly resonant for some in the LGBTQ community, and others who have been ostracized from their biological families. What does one do when they suddenly don’t have a family? Hopefully, they find one. They grow one. They invite others to join them. Because family is ideally about inclusion, acceptance, and unconditional love. To truly give thanks, we first have to feel seen and accepted by those around us.

Imagine gathering on Thanksgiving Day with the people who love and support you. Those who respect your values, who show up for you, who know you – what you love, how it’s going at work, your challenges and successes. Imagine the gratitude and warmth that will fill you up as you realize all the love that surrounds you all the time.

Tomorrow, even if you can’t logistically gather your birth or chosen family around a table, I hope you will take a moment to close your eyes and imagine it. To give thanks in your heart. And to pass that love along.

The post The President’s Perspective: Reflections on Family appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

“Before you know what kindness really is/ you must lose things…”

I set out to write a blog for World Kindness Day and realized all I could do was think about loss.

I have read this poem by Naomi Shihab Nye countless times because she so beautifully captures something – the duality of kindness with sorrow, and so, also the relationship that every individual experience has with its apparent opposite – that I feel all the time but can never understand.

When I was a certain tender age grappling with all the incongruences in the world – all the annoying paradoxes that irritate a mind that prefers this or that – my father would lose patience with me and snap, Get used to it, kid.

But I never really did, until recently. Until I began to understand the beauty of duality – of both. That I can’t think about kindness without feeling sad.

Kindness, according to many sources, is good for us. Good for our health, good for our work, and most desirable when we pick our intimate partners. Some of us can’t really stand it, but we should all at least try and practice a little.

But I think kindness is also important as the antidote to most of what plagues us.

We need kindness because sorrow is all around us. We need kindness because we have all been betrayed, let down, and unappreciated.

We need kindness so we can still understand what George Saunders meant in his famous graduation speech; all the things we think matter, don’t.

In the existential sense, we first have to understand that we are all innocent and guilty. We are all the betrayer and the betrayed. All of us.

And once you can understand this, then you really can know kindness. Once you understand that you are the guilty and the absolved, “Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore”.

Because kindness matters, and it doesn’t. No one is keeping track. Being kind to others may – or may not improve your day. But consider this- what happiness there is in the world is the happiness of the world. There is nothing further to do or to seek. Happiness as an act is complete.

Happiness is also a moment in time. Today, and every day, I wish you a few moments of your own.

Cynthia Ransley, MA (’15) is Communications Coordinator for MSP.

The post World Kindness Day appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Before fall semester wraps up, I want to share some financial aid information that is relevant for current students and alums.

Financial Aid Information from the APA

Recently, an MSP alumna sent me a link to an informative video about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program from the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Office on Early Career Psychologists.

The APA created this video to help us understand all the intricacies of how the PSLF program works and why so many people are being turned down when they apply to have the remainder of their student loans forgiven after ten years of public service.

This video clearly explains the specific qualifications required to have your loans forgiven, including employer qualifications and what type of loan you have and the payments you have been making. If you have any questions or doubts about the PSLF program, take five minutes to watch this video.

The APA is a great overall resource for information on all things financial aid – check out this nice summary page on affording and repaying graduate school, and a timely article about what has been happening at the federal level with PSLF and how your APA has been working on your behalf.

The Higher Education Act (HEA)

The Higher Education Act (HEA), which sets the rules and authorization of funds for federal financial aid, is well overdue a revision by Congress. The HEA re-authorization was last successfully passed in 2008, and has been followed by a patchwork series of amendments rather than the full scope 5-year renewal which is supposed to occur.

Given that the current House has a Democratic majority, and the Senate has Republican majority, it is unlikely that we’ll see any major bills get passed by Congress until after the 2020 elections. It is however interesting and largely hopeful to see what is contained pertaining to graduate students in the last couple of bills – The College Affordability Act and the Student Aid Improvement Act.

Restore eligibility for subsidized Direct Loan to graduate students
Elimination of origination (processing) fees for Direct Loans
Allows refinancing of private education loan debts to the Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan program, but restricts the refinanced portion as ineligible for forgiveness or cancellation
Streamline loan repayment options to two – 1) fixed monthly payment and, 2) income-based repayment; the legislation would also align the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program with these repayment plans
General shoring up to strengthen the PSLF
Simplification of the FAFSA from 100 questions to 10-16 questions, plus the IRS data interface

While we can’t expect big changes to come in the short term, we are hearing visionary and broad changes proposed by presidential candidates. For the time being, we wait and see.

Roger Maki-Schramm is Director of Financial Aid and Development at MSP.

The post Financial Aid News: APA Resources & The Higher Education Act appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

For many people, visiting family during the rush of the holiday season can be a nice break from the norm. If you are like me, I enjoy seeing family whenever possible. However, not everyone has the same experience. It is usually around this time of the year that many of my clients begin to speak about their own issues related to traveling, spending time with family, and whether or not they enjoy the holiday spirit. After all, this is the “season of giving” and that usually involves spending time with loved ones.

That is not to say that being around family for an extended period of time isn’t stressful. For some, the family can be the ultimate source of stress and frustration. Many individuals find themselves feeling overly irritated, short-tempered, or anxious (or all of the above) at the thought of spending time with family during this holiday season. This then brings people to the inevitable question: what can I do about it? How do I manage this? Am I crazy for thinking this way?

Below are just three examples of some strategies that I often share with my clients (and use myself) when I am faced with these questions or the stress of visiting family during the holiday season.

It’s okay to say “no” sometimes.

This is one that my clients often have trouble with. In many families, there is an underlying assumption that family comes first. For some, this will always be true. My challenge to this assumption is that it is hard to put others first, even family, when you can’t seem to listen to what your body and mind are telling you. Sometimes, it is okay to say no to people or to events that you know are going to be overly stressful for you. Like that holiday party at your job or that birthday party for your niece at a jump house. Many people often forget to listen to what their body and mind are telling them. And sometimes, that means having to say no.

Know what your boundaries are.

This one is aligned with the previous entry: listening to yourself can be very insightful. Very often, our families elicit a strong emotional response that is often accompanied by a desire to please or conform to others’ wishes. That means sometimes “biting off more than you can chew.” That is why I often work with my clients to establish boundaries; what are you okay with? What are you not okay with?

If you know you feel nothing but irritation when you go to your Uncle Larry’s house because everyone over-indulges in the egg nog: good! That means you know something about yourself. Being able to identify and understand what your boundaries are can lead to formulating a plan that will help you mitigate these stressful issues in the future.

Try to stay grounded and present.

So you are at a family holiday party and you find yourself wanting to escape. Very often, escape and avoidance are not possible. This is where grounding techniques can be extremely helpful. These techniques are type of coping strategy that aim to “ground you” or bring you back to the present moment. These techniques vary depending on the symptoms, but usually have some foundational similarities across them.

Grounding techniques include keeping your feet planted firmly on the floor, practicing mindful breathing techniques, taking a short walk, and being acutely aware of your senses. These techniques are often used by therapists to bring the client back to the “here and now” and assist them in understanding that they have control over their perceived out of control emotions.

Practicing these techniques before, during, or after visiting with family will help you manage your emotions/stress, keep you “present” with your family, and give you further insight into how you react in these particular circumstances.

Kevin Johnson, PsyD (’18) is a Core Faculty member at MSP.

The post Families, Holidays, and Stress appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Athaliah Ingram

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Favorite quote: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Maya Angelou

What would people be surprised to know about you? I think people would be surprised to know that I love makeup and skin care and that I also hope to get an esthetician license.
What is a cause you’re passionate about? I am passionate about raising awareness on mental health in black communities.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? The size of MSP made me want to attend because I feel as though I would bond with my professors and receive an interpersonal learning experience. I also applied because of the humanistic foundation, I believe that I will be treated with respect and that my opinions will be valued.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? After graduation I plan to counsel African American women and hopefully open a wellness center that combines therapy with beauty workshops. I hope to promote self-confidence by teaching women about ways to take care of their skin, makeup etc.

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

The post MA Student Spotlight appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Randeigh Dickerson

Hometown: Flint, MI

Program: MA with Certificate in ABA

Book I would recommend: Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs

Favorite quote: “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it” Edith Wharton

What would people be surprised to know about you? I’m allergic to oranges and tomatoes, that surprises most people!

What is a cause that you’re passionate about? One of the causes that I am the most passionate about is the Flint Water Crisis. It is difficult, for me, to see the magnitude of damage done from the lead contamination in water. So many people I grew up with, along with my family, had to venture to churches to pick up free bottled water to use for cooking and bathing. I know many people who were affected by this. I’m glad to see the community coming together during this crisis.

Why did you choose to attend MSP? I chose MSP because it was highly recommended by my ABA supervisor and it worked well with my work schedule. I work with many people who have completed the MA program and they all were pleased with the education they received and highly recommended it.

What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? After obtaining my degree, I’d like to pursue becoming a BCBA.

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

The post MA with ABA Student Spotlight appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Jenn Karew

Hometown: Orchard Lake, MI

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Favorite Quote: “Decide what you want, make a f*cking plan, and work on that sh*t every day!”

*Okay, rather inappropriate, but it’s gotten me this far!

What would people be surprised to know about you? I’ve known I wanted to work in the field of psychology since the 9th grade. It’s taken me 50 years, but I am finally taking the steps to fulfill my dream of becoming a psychologist.

What is a cause you’re passionate about? Diversity and inclusivity. We all have so much to learn from each other’s different perspectives. It saddens me to see how hard people try to mush themselves into cookie cutter boxes all in the name of conformity.

Why did you choose to attend MSP? The MSP MA program changed my life. I had been a social worker for 20 years and it was slowly killing me. MSP gave me such a bright and new perspective and so many new tools. I can’t wait to see how much more lies before me at MSP.

What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? I will work tirelessly for the rest of my life. I will help heal psyches in distress and continue to give people the permission have feelings, be unapologetically their authentic selves, and assert their needs.

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

The post PsyD Student Spotlight appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

We are delighted to introduce Caroline Bull who joined the MSP staff as an IT intern in October.

Where did you grow up?

I was raised from preschool all the way through high school in rural Downeast Maine. I lived in a village called Surry of just barely above one thousand people. My K-8 elementary school was within walking distance and had fewer than one hundred students.

Name one book you would recommend.

I can recommend the book I read most recently which is The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down. It is a factual account of a family of Hmong refugees living in California in the 1980’s.

A young girl from one of these family suffers from severe epilepsy, and the narrative of the book deals in the multi-faceted cultural obstacles complicating her treatment, from the language barrier between the doctors and patient’s family, to the parents refusal to comply due to a distrust of western medicine and their religion which glorifies her life-threatening condition.

While it is not a very light-hearted book, I think it is a fascinating and relevant case study in modern intercultural communication which faculty and students here may enjoy very much.

What interested you in working at MSP?

I was attracted to the smaller size of MSP and seeing what sort of network architecture may exist within it.

With a smaller staff I was enticed by the idea of becoming familiar with many different people and seeing the work I may do have an immediate effect on the workflow that both staff and students experience with the school’s devices.

Tell us about your role at MSP. What are you doing day to day?

As an IT intern I do a variety of computer-related tasks such as updating software, taking inventory of hardware, and troubleshooting connection problems on devices connected to the school’s network.

What is your favorite part about working at MSP?

As an undergrad student in IT it’s very exciting to see a smaller network gradually grow more complex in tandem with the school’s expansion.

With the construction of the clinic building next door I’m able to watch IT Director Jeff Cross construct the new server from scratch.

I’m also very touched by the warm and welcoming reception I’ve received from everyone I’ve met so far.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I have been studying Japanese intensively for close to ten years (There wasn’t much to do in my home town).

After high school I lived in Kyoto, Japan on and off for about two years. Once I graduate, my dream is to work either domestically or abroad for a Japanese firm.

The post Staff Spotlight: Caroline Bull appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Students, faculty, psychologists, and community members are invited to submit proposals to present at the 2nd Annual Cultural Competency Conference that will be held May 1, 2020 at MSP. Proposals will be accepted through February 1, 2020.

Cassidy Slade (PsyD 3) was on a team who presented “Counseling Jewish Americans in the Age of the Alt Right” with Evan MacAdams (PsyD 3) and Adam Duberstein (PsyD 3) at last year’s CCC. She shares her experience below.

Growing up in a rural community in Genesee County, the opportunity to interact with and learn about cultures different than my own was miniscule.

It wasn’t until I began attending a large undergraduate university in Pennsylvania that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures, forming friendships and having interactions with individuals from numerous locations across the world. Befriending individuals from across the world made me realize just how different individuals are, and I sought out opportunities to learn even more about these differences.

As a first-year doctoral student at MSP, I remember being excited to take the Multicultural class. While I learned a great deal about different cultures during my undergraduate experience, I was aware that there was an immense amount of knowledge regarding different cultures that I strived to obtain.

This class opened my eyes not only to different cultures, customs, and norms, but also the inherent amount of privilege many people, including myself, have. It was what I learned throughout this class, and my constant motivation to learn more about different cultures, that drove and motivated me to present at the CCC in May 2019.

Prior to presenting at this conference, I was remember experiencing varying levels of anxiety, fear, and worry. I was aware that I would be discussing a culture that was different than my own and I was fearful that I was going to leave out important pieces of information. I wanted to speak about and present on this culture in an appropriate way. I was also fearful of what other conference attendees would be thinking if I was presenting on a culture that I am not part of.

While I was experiencing these different emotional reactions, presenting at the CCC was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I was able to not only learn about how to work with individuals from different cultures, but I was also able to hear others experiences and reactions to being part of the culture my group was presenting on.

After presenting, I remember feeling an immense sense of empowerment, fulfillment, and pride—feelings I continue to hold onto.

Leaving the CCC after hearing others present about different cultures provided me with a sense of hope and excitement—particularly due to the number of individuals also interested in learning more about cultures different than their own. The CCC is crucial for current and future psychologists and psychotherapists to learn about working with individuals from cultures different than their own.

Everyone comes from a culture, and while the extent to which they adhere to their cultural values, norms, and customs exists on a spectrum, it is still crucial for us to know about their culture and be versed on the various ways one’s culture may be impacting their current functioning.

At the end of the day, we are all different. We come from different backgrounds, have different experiences, and look at the world in different ways.

I believe that is both crucial and necessary to continue learning about others’ cultures, and the CCC is a phenomenal way to do this.

Cassidy Slade is a third year doctoral student at MSP.

If you are interested in presenting at this year’s CCC conference, find all the information you need to apply, including examples, here.

The post Student Experience: Presenting at the Cultural Competency Conference appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

The President’s Perspective is a blog series from MSP President Fran Brown that explores the field of humanistic psychology and share insights into her experience as President.

I can’t recall a time in my professional life when I’ve anticipated the new year with the enthusiasm I have for 2020. A new year, in a new decade, is the perfect time to appreciate this moment of blossoming for MSP.

I say blossoming because in 2020 MSP will experience major growth in realizing its full potential. Although we have been an outstanding institution of higher education for nearly 40 years, it has sometimes felt that we were an island onto ourselves.

Now we have reached a moment in history when furthering the principles of humanistic psychology is more relevant and vitally important than ever before. In 2020, we will open the Michigan School Psychological Clinic, expanding our reach into the community with resources that are needed right now.

In this political climate of uncertainty and frustration, we may be tempted to take a break from the news, to avoid engaging with the enormity of the global issues we face. And yes, it is healthy to take a break from time to time. But what we cannot do is refuse to act locally, to turn a blind eye to challenges for those in own community, those who we do have the ability to help. We know people are suffering; every day the news headlines remind us of the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness.

From the earliest days of this institution, opening a successful community clinic has been a dream. In 2020 that dream will become a reality. The time is right. We have a new building that will house the clinic, carefully vetted, motivated and compassionate students to provide treatment, and expert, well-respected faculty who will provide clinical oversight.

We’ll also be opening the doors to our new event space that will allow the wider community to join us for informal educational opportunities, and events that will promote the understanding of humanistic psychology and its relevance to our current times.

At MSP we envision a future with healthy people, healthy relationships, and healthy communities. In the new year we embark on the next leg of the journey that helps bring that vision to life.

I can’t wait.

The post 2020: A Year of Promise appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

Here at MSP, we love to connect with alumni to find out more about the work that fulfills their passion for clinical psychology. Life After MSP is our feature column that highlights the career journey of our grads.

Name: Laura Hutchison, PsyD, LP, RPT/S

Year of Graduation: MA 1999, PsyD 2005

Job Titles: Owner and Clinical Director of Hutchison & Associates, Director and Facilitator of the Michigan Play Therapy Training Academy, and adjunct faculty member at MSP

Describe your work in clinical psychology:

Hutchison & Associates – Over the last couple months my private group practice as blossomed. I now have 15 associates, a majority of whom graduated from MSP, at 6 locations throughout metro Detroit. We offer psychological services for individuals and families, including play therapy, individual psychotherapy, and psychological testing. My duties here include supervision and management of all associates, as well as seeing clients.

Michigan Play Therapy Training Academy – In 2015 I started the Academy; since then I have been running weekend workshops and a week long “summer camp” offering play therapy trainings to mental health professionals. I am an Association for Play Therapy approved provider, therefore my trainings can meet part of the requirements needed to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

MSP adjunct faculty – Since I started in 1998, I’ve never really left the school! Shortly after graduation from the doctorate program I began supervising Master’s students for their practicum.

What do you like about your work:

I love the flexibility and variety I have as a clinical psychologist. Throughout the years I have discovered how much I truly love supervising clinicians and helping them grow as therapists and people.

How did MSP prepare you for success?

MSP gave me a solid foundation in the importance of authenticity and ultimate respect for the therapeutic relationship.

The post Life After MSP: Laura Hutchison appeared first on The Michigan School of Psychology (MSP).

How to Pick a Grad School: Essential Questions to Ask

PsyD Student Spotlight

Paul Farley

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

What Happens To Clients When Their Therapist Dies?

In Memoriam
Lavinia Ruckes-Ekong
December 7, 1961 – February 25, 2019

What has been the best part of your MSP experience so far?

What has been the best part of your MSP experience so far this academic year?

Asia Hall

Chris Bernardo

Jared Bonnici

Lisa Romano

How to Pick a Grad School: Essential Questions to Ask

Giving Thanks To Our Clinical Partners

MA Student Spotlight

Ally Bauman

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

MA with ABA Student Spotlight

Jared Bonnici

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

PsyD Student Spotlight

Nadeen Majeed

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

The President’s Perspective: Reflections on Family

World Kindness Day

Financial Aid News: APA Resources & The Higher Education Act

Families, Holidays, and Stress

MA Student Spotlight

Athaliah Ingram

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

MA with ABA Student Spotlight

Randeigh Dickerson

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

PsyD Student Spotlight

Jenn Karew

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

Staff Spotlight: Caroline Bull

Student Experience: Presenting at the Cultural Competency Conference

2020: A Year of Promise

Life After MSP: Laura Hutchison

Paul Farley

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

In MemoriamLavinia Ruckes-EkongDecember 7, 1961 – February 25, 2019

What has been the best part of your MSP experience so far this academic year?

Asia Hall

Chris Bernardo

Jared Bonnici

Lisa Romano

Ally Bauman

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

Jared Bonnici

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

Nadeen Majeed

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

Athaliah Ingram

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

Randeigh Dickerson

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

Jenn Karew

Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?

In Memoriam
Lavinia Ruckes-Ekong
December 7, 1961 – February 25, 2019