Article archive / January 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 5. Source pages: 14.
This month I promised to give you tips to help you find your place in the media. You may be wondering why you would even want a place in the media. Your first concern may be whether using the media to promote your practice is appropriate or ethical.
Traditionally, psychologists build their practices by providing excellent care to clients who then refer their friends and family members, and by successfully handling cases from other health care specialists who then recommend their services to colleagues.
However, promotion of psychological services through the media is acceptable. The Louisiana Licensing Law for Psychologists states only that “The board is authorized to promulgate regulations to prohibit deceptive advertisements and representations.”
Just as we are obligated to present ourselves honestly to individuals who seek our help in our offices, we also must be sure to portray ourselves accurately in the public forum. Adhering to this standard in a setting often associated with entertainment requires vigilance.
Although advertising representatives, with their focus on grabbing the attention of an audience, may entice you to pump up your message beyond your comfort level, you can avoid such drama. The right layout can amplify a cautiously worded print ad, and the right delivery can sell a safely worded radio spot.
So my first tip for helping you find your place in the media is to encourage you to relax about the very idea of being involved with the media. You can present yourself to the public in ways that maintain your professional integrity and convey that you are available to help.
Next month I will offer tips for dealing with one of the biggest problems psychologists have, the tendency to speak in scientific jargon, instead of simple sentences, when we communicate with the public.
Please send comments to MediaServices@DrSusanDard ard.com, or call 225-635-4555.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.