Article archive / January 2024

Originally published: January 2024. Volume 15, No. 1. Source pages: 1, 4.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced the release of the Whole Health Louisiana (WHL) State Plan, Louisiana’s first statewide plan to systematically address the widespread issue of childhood adversity and trauma through the integration of trauma- informed and healing-centered approaches in our state’s systems of care and support for children and families.

According to the announcement, addressing this issue is critical to the well-being and fulfillment of our state’s children, families and communities. Whole Health Louisiana’s mission is to transform Louisiana’s cross-system collaboration and community-specific

care so that together, we can effectively prevent, recognize and treat childhood adversity and its effects, allowing the people of Louisiana to access their full potential.

Through key priority areas of collaboration, awareness, workforce, prevention, and healing, WHL envisions a Louisiana in which children, families and communities are healthy and thriving regardless of who they are or where they live.

“The Louisiana Department of Health is extremely proud to have partnered on this effort to develop a comprehensive approach to preventing and addressing trauma across child-serving systems. We remain committed to working with our partners from across the state to support the implementation of the Whole Health Louisiana State Plan. Building on the community input we have gathered, we will continue to integrate the healing-centered and trauma-informed objectives outlined in this plan within our agency and provide support to other state agencies, organizations and communities that are working to do the same,” LDH Deputy Secretary Tonya Joiner said.

Two years ago, LDH, the Louisiana First Foundation and leaders across the state formed the WHL initiative to prepare Louisiana to better respond to the drivers and impacts of childhood adversity by developing a comprehensive plan. The WHL State Plan is built upon the initial discovery phase, which took place from

September 2021 through August 2022. During the plan development phase, public sector leaders, community members, advocates, and child- and family-serving workforce representatives came together to create a trauma- informed statewide plan with sector- specific strategies, implementation and evaluation approaches with buy-in across systems. WHL is the only coalition in the state uniting all child and family-serving entities across sectors and populations.

“Through our work to raise awareness about the science of childhood adversity, trauma and resilience, the Bureau of Family Health (BFH) was asked to coordinate the development of the WHL State Plan on behalf of the Department.

"For us, it was both an honor and a timely call to come together with our partners from all regions of the state to create a plan to provide families, communities and service providers with a toolkit to prevent and address these issues.

"Our mission at BFH is to elevate the strengths and voices of individuals, families and communities to catalyze transformational change to improve population health and achieve equity. We believe that the WHL State Plan moves us all closer to achieving that mission and are happy to continue to support the initiative through its implementation,” said Amy Zapata, Bureau of Family Health director.

Over the next five years, LDH will continue to foster public and private

sector partnerships to implement and sustain the plan for the long term. Becoming trauma-informed requires education, training, and ongoing self- reflection for all involved.

By being trauma-informed, individuals and communities can play a vital role in creating spaces that promote healing, resilience, and recovery for those who have experienced trauma.

“To that end, the Department will be supporting the implementation of the State Plan over the first five years with both funding and dedicated staff support to ensure a successful transition from planning to implementation," Joiner said.

"We recognize that this initiative has the potential to impact the health and well-being of our state’s youngest and most vulnerable residents. The success of this plan lies in all of our hands and within each community across our state. If you are just learning about this work, we invite you to join us. If you have supported the development of this initiative in any way, we thank you and look forward to continuing this work together," Joiner said.

Plan objectives will be implemented from January 2024 to December 2028, establishing structures, policies and practices to propel Louisiana toward our vision of healthy and thriving children, families and community members, regardless of who they are or where they live.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2024

Originally published: January 2024. Volume 15, No. 1. Source pages: 1.

Once again, it was no small feat to have kept the home fires burning through the post pandemic period. Our winners had unusual perseverance to keep moving through a society that was stuck in anxiety, change, and confusion. We scanned the year's news and activities and found shinning examples of creativity, courage, and leadership. For our Community Awards we focus on these special people, some new and some regulars, who pushed for excellence to make our community better and to improve the lives of others. We thank these leaders for their vision, perseverance and dedication, despite the obstacles of 2023.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2024

Originally published: January 2024. Volume 15, No. 1. Source pages: 2.

I shared with readers last year that I was having health problems that limit my ability to work on the computer. It is now with sadness but some relief that I acknowledge my limitations.

This situation has been brought into sharp focus also because Archimedes brought Covid home for Christmas. Recovering from Covid has been slow but makes it clear how fragile my health is overall.

So, I am calling an end to this great experiment of The Psychology Times.

I didn’t know how long I’d be able to do the Times and I’m grateful for the 14 and 1/2 years that have been an honor for me.

It has meant a great deal to me to follow in my parents footsteps and join the Louisiana Press Association. I have learned so much about what it meant in my family of origin, the principle of the First Amendment and why it is so important to the organization, process and psychology of a community. This is even more important to a scientific community that thrives on debate and free exchange.

It has been an honor to report on what psychologists are doing and what they are capable of for their state and society. It has also been an honor to work with my great columnists and the contributors.

It has been gratifying to be the open communication vehicle in a community that needed a newspaper so badly. And it has been wonderful to win over 100 Press Association awards while having such a good time in the classical journalism sphere.

It has been comforting and inspiring that so many readers understand the system dynamics of freedom of information. There is no more important principle for open systems, the need for self correction in a scientific profession, than the one that is embedded in the First Amendment’s freedom of speech.

If I have done one thing for the good of our community it Is to fly the flag for free speech over and over during the last 14–1/2 years.

While I might do some special issues, if my health allows it, I would be lying if I did not say that I feel some relief. My health problems have not gotten any better over the last year and I have to dedicate full-time to finding out what is wrong with me and doing what I can for myself and my family.

I cannot thank the readers enough who have been loyal and supportive of my efforts through these years. I will not forget your kindness!

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2024

Originally published: January 2024. Volume 15, No. 1. Source pages: 5.

July 21, 2023 Published Dec. 8, 2023

•The 2023 Regulatory Update and Training, Part I and II have been published. 144 individuals completed the course evaluation and received credit for Part I; 89 individuals completed the course evaluation and received credit for Part II. •The Board is now accepting Registration of an Assistant To A Psychologist Applications and has received materials and criminal background checks on approximately 50 individuals to date. •Renewal Update – Opening Renewals included: a.789 Licensed Psychologists 
i. 409 Reporting CPD
ii. 200 May qualify for a reduced fee or Psychologist Emerit: Retired if 
criteria met. b.34 Licensed Specialists in School Psychology c.12 Provisionally Licensed Psychologists d.As of 7/19/2023 COB Outstanding Renewals included 207 Licensed Psychologists, 
15 LSSP, 8 Provisional.

•As of May 31, 2023: The budget is stable, and the board has funds to operate through the end of FY 2022- 23. The Board's cash on hand is reported to be $250,287.77, with an additional $36,492 in receivables (this total does not include debt owed to the Board in matters older than 2 years old: $40,622.25 (P16-17-11C – Eric Cerwonka), $119,991.98 (P15-16-03C – Eric Cerwonka), and $63,952.29 (P12-13-10C, P13-14- 04C, P13-14-05C Glenn Ahava). Your budgeted expenses for FY 2022- 23 are estimated to be: $440,856. There is one month remaining in this fiscal year, and the majority of expenses, particularly contracts, are either at or below what is expected. Therefore, the board should end the year at or just over budget. The Board has met their rulemaking goals in FY 2022-23. This should have a positive impact on revenue in FY2023- 24. The Board is well staffed, with three full-time employees. Staff productivity is up, even with the added projects of registration of ATAP’s and continuing professional development. Additionally, it is worth noting that financial statements are not available for June due to slow invoicing by contractors/vendors. […]

•Roll out new rules and regulations, with outreach communications and training. Focus on adopting new processes and procedures to implement Legislative Performance Audit recommendations including adopting a disciplinary matrix. Implement financially sustainable options for technology to be utilized in the application and renewal process which may either counter (or reduce) the cost of employees, workload and related expenses for processing applications, and/or counter (or reduce) the cost of real-estate needed to store paper files. Consider setting a goal to achieve and maintain a reserve balance to cover deferred liability plus unexpected expenses (e.g., hearing costs, lawsuits, major technology developments, moving) plus 3-6 months of operating expenses. Consider creating policy guidelines for Board approval to tap your reserve and then rebuild that amount.

•Settlement of State of Louisiana Through the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, of the Louisiana Department of Health vs. Dr. Jeremy Blunt, Psy.D., Stitches For Life, Inc., Docket: C-73317827, 19th JDC – Mr. Wagner reported on the status of the settlement of State of Louisiana Through the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, of the Louisiana Department of Health vs. Dr. Jeremy Blunt, Psy.D., Stitches For Life, Inc., Docket: C-73317827, 19th JDC. Following this report, Dr. Harness moved that the Board accept the Stipulated Judgement as a settlement and in lieu of prosecution. Following an opportunity for discussion, the matter was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present as follows: In favor: (5) Moore, Harness, Sam, Holcomb and Woods- Smith; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (1) McNeely.

Jurisprudence Examination Committee – Dr. Holcomb reported that it is taking longer than he expected to draft new items for the Jurisprudence Examination. He is continues to evaluate and work on new questions to pilot and is focusing awareness on implicit bias and item writing.

10. Liaison to Professional Organizations – Dr. Holcomb reported on the presentation to the Louisiana Psychological Association, stating that he was happy to be a part of the presentation. Ms. Monic reported on being invited to speak with the Baton Rouge Area Society of Psychologists, which talk was approved by Drs. Gormanous and Moore. The Board

requested that they be advised of future requests for speakers by professional psychology organizations.

11. Long Range Planning Committee – Dr. Moore reported that the current January Meeting date falls on January 19th and explained that in the past the Board has met for a full day on the Thursday prior, then 1⁄2 a day on Friday culminating in the awards luncheon. The Board agreed to this schedule for planning the agenda and luncheon.

Referrals to the District Attorney pursuant to La. R.S. 37:2360 – Mr. Wagner explained his interpretation of the statutory provision LA R.S. 37:2360; which establishes that it is a misdemeanor to violate the provisions of Title 37 Chapter 28. He explained the Board’s previous reading of the statute as forbidding disclosure to anyone other than the District Attorney created a situation whereby the disclosure was meaningless due to some D.A.’s office’s requiring a citation from law enforcement accompany the Board’s referral. Mr. Wagner asked that the Board affirm their updated understanding of LA R.S. 37:2360 so that, when the Board directs staff to act under LA R.S. 37:2360, it understands that interim steps and disclosures are required to be made by staff to carry out Board’s intent to seek prosecution by the District Attorney. Dr. Sam moved that the board affirm understanding of the process for turning matters over to the District Attorney. Following an opportunity for discussion, the matter was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present as follows: In favor: (5) Moore, Harness, Sam, Holcomb and Woods- Smith; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (1) McNeely.

Motion by Dr. Sam that LSBEP adopt a policy regarding length of time between
various meetings and the receipt of an initial draft of completed minutes by LSBEP staff to ensure that timely recording is given to reduce the disruption of progress and increase follow-up of tasks and assignment. – The Board discussed this matter and motion by Dr. Sam. Following opportunity for discussion, adopted a policy that staff ensure minutes are drafted within a month of each meeting. The Board considered the motion. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present […]

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / January 2024

Originally published: January 2024. Volume 15, No. 1. Source pages: 13.

Dr. Melissa Dufrene and Dr. Kristin Fitch not only lead the way in the Louisiana OCD Association, and the OCD WALK, they created The Rise Center for OCD and Anxiety to reach more people and educate the public and also the profession about this serious, chronic disorder that cripples people in their everyday life. These two psychologists are confronting a shortage of specialized treatment and a lack of understanding in the profession that should have been addressed years ago. Well done ladies!

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / December 2023

Originally published: December 2023. Volume 14, No. 12. Source pages: 2.

Re: The Psychology Times, news for the psychology community

November 1, 2023 Dear Julie, I am writing just to let you know how much I enjoy reading The Psychology Times. Here in California, no professional psychology newsletter or publication parallels the interest your articles incite. I look forward to the next, and the next. Thank you for what you do!

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / December 2023

Originally published: December 2023. Volume 14, No. 12. Source pages: 2.

November 3, 2023 Hi Julie: I just read about the passing of Tommy Stigall in The Psychology Times. I remember meeting him with Connie at an APA Convention sometime in the 1980s. At that time, my father (Henry Saeman) was the executive director of the Ohio Psychological Association. Connie was his counterpart in Louisiana. I remember my father and Connie went off to a presentation together and Tommy and I went for coffee or a soda. We sat and chatted for about an hour regarding an array of topics. He was so pleasant and knowledgeable about many topics. We spoke about psychology related issues, our families and an array of other areas of mutual interest. When we began The National Psychologist (newspaper) in 1991, Tommy (and Connie) were both trusted friends and confidants of my father. Tommy wrote an article or two for us in those early years. In recent years, I often thought about contacting him but figured he might have been "out of the psychology field" for a decade or more. I should have trusted my instincts and contacted him. Now I deeply regret not doing so.

Please let Connie know I'm thinking about and praying for her and send my sincerest condolences to her and their family.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / December 2023

Originally published: December 2023. Volume 14, No. 12. Source pages: 2.

WWII Fathers Article

November 19, 2023 The WWII Fathers' articles were quite inspiring. Their stories reminded me of the many stories I heard from patients I worked with as a VA practicum student and intern in the 60s. My supervisors, mentors, and those who I respected in leadership were also WWII vets who shared their veteran stories. This included my first practicum supervisor who was a WWII veteran who was paralyzed by a gunshot in the back during combat and was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He became the chief psychologist at the Tucson VA Medical Center and also served as the top consultant around the country for all VA spinal cord units. It also included the head of psychology in VA Central Office in Washington, DC who was a fighter pilot during WWII who helped me and many others get our first jobs as a chief psychologist in a VA medical center. The last of my WWII veteran friends died earlier this year who helped me learn about the early days in the VA as I began writing about the history of VA psychology. We all have much to thank our WWII Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, and Sisters. I feel especially indebted to them, however, for helping me spend a 40-year satisfying career helping veterans in VA Medical Centers.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / December 2023

Originally published: December 2023. Volume 14, No. 12. Source pages: 3.

Nov 13 the Office of Governor announced the launch of "56 for 56," a social media campaign that will highlight one signature accomplishment of Louisiana's 56 the governor every day for the 56 days remaining before the inauguration on January 8. The first post of the campaign is about the very first signature accomplishment of the Edwards administration, delivered on the Governor's first day in office…Medicaid Expansion. Find the 56 for 56 campaign by following the Governor's social media channels and using the hashtag #56for56.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / December 2023

Originally published: December 2023. Volume 14, No. 12. Source pages: 5.

From the Minutes Selected Items from April Meeting of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP)

From April Meeting Published in October

i. Accept/Discuss Ethics Attorney Letter: ASPPB CE’s for Board Members – Dr. Gormanous reported that the Board of Ethics Opinion regarding Board Members not being prohibited from receiving Continuing Education (CE) credit from ASPPB, was pulled from the Board of Ethics website. The Board of Ethics opined that it was not prohibited for Board Members to receive CE credit for attending ASPPB.

Continuing Professional Development:

Applications for Licensee CPD Preapproval and Sponsor Activity Approval – The Board reviewed the application forms for the preapproval of CPD activities of licensees and preapproval of activities and offerings by other individuals. Dr. Harness moved in favor of adopting the “Sponsor Application for Approval of Continuing Professional Development” form and the “Licensee Application for Preapproval of Unsponsored Continuing Professional Development Offerings or Activities”. Following an opportunity for discussion, the motion was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present as follows: In favor: (5) Gormanous, Moore, Harness, Sam and Holcomb; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (1) McNeely. Approve training video/credit for licensees – The Board discussed the 2023 Regulatory Update and Training, Part I presented by Ms. Monic. Dr. Harness stated that she had watched the video and thought it was good. Dr. Harness moved in favor of approving he CPD training video and offer a half hour of CPD Credit for completing the training. Following an opportunity for discussion, the motion was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present as follows: In favor: (5) Gormanous, Moore, Harness, Sam and Holcomb; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (1) McNeely. 6. 2023-24 Contract Review
a. COMPLAINTS COORDINATOR 2 – Mark P. Vigen, Ph.D. Ms. Monic reported the term for Dr. Vigen’s contract would be ending on June 30, 2023. Following discussion, Dr. Gormanous moved to adopt the following resolution: […] IT THEREFORE RESOLVES by motion of Dr. Gormanous that the Board contract with Dr. Vigen to provide services as Complaints Coordinator II, for a fiscal-year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024 for an amount not to exceed a maximum of $5,000. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the hourly rates of pay for the position of Complaints Coordinator shall be: $100 per hour, […] a. INVESTIGATOR – Statewide Surveillance & Investigation, LLC (Tony McCoy/Henry Richardson) – Ms. Monic reported the term for the investigation contract with Statewide Surveillance & Investigation, LLC would be ending on June 30, 2023. Following an opportunity for discussion, Dr. Gormanous moved to adopt the following resolution: […] IT THEREFORE RESOLVES by motion of Dr. Gormanous that the Board contract with Statewide Surveillance & Investigations for an amount not to exceed $12,000, to provide investigatory services beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024. The contract to commence at the following rates of pay: $60 per hour for investigative work; […] v. Vinformatics*
Dr. Holcomb presented 3 proposals for information technology, and Dr. Sam presented an option for CE Broker. The Board balanced their options based on their financial position. Dr. Holcomb moved to adopt the following resolution: IT THEREFORE RESOLVES by motion of Dr. Holcomb, that the LSBEP accept Covalent Logic’s Proposal for a custom licensing system, including complaints management and online applications, and enter a multi-year contract with Covalent Logic for the design and development of the system in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for Standard Content Management System Cost and Licensing Management System Cost; $50,000 for Phase II of the proposal, to provide information technology services including, but not limited to for the addition of the supervision component [registration of assistants] plus additional optional features to include $7,000 for Communications Manager, $6,500 for Table Manager, $3,000 for content migration and authorize payment of a monthly fee upon implementation of $750/month for Hosting and Technical Support. The contract to begin May 15, 2023 and end June 30, 2029. LDH – OCDD: Request for exceptions to Registration of Assistants – The Board considered a request from the La Department of Health, Office of Developmental Disabilities related to a waiver of the required fee as another state agency under the LDH budget; and a streamlined process of registration of all assistants and notification of any employment changes including if an assistant leaves the agency and/or if supervision changes including a recommendation that the notifications would come from the OCDD Clinical Director for any OCDD Resource Center clinicians and from the Pinecrest Supports and Services Center or Central Louisiana Supports and Services Center administrator for any clinicians under the purview of these facilities. They discussed the requirement and responsibility of the Licensed Psychologist related to utilization of assistants and the requirement that the assistant operate under the direct supervision of a Licensed Psychologist. Additionally, the board discussed the fact that it does not receive any state general funds to support the staff and operations required to regulate. Following discussion, Dr. Holcomb moved to deny the request to waive fees associated with registration and renewal of assistants and affirm the requirement that all licensed psychologists comply with the notification requirements related to the discontinuation of an assistant. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present as follows: In favor: (5) Gormanous, Moore, Harness, Sam and Holcomb; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (1) McNeely.

La Department of Education – Recertification of School Psychologists – Dr. Gormanous reported on the meeting with LDOE representatives, Ms. Elizabeth Duncan, Rachel Normand and Christy Bellue, and LSBEP representatives, Dr. George Hebert, Jaime Monic and including himself. Dr. Gormanous explained that LDOE was seeking to provide a fast track for recertification of individuals who were licensed as either Licensed Psychologists or Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP’s). Dr. Gormanous reported that he saw this as a very positive move that would benefit LDOE, LSBEP and the public. Dr. Gormanous reported that following the meeting, the LSSP Committee met and was not inclined to consider grandparenting, but did devise a table to demonstrate that Licensed Psychologists and LSSP’s met or exceeded certification standards; and further suggested that because the language in Bulletin 746 refers back to NASP standards, then Level A and Level B certified school psychologists should meet the eligibility requirements for the LSSP License if their training program and internship are consistent with the NASP Standards. Current regulations will allow the Board to consider equivalency for training and internships on an individual basis. 
Ms. Monic recommended that the Board adopt the guidance developed by the LSSP Committee. Following a very positive discussion and commendations for the Committee’s work, Dr. Moore moved to approve and adopt the guidance comparing equivalencies identified by the LSBEP with respect to education, training and continuing education for LSBEP and LDOE’s respective licenses/certifications/renewals/ recertifications. Further that the guidance be shared with LDOE and opinion that because the language in Bulletin 746 refers back to NASP standards, then Level A and Level B certified school psychologists should meet the eligibility requirements for the LSSP License if their training program and internship are consistent with the NASP Standards. Current regulations will allow the Board to consider equivalency for training and internships on an individual basis. Following an opportunity for discussion, the motion was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present as follows: In favor: (5) Gormanous, Moore, Harness, Sam and Holcomb; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (1) McNeely. This matter was tabled due to time. Masters Level Licensure (TSam)

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / December 2023

Originally published: December 2023. Volume 14, No. 12. Source pages: 11.

Brain on Fire

I'm currently reading Brain on Fire, by Susannah Cahalan. It's an autobiographical account of a very severe and frankly bizarre neurologic illness, written by a young woman who is a journalist for the New York Post. It's sharply written and very engaging. I'll take the liberty of saying that if the disease had killed her or permanently incapacitated her, she'd have needed a co- author, or at least a ghost writer. There is a deeply ironic aspect to her story, however, in that while she describes in detail the peculiar development and surreal phenomenology of her illness, she has very little memory of the period in which it was most severe, and consequently had to gather information from doctors, coworkers, family members, and medical records to describe what happened to her during that time. She was in the position of doing biographical research into her own history, one she herself cannot remember. (cid:0)

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / December 2023

Originally published: December 2023. Volume 14, No. 12. Source pages: 12.

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement without Giving In

My Christmas stocking stuffer would be Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury with Bruce Patton as editor, Penguin Books, second edition, 1991. Getting to Yes – Negotiating Agreement without Giving In deserves recognition as a classic. Millions of copies in at least 18 languages, this national best seller is a brief, straightforward approach to mutually acceptable agreements that meet the interest of both (dare I say all) parties when interests are not identical. The text begins by acknowledging that negotiating agreements and coping with the inevitable inherent in negotiations is simply a part of life. As such, we can all benefit from understating the various approaches to and elements of negotiation as well as how to manage the stages of what the authors call “principled” negotiation. Principled negotiators attempt to reach decisions based on the merits of the situation, allowing one to obtain what you are entitled to while treating others in a fair and decent manner. It is an all-purpose strategy for win-win negotiations. After emphasizing the importance of separating the “people” involved in the negotiations from the “interests” of those individuals, the authors provide methodologies for focusing on interests, inventing alternative solutions, using objective criteria to evaluate options, and understanding how to leverage your best alternative to a negotiated agreement.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / December 2023

Originally published: December 2023. Volume 14, No. 12. Source pages: 15.

10 Years Ago! What the Times was reporting on in December 2013

Some wrinkles smoothed with LPA Psychology Board Moves Toward Specialist License

In what some consider a historic move, the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists is advancing plans to create an optional license for school specialists under the state psychology board, creating a multi-level license for the first time. While still in development, Executive Director Kelly Parker told the Times, “They [the Board] did vote to accept the Task Force report and proceed with meeting other interested and important parties.” If these plans go forward, the credential, to be termed the Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, would open up opportunities for school psychology specialists in private and charter schools that have previously been closed to them.

Dr. McCown to Help Lead College of Business & Social Sciences at ULM

Dr. Bill McCown will help lead the newly formed College of Business and Social Sciences at the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) as Associate Dean. McCown has served as Interim Director of the Graduate School and as Professor of Psychology. ULM recently announced plans to consolidate its five colleges into three. In a press release last month, the university officials noted, “The reorganization will see the university’s five colleges consolidated into three: the College of Arts, Education and Sciences; the College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences; and the College of Business and Social Sciences.

Christmas Section 'Tis the Season for Stress

The Times talked with six of our local experts about stress and topics of neuropsychology (Dr. Susan Andrews), meditation (Dr. John Pickering), sleep (Dr. Denise Sharon), acupuncture (Dr. David Thomason), and relationships (Drs. Molly and David Govener) to give us some ideas how to cope with the downside of the season.

Lifetime Achievement LGPS Honors Dr. Sue Jensen

The Louisiana Group Psycho- therapy Society has honored Baton Rouge psychologist, Dr. Susanne Jensen, with their Lifetime Achievement Award, presented at the November 2 Fall Institute of the Society. […] Jensen has been a key figure in the psychology and psycho- therapy community, providing training for hundreds of psychotherapists from psychology, psychiatry, social work, and counseling […]

We Remember Dr. Robert "Bob" Davis

Robert Douglas "Bob" Davis, born January 5, 1961, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2013, at the age of 52. Dr. Bob Davis is remembered by his colleagues as a remarkably competent, compassionate person with unfaltering support for others, and the ability to generously share his endearing wit and humor with his friends and associates.

Psych Bd Reviews Emeritus Status

The psychology board discussed possible changes to the Emeritus license for psychologists, at their Long-Range Planning meeting […].the board members discussed the possibility of requiring an emeritus licensee to be fully retired before being able to declare the emeritus status. Currently, some emeritus psychologists work part- time. The report also noted that board members discussed the possibility of requiring all emeritus licensees who work part-time to obtain continuing education credits.

Will the Real LAMP Please Stand Up?

Was a PAC requiring a contribution in order for medical psychologists to fulfill requirements of Act 251, which had been written by that PAC? […]have any medical psychologists been hindered in their efforts to obtain the required training? This appeared to be the case, after several undisclosed sources reported problems with LAMP and their requirements to the Times.

Smiles to Tears and Back Again

Dr. McGahan graciously offered to share a personal Christmas story with Times readers. He is Professor of Social Psychology and Co-Director of The Social Science Research Lab at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.]

Psychology Gumbo

“The Pursuit of Happiness: Time, Money, and Social Connection” C. Mogilner, – in Psychological Science, 2010. COMMENT: Dr. Gilda Reed, Psychology Department, University of New Orleans, Princeton Review’s Best Professor

LSU Psychology Alumni Reunion Is Taking Shape

Richard Maples and Dr. Courtland Chaney have been working on plans for a reunion of Louisiana State University Psychology Department graduate students, particularly of those who were graduate students in the mid-1970s and early 1980s.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / November 2023

Originally published: November 2023. Volume 14, No. 11. Source pages: 2.

It was sometime in the mid 70s that Darlyne Nemeth introduced me to Tommy Stigall at the Baton Rouge Mental Health Center.

As a newly minted doctoral student, I was enamored with all things that had to do with psychology and Dr. Tommy Stigall was at the center of almost all of it in Louisiana. He was dedicated to whatever gods protected Psychology.

It was the time of the “consultation and collaboration clause“ battle that Tommy had taken on to liberate psychologists from the oversight of organized Medicine.

I and some of the other graduate students from LSU had joined the Louisiana Psychological Association. To my good fortune, I was useful because I came from Red River Parish and had a speaking relationship with the representative there, "Mutt" Fowler.

Upon Tommy’s request, I visited Representative Fowler–a "good egg" my father used to call him–and asked him for his vote. He said, "I don't see why not," and freely committed to Psychology's independence, being a good egg and probably also because he was not subject to the medical lobby in the backwoods of rural Louisiana.

I remember this well because Tommy shocked me when he put forth some sort of resolution at the state psychology convention commending me for my actions. I don't remember everything, but I remember standing at the back of the room with the rest of the peanut gallery and having everybody turn and look at me and applaud. As a young graduate student I was overwhelmed. It’s probably the reason I’ve been hooked into being a member of LPA for almost 50 years.

Our paths crossed again after Act 251 which moved medical psychologists from the psychology board to the medical board. Act 251 upset each of us for different reasons. He called it backwards and "anachronistic." I objected to the secrecy. He wanted a political solution. I created a community newspaper.

It had not registered that Tommy’s background was in journalism but it all came out eventually. Once when I was having lunch with Tom Hannie and Tommy, the three of us found ourselves discussing community psychology and the role of a newspaper. Tom had said some nice things about my efforts. Tom Hannie laughed and turned to me, saying, “That’s high praise coming from Tom Stigall."

Probably what I’m most thankful for is the opportunity to have showcased Tommy Stigall‘s photography in the Times. We fell into the arrangement when I learned that his hobby had become near and dear to his heart in his retirement. He won two first place awards for best photography composition in the Times from the Louisiana Press Association. One judge called his work "stunning."

He and Connie attended the awards ceremony with us. Tommy and Archimedes enjoyed the levity when they donned free hats and sunglasses for the association’s “Mission Possible” theme. But somehow, everyone turned out looking more like the Blues Brothers.

I’d never seen this before, Dr. Tommy Stigall was always so dignified, and I had a feeling that he was having a very good time.

"To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers, And the temples of his Gods."

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / November 2023

Originally published: November 2023. Volume 14, No. 11. Source pages: 17.

Clinical Work with Traumatized Young Children is a book that increases the reader’s awareness about the needs of young children who have experienced trauma, a sometimes overlooked and minimized population of patients who deal with the same traumas as adults. Editor Dr. Joy Osofsky, points out that the impacts of childhood trauma are cumulative.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.