Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 17, 18.

Dr. John Pickering, clinical psychologist from Baton Rouge, and practitioner of Zen Buddhism and meditation for over 40 years, will join Thay Dao Quang, Zen- trained Buddhist monk and Abbot of the Tam Bao Buddhist Temple in Baton Rouge, in offering a day of training on April 7. The training, called “Mindfulness Day for Mental health Professionals,” is a day-long didactic and experiential training. It will be held at the Tam Bao Meditation Hall in Baton Rouge.

This year’s topic is on the use of mindfulness and meditation practice by the therapist to enhance attention, empathy, and compassion when working with clients. Dr. David Weibel, another Baton Rouge psychologist, who

completed his dissertation on “Loving-Kindness Meditation” will also join Dr. Pickering and Thay Dao Quang. The presentation is offered for 6 hours of continuing education for psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

Dr. Pickering co-founded a small Zen meditation and study group with Dr. Gary Pettigrew that has now met weekly for nearly 20 years. He also helped create the Friday night (English speaking) meditation group at the Tam Bao Buddhist Temple.

Dr. Pickering is in private practice in clinical psychology at Dawson Psychological Associates where he has “always incorporated what is now termed a mindfulness- informed therapeutic approach,” he explained to the Times.

Last year he and Thay Dao Quang conducted their day-long continuing education program, attended by area LPCs, psychologists and social workers. Previously they have presented a “Mindfulness and Psychotherapy” seminars for the psychology, social work and counseling interns at the LSU Student Mental Health Center for several years. And in April, 2008, Dr. Pickering co-led with Dr. Pat Aptaker and Thay Dao Quang a continuing education workshop on the subject at the annual meeting of the Louisiana Psychological Association. Dr. Pickering has also presented a symposium on this topic for state-employed counselors, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists.

Thay Dao Quang has been a committed practitioner and teacher of mindfulness and meditation techniques for the past two decades, and has conducted numerous meditation retreats for both the Vietnamese and English- speaking communities throughout the United States. He was born and raised in a small village in central Vietnam, and entered a Buddhist monastery in Long Thanh, Vietnam in 1991, receiving instruction from Thich Thanh Tu, a close associate of the monk Thich Nhat Hanh, an internationally known Zen Buddhist monk who was once nominated by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the Nobel Peace Prize. In

1994, Thay left Vietnam and came to America with his family under a program initiated to rescue and sponsor Vietnamese political prisoners. He completed a Masters degree in Community Counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA in 2007, and has since provided counseling to substance abuse clients using mindfulness- based techniques.

In 2009 Thay was invited to join a group sponsored by the American Counseling Association, and traveled to Rwanda, in central Africa, to provide educational and counseling services to survivors of the Rwanda genocide.

For more information contact Dr. Pickering at Jpickering7@cox.net.

Participants at didactic section of “Mindfulness Day” in Baton Rouge.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Pickering

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 4.

Dr. William Gouvier was given the Sage Science Award for work published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, titled “Ability of College Students to Simulate ADHD on Objective Measures of Attention.” The research was a joint effort and dissertation project of Randee Booksh. Coauthors included Russell Pella and Ashvind Singh. All four authors will receive an honorarium and plaque.

Dr. Gouvier is Professor in the Clinical area at the LSU Psychology Department, Baton Rouge. His research involves neuropsychological assessment and factors contributing to malingering.

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 19, 20.

The Louisiana Psychological Association will hold its Annual Convention April 19 to 21 at the new Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge, said program chair and President-Elect, Dr. Bryan Gros.

Featured speakers will include Dr. Bryan Carter, clinical child and pediatric psychologist from the University of Louisville Medical School who will speak on cognitive behavioral therapy for children. He will review the use of video and digital media to enhance therapies. “He and his interactive digital media ‘Coping Cart’ were featured in the APA Monitor,” said Dr. Gros.

Dr. Dan Egli will return again this year to speak on psychopharmacology related to Bipolar Disorder and integrating psychopharmacology and behavioral treatment of anxiety.

Dr. Suzanne Chabaud, New Orleans psychologist and

consultant on the A&E Television Network show Hoarders will present on hoarding and adult children of hoarders.

Past East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner and Medical Director of The Woodlake Addiction Recovery Center Recovery Center, Dr. Louis Cataldie, will present on recent trends in substance abuse and treatment.

“I am particularly excited by LPA’s first annual symposium for undergraduate and graduate students and early career psychologists. This symposium, chaired by Dr. Joe Tramontana, will feature several psychologists who will talk about what they really do, but did not learn about in graduate school. LPA is making a concentrated effort to get students more involved and we hope this type of symposium will be the start of something successful.”

Dr. Gros noted participants can expect a variety of topics, with presentations on personality disorders, ethics, forensics, HIPPAA and unexpected events. “Also and back by popular demand will be an experiential presentation on Mindfulness and Meditation by Thay Dao Quang, M.Ed, and Drs. John Pickering and David Weibel,” said Dr. Gros.

There will be a poster session with wine and cheese reception, awards for posters and the new Scientist-Practitioner recognition Discounts are offered for students and unlicensed PhD/PsyD who are pursuing licensure. Dr. Gros said that brochures are to be mailed soon and so “be on the lookout.” Contact Dr. Gros at DrBryanG@aol.com or Gail_lowe@cox.net for more information.

Dr. Jim Van Hook presenting at the 2011 LPA Convention.

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 1, 5.

The Medical Psychology Advisory Committee (MPAC) a group that makes recommendations to the state medical board regarding the practice of medical psychology, met on February 23, 2012 at the Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge. Dr. Jim Quillin, President, Dr. Warren Lowe, and Dr. Glenn Ally attended, as well as Dr. Robert Marier, Executive Director of the state medical board.

At this meeting the group discussed the “Health Professional Monitoring Program.” This program, based in R.S. 37:1281.2, involves or will involve the “identification, monitoring, assistance, and procurement of treatment of medical psychologists, physicians assistants and podiatrists suffering from substance abuse, chemical dependency, psychiatric conditions …” and other conditions that could interfere with their ability to practice safely. Discussion materials included that R.S. 37:1287 shall be equally applicable to corporations and organizations where a person is serving as director or other positions, if involved in an agreement with the board.

The group also informally discussed matters in the upcoming legislative session having to do with counselors’ proposed changes in Act 320 and what it might mean to

medical psychology and psychology.

Minutes from the August 18, 2011 meeting included the topic of supervision of psychology trainees which is related to the psychology board Opinion #012. “The LSBEP, after further review and discussions, have reversed their previous opinion and have issued an opinion that Medical Psychologist can provide supervision to those seeking psychology licensure.” Also, the group discussed the LPC emergency rule.

At the January 24, 2011 MPAC meeting, the group also discussed supervision of psychology trainees, according to the minutes. They noted, “negotiations will continue

with LSBEP regarding this matter.”

Also discussed at this January 2011 meeting was the LPC scope of practice. “The Committee discussed the issue regarding LPCs attempting to expand their scope of practice. Potential suggestions for resolution to this issue were considered. Dual licensure or a tiered licensure was considered as a possible solution, but it was emphasized that this should not be the only option. Negotiations with the Committee appointed by the Senate Resolution continue. Dr. Marier is a member of that Senate appointed Committee.”

The group also reviewed the LPC posting about child custody evaluations, noting concern.

Dr. Jim Quillin (R) at the February 23 meeting of the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee meeting in Baton Rouge. (Dr. Warren Lowe, foreground.)

Dr. Robert Marier, Executive Director of the state medical board, explains the “Health Monitoring Program” to members of the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee.

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 20.

The newest regional group, the Monroe Area Society of Psychologists, will hold its first meeting on March 14 at 6:00 pm, at the Community Meeting room of the Lincoln Parish Library in Ruston. The group’s name may change said Dr. Lou'uan Gollop- Brown. For additional information Dr. Gollop-Brown may be contacted through her office at LaTech.

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 5.

The Times previously requested information in July, August, and September of 2011, regarding proceedings of the MPAC. In January 2012 the Times again requested information and sent a certified letter to Dr. Marier who sent minutes of the January 2011 MPAC meeting to the Times.

Dr. Marier also provided the Times with the agenda and discussion materials when the publisher attended the recent February 23 meeting.

It does not appear that the MPAC announced its meetings in 2011, a requirement for open meetings.

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 20.

The next Lafayette regional meeting will be next Thursday, March 8, at 7:00 PM at the Masala Indian Restaurant on 2208 Kaliste Saloom Road. Organizer Dr. Gail Gaillespie noted that the meeting will be informal and aimed for fun and enjoyment. Please RSVP if possible to her at gailgill@msn.com.

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 6.

Secretary Bruce Greenstein and Pineville Major Clarence Fields announced in a February 1 news release that inpatient behavioral health care in Central Louisiana would include a plan to vacate the Central State Hospital. They said that the plan is to build a new facility on land next to Pinecrest Suppports and Services Center.

The memo said that “DHH will build a new building on property it already owns and maintains adjacent to Pinecrest along with using already vacant buildings that will be refurbished for ancillary services. The new Central Louisiana State Hospital will remain separate and apart from Pinecrest. Central will retain its name, identity and function. Each facility must maintain its independent clinical functions, staffs and supports to keep its accreditation.”

Central Louisiana State Hospital has a long history in the psychology community, and some have noted to the Times concern about the possibility of permanent reductions.

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 20.

The Crescent City Area Psychological Society will meet Friday, March 16 at Ristorante Filippo in Metairie. Dr. Carolyn Weyand noted, “We’ll gather for Happy Hour at 6pm and sit down to dinner at 7pm.” For information email her at carolynweyand@gmail.com

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 6.

Dr. Bryan Gros, President-Elect of Louisiana Psychological Association (LPA), told the Times that LPA is holding elections. He encourages all those interested to become involved. The deadline for self-nominations is March 12.

“This year we will be electing a President- Elect, Treasurer and three Directors at the annual membership meeting on April 19,” he said.

“The Executive Council is an energetic group dedicated to representing the LPA membership. I encourage all those who are interested in becoming involved and helping LPA to seriously consider self-nomination for a position on the Executive Council,” said Dr. Gross. “I have been an EC member for more than two years and this has been more rewarding than I had ever expected.”

To join LPA or self-nominate, go to www.louisianapsychologist.org.

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

Article archive / March 1, 2012

Originally published: March 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 7. Source pages: 20.

“We will have our March BRASP meeting on Tuesday, March 27 at Drusilla Seafood, Jefferson & Drusilla,” said current President, Dr. John Pickering. “This will be a social get-together with no invited speaker, which we like to do every now and then.”

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

Article archive / February 1, 2012

Originally published: February 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 6. Source pages: 15.

Dr. John Pickering told the Times that he and Thay Dao Quang, Abbot of the Baton Rouge Vietnamese Buddhist temple, are planning a day-long “Mindfulness Day for Mental health Professionals” at the Tam Bao Meditation Hall in Baton Rouge. Dr. Pickering noted that this will happen most likely some time in March.

Thay is a zen-trained Buddhist monk with 20 years meditation experience and also has a masters in community counseling. Dr. Pickering has been practicing zen mediation for nearly 40 years. More details will be available in the next issue.

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

Article archive / February 1, 2012

Originally published: February 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 6. Source pages: 15.

SEPA – APS STUDENT CAUCUS. Ms. Margaret Hindman is the LSU representative for the Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus. Margaret will be chairing the Caucus meeting at SEPA this month. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 16 from 9:30 to 10:20 am in the Napoleon A1 room at the Sheraton. Above Margaret (facing camera) and friend exhibit at APS in Washington. (Photo courtesy of Ms. Hindman.)

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

Article archive / February 1, 2012

Originally published: February 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 6. Source pages: 1.

The community has been stunned by three losses: Dr. Mary Ann Goodwyn, Dr. Nathan Gottfried, age 83 (see page 10), and Dr. Lisa Jo Pate, age 44.

Dr. Pate died of cancer on January 24. She was an LSU graduate who served on Tulane University’s Medical School faculty from 2001 to 2004. She was living in Maryland with her husband and two young sons, and working at Harvard University’s OCD Institute. Dr. Pate was the daughter of former LSU coach Skip Bertman and Mrs. Bertman. A memorial article will follow in our next issue.

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

Article archive / February 1, 2012

Originally published: February 1, 2012. Volume 3, No. 6. Source pages: 16.

On February 13, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., LPA will host Dr. Carolyn Weyand’s, “Using Dreams in Psychotherapy.” Dr. Weyand notes that sharing dreams expresses patients' trust in their therapists and their desire to know themselves more deeply. Contemporary psychotherapy dream work melds empirical data with a century plus of clinical experience and will explore this data in the two-hour workshop.

Dr. Weyand is a psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice, faculty member of the New Orleans Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center, and also on the faculty of the China American Psychoanalytic Alliance, teaching psychotherapy to mental health professionals in China.

LPA will host “An Experiential Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,” presented by Dr. Emily Sandoz on Feb 16, from 9 to 11 am, online.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is based on emerging clinical science that demonstrates the broad utility of mindfulness and values in psychological wellbeing. ACT is part of a growing group of psycho- therapeutic approaches that represent a shift in focus from diminishing distress to building psychological skills in the presence of distress.

Dr. Sandoz is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and the director of the Louisiana Contextual Psychology Research Group. She is the co-author of three books, five chapters and three articles on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and has provided 28 workshops on mindfulness and values-based interventions in 6 countries.

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