Article archive / December 1, 2010

Originally published: December 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 4. Source pages: 12, 13.

Margaret “Peggy” L. Hagan, Ph.D., a psychologist in private practice from Slidell, took her first flying lessons in 1995, but then had to postpone because of other duties. She told the Times, “In late 2008, I had a little sit down chat with myself and asked what was the most exciting part of my life, and why wasn’t I still doing that?”

She decided to get her pilot’s license, thinking, “Why not? Flying a plane is pretty exciting…”

Peggy’s father (Bill) was a pilot until 1985, when he felt it might be best to discontinue flying. He took flying lessons at age 16, in 1940, expanding on his keen interest in aviation, evidenced by his building a rudimentary flight simulator when he was only ten years old.

Bill flew a Piper Turbo Arrow for his business during the years Peggy was in college at the University of Illinois. He would pick up Peggy and her brother (a Ph.D. in physics and nuclear engineering) from Champaign- Urbana and fly them home to Omaha.

“…But let me tell you,” Peggy said, “we had some very harrowing flights when he was Pilot-in-Command.”

“One Christmas the plane was tossing this way and that,” she recalled. “I kept hitting my head on the top of the plane. It was ferocious.” Peggy remembers her father yelling, “ ‘We’re all going to die!’ ”

“When we came in for a landing,” she said, “the icing on the plane was so bad he had me open my door so he could look out and see the runway.”

When we touched down, there were fire trucks and ambulances. And Dad said ‘I didn't call a Mayday.’ The tower said, ‘Well, we did. We were sure you wouldn't make it down.’

They had closed the airport to commercial flights a few hours before,” Peggy said. Bill explained to the Times that the plane had accumulated too much ice, and he could only keep the engine just above a stall.

“On the drive from the airport to our house,” Peggy said, “our car swerved into a ditch.”

Even aware that sometimes the excitement can get a little higher than she might want, Peggy returned to her lessons in 2008, determined to earn her license. She trained with two Certified Flight Instructors, Don Pechon at the Slidell airport and Sharon Knight at Hammond. “Two amazing aviators,” she said.

“My first solo flight was on April 13, 2009,” she noted. “We had a flight lesson in the Cessna 150…Don said ‘Okay, go do 2 or 3 touch and go's. Be careful.’ I was so excited. I let him out and thought I would be a nervous wreck. But like anything, training takes over and I taxied out, made my radio calls, took off and did a couple of –perfect– landings. Quite a thrilling day!”

In November 2009 Peggy completed her solo cross- country requirements–150 miles or more with several landings and take-offs. She flew from Slidell, landed in McComb, and then proceeded to Hattiesburg, announcing, “ ‘Hattiesburg traffic, Cessna 334 is 5 miles west, inbound for landing. Runway one-three, full stop, Hattiesburg.’ ” Peggy landed, talked to some other pilots, called her instructor, and took off back for home. “It was 3.3 hours of solo cross-country. I was really, really thrilled.”

To pass the FAA exam, “I studied my caboose off,” she said. “When I wasn’t in my office, I was found at our local coffee shop where I studied and studied.” The exam requires proficiency in a variety of technical and critical-thinking areas, “…weather conditions, navigation, computing headings and the effect of wind, engine and mechanical workings, decision making, emergencies, etc.,” she explained. “–A vast array of subjects.”

Peggy aced the exam, with the help of Sharon Knight. She also aced the three hour oral exam with the FAA examiner. Then Peggy continued her training with Don to prepare for the checkride.

“I was nervous about the checkride with the examiner,” Peggy said. “You have to do stalls, emergency landings with no power, steep turns, and other maneuvers.”

But she successfully completed her checkride on June 19th, 2010, and earned her Private Pilot License. How did she feel about the accomplishment? “It was a blast and a half,” she said.

Eight days later, on June 27th, while her father and mother were visiting from San Diego, Peggy surprised her dad by inviting him to go up with her as her first official passenger.

Bill was delighted, telling the Times, “The flight was perfect from the smooth take off to the very smooth slight crosswind landing. She flew me out over Slidell to get me oriented and then out towards the Gulf.” He said, “…the view from 2000 feet was excellent.” And, “Her communications with the ground the ground and also with the oil company helicopter crew that was getting ready for their daily flight out over the oil spill was flawless.”

Years ago, Bill had taken up his mother for her first trip in an airplane. His first passenger- carrying flight was his wife, Peggy’s mom.

On the 27th, Peggy’s second passenger that day was her first- born daughter Joanne.

The weather was perfect, Bill and Peggy and Joanne all noted. The sky was blue, the clouds were white, and the sun was shining.

Bill, age 85, said, “All in all, it was a perfect flight.”

Peggy told the Times, “It was a beautiful day.”

Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Hagan has been in private practice in Slidell since 1984. She sees all ages, and specializes in psycho- educational evaluations. Even though she started out in mathematics, she told the Times, “I absolutely love my ‘job’– I cannot imagine doing anything else.”

Dr. Peggy Hagan preparing for take-off. Photo by Joanne Hagan Mabry

Dr. Peggy Hagan with her father.

Photos by Dr. Hagan’s daughter, Joanne Hagan Mabry. Joanne recently graduated with a Bachelor's in Family Science and is back at Louisiana Tech taking prerequisite courses to be a Physician's Assistant. Joanne was Peggy’s second passenger and said about her mother, “She was so dedicated and determined to obtain her pilot's license,” and noted that her mom’s efforts in aviation are “inspiring.”

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

Article archive / December 1, 2010

Originally published: December 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 4. Source pages: 14.

Psychology graduate student John Hamilton received a top award for his poster presentation at the recent conference of the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) held in Vancouver, October 13-16. The poster was chosen as one of only five first place awards at the conference. This work is part of his dissertation research collected through the Baton Rouge Neuro- psychology Center where Dr. Darlyne Nemeth is his on-site research supervisor.

“This all started,” John told the Times, “because Dr. Nemeth is very active in a lot of organizations.” John has been collecting dissertation data and working closely with Dr. Nemeth for two years, having moved back to Baton Rouge, his hometown, from California. This move helped him to get his research “off the ground,” he said. When it was time for the NAN conference, “Dr. Nemeth encouraged me to submit something from my dissertation,” he said.

John’s poster and dissertation involve normative data for childrens’ emotion processing as measured by the Comprehensive Affect Testing System (CATS). He explained that the CATS is an emotion processing assessment battery that measures a variety of subtests such as facial identification and emotional matching. One relationship John is studying is between scores on the CATS and intellectual factors, the “developmental changes in emotion processing abilities…” He has found that “…over the course of development, children use different cognitive skills to understand and cope with emotional stimuli.”

John attributes his success at NAN to the many learning experiences through Dr. Nemeth’s numerous professional activities. Earlier this year John presented at LPA. “My poster at LPA’s spring meeting was to bring awareness to the importance for researchers to be thoughtful when addressing the needs of students, parents, teachers and administrators when working in a school setting.” He realized that a collaborative approach was essential to gaining support for his data collection, something he did not have in California.

He has also learned a great deal about presentations and research methods. “By doing that poster, I saw the way that Dr. Nemeth and her staff create their posters and I became familiar with the process.”

The NAN experience demanded strong presentation skills. John had to quickly communicate to the judges and audience. “…with each speaker given only three minutes to summarize his or her research,” John explained.

John had also given a presentation to the Baton Rouge Area Society of Psychologists (BRASP) which also helped him build skills for the NAN competition. And, working closely with Alex Steger, a colleague at the Center who is now a research assistant at Vanderbilt, John improved his quantitative skills.

John explained that there are not very many instruments available to measure the emotional processing in children. “This is the first time the CATS has been used with children,” he said. “Ultimately, if the CATS can be used to help identify emotional-social disorders with an emotional-social component, like Asperger’s or Autism, the test could itself, or this work might, help with identification and intervention in children.”

John Hamilton is currently a doctoral student at Palo Alto University in California. His chair at Palo Alto is Dr. William Forming. John attended Baton Rouge High and then Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, on a soccer scholarship and he spent some time in Brazil playing professionally. “I ultimately hung up my boots after some time,” he said, “and refocused on my degree in psychology and began working with Dr. Nemeth as an extern shortly after graduating college.” John is currently applying for internships and will soon defend his dissertation.

Doctoral student John Hamilton and his award-winning NAN poster.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 1, 6.

The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) provided its draft proposal on “competence and licensure” at the 50th Annual Meeting, October 13-17th in Savannah, Georgia. The task force on “Maintenance of Competence and Licensure” (MOCAL) presented ideas about new licensing requirements for maintaining competency.

Authors noted that continuing professional development is different from continuing professional education. “Participation in continuing education activities is one way that psychologists maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills; however, it is not the only way, nor is it necessarily the most effective way.”

Board members Dr. Rita Culross and Dr. Tony Young indicated to the Times that this topic might be of interest to psychologists. Dr. Young said, “The group is working on a variety of issues, the most important or immediately relevant to most of us is the emphasis on the ongoing demonstration of competence, or Continuing Professional Development.”

This is a growing trend in many professions that acknowledges that educational activities may not always lead to genuine competence. Self- assessment of competence is not always accurate, and approaches to continuing education assume that the psychologist can accurately rate his or her own abilities and deficits, the authors explained.

Studies have found that people overestimate their abilities and this is particularly true for those falling in lower quartiles. Another concern that emerged was “…the common educational practice of massed training (a one day workshop, or two or three successive days), while appearing to promote the rapid acquisition of skill and self- confidence, does not necessarily promote the retention of skill.”

ASPPB authors suggested 40 credits of “Continuing Professional Development” (CPD) every two years. “The concept of credits replaces the concept of hours, as many of the recommended activities do not have an hourly component.”

One aid to this process is for psychologists to identify their areas of practice. They gave the following classifications:

1. Clinical Psychology

2. Counseling Psychology

3. School Psychology

4. Forensic Psychology

5. Cognitive & Behavior Psychology

6. Clinical Health Psychology

7. Correctional

8. Academic (teaching psychology)

9. Industrial/Organizational

10. Clinical Neuropsychology

11. Rehabilitation Psychology

12. Psychoanalysis Psychology

13. Research

14. Other (specify)

The task team laid out the variety of activities that would count toward “CPD” credits, which included traditional types of CEs, such as workshops and classes, but described a new “Professional” type as:

“1. Peer consultation (May include case consultation groups, journal clubs, regional research groups; mentoring; shadowing a colleague)

2. Practice outcome monitoring (assessing patient/client outcomes via questionnaire)

3. Professional activities (serving on psychological association boards or committees or board member of regulatory body)

4. Conference/convention ”

Along with other resources, the draft document on this topic is available at: http://www.asppb.net/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=357 2.

The Times appreciates Dr. Tony Young’s help in pointing out this source material.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 1, 5.

On October 22nd, in a continuing controversy over consequences of Act 251, the executive council of LPA voted down a resolution that asked the association to support the independent regulation of psychology.

The vote was 2 yes, 6 no, and 1 abstain. The resolution was offered through council member Dr. Bryan Gros and presented by Dr. Susan Dardard. It read “Whereas, An important object of the association is that LPA shall support and advance psychology as a profession; now, therefore be it Resolved, That LPA shall support the autonomous practice and regulation of the profession of psychology.”

The idea to pass a resolution, and original wording was posted on the LPA listserv in August by Dr. Alicia Pellegrin, written by several psychologists and in particular Dr. Tom Hannie, past president of LPA. The wording in the August resolution was stronger than that presented to the council on the 22nd. The August version stated that the medical board should have authority over prescriptive privileges of medical psychologists and the psychology board should regulate the practice of psychology.

Discussions started in August prompted Dardard to conduct a phone survey to “take the pulse” of psychologists. She contacted a “convenience” sample of members and found a majority of those contacted would be in favor of such a resolution. (See story page 1).

Dardard also told the Times that she sought a compromise resolution. The proposal submitted to the EC on October 22 had been modified from the stronger language, through her efforts to bring those with differing views together, including individual meetings with EC members.

At the EC meeting, those speaking in favor of the resolution suggested that it could be a compromise “in principle” and help to resolve internal disputes in the association. It was also noted that the resolution bolsters the mission statement of LPA.

Those speaking against said that it would obligate LPA to go in front of the legislature with internal disputes. Others stated that passing the resolution would alienate medical psychologists. One member said he was concerned that it was the work of a special interest group.

The EC’s down vote prompted debate on the listserv. Dr. Alicia Pellegrin wrote, “I must admit to astonishment that this most benign of resolutions would be controversial in any way,” and likened the no vote to falling “down the rabbit hole.”

Dr. Robert Storer posted his concerns saying, “…the prescribing psychologists that I know have stated that they see this statement as a ‘slap’ against them.”

LPA President Dr. Kelly Ray, medical psychologist and LAMP member, wrote, “…the proposed resolution was not presented to make a public statement that LPA supports psychology, but rather, to build the foundation to take an offensive position against 251, against the medical psychologists, and against the medical board. This is what your EC voted down.”

Dr. Susan Dardard, who presented the resolution, objected to this conclusion, writing that Ray’s interpretation was wrong, writing, “You got my words exactly backwards.”

Dr. Carolyn Weyand, psychologist and psychoanalyst, and columnist for the Times, suggested that the “disappointing vote” of the EC was based on “assuming knowledge of a hidden agenda” and was an “inaccurate reading-between-the lines.”

Some members of the state association have been in conflict since the passage of Act 251 in June of 2009, a law that repealed the 2004 prescriptive rights of psychologists, and transferred the regulation of medical psychologists and their practice of psychology to the state medical board. Act 251 was negotiated by LAMP (Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychology) and the state medical board and passed in a non-disclosed lobbying effort. At that time, the LPA governing body included many LAMP members in key decision- making roles, who did not alert LPA members to the bill.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 1, 3.

Petition Results for “Self-Regulation” • 107 “Yes” -69% • 26 “No” or Likely No -17% • 22 “Abstain” -14% ©2010 Dr. Susan Dardard

Dr. Susan Dardard, a Louisiana psychologist who provides media services for the psychology community, telephoned a portion of members of the state association during August, September and October 2010. She asked if they would be willing to sign a petition supporting a resolution that would allow the psychology board to regulate all aspects of the practice of psychology.

In an interview with the Times, she explained that she collected this information as an independent media project to “take the pulse of the members on a critical matter,” and planned to present her findings to the LPA executive council at their October 22nd meeting.

According to results of the phone survey, 69% of those counted, or 107 of 155, agreed to support a resolution on the independent regulation of psychology. According to Dardard, 22 or 14% of those contacted abstained. Two medical psychologists voted against such a resolution, or “no.”

Due to time limitations, Dardard decided to count unpolled medical psychologists who are current LPA members as likely “no” votes.

These findings are the result of a “convenience” sample of available members.

Note: Dr. Dardard is a media consultant and occasional columnist for the Psychology Times.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 1, 4.

State officials called for another $157 million in cuts that will “fall heavily on health care and higher education,” according to a report in the Times Picayune on October 23rd.

This set of cuts is part of the continuing crisis in the state, expected to continue in 2011 and 2012 due to national economic conditions. The Times-Picayune reported that about 300 people would be laid off in the Depart- ment of Health and Hospitals and about 109 in higher education.

In response to recent criticisms about the cuts to higher education, Governor Jindal asked agencies to focus on leadership and solutions.

Colleges are expected to face greater challenges in the 2011- 12 fiscal year, with projections of $290 million in cuts. This comes after significant reductions since 2008.

John Lombardi, LSU System President, was quoted in a Times Picayune article to say that the cuts have already prompted some top faculty members to leave. An undisclosed source from one prestigious psychology department told Psychology Times that professors are being regularly recruited by other universities around the country.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 2.

Section II of Chapter 5 of the Massachusetts’ constitution was written by John Adams and goes like this:

“Wisdom and knowledge, as well as virtue, diffused generally among the body of the people being necessary for the preservation of their rights and liberties; and as these depend on spreading the opportunities and advantages of education in various parts of the country, and among the different orders of the people, it shall be the duty of legislators and magistrates in all future periods of this commonwealth to cherish the interests of literature and the sciences…” “…the promotion of agriculture, arts, sciences, commerce, trades, manufactures, and a natural history of the country; to countenance and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public and private charity, industry and frugality, honesty and punctuality in their dealings, sincerity, good humor, and all social affections, and generous sentiments among the people.”

Historian David McCullough wrote in his Pulitzer winning book John Adams, “It was, in all, a declaration of Adams’ faith in education as the bulwark of the good society…” And, “As time would prove, he had written one of the greatest, enduring documents of the American Revolution.” The Massachusetts’ constitution is the oldest functioning written constitution in the world.

Education is the bulwark of our society. A thirty percent reduction to Louisiana’s colleges and universities is too much. Ask your legislator for more creative solutions.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 3.

Dr. Rita Culross (center) and Dr. Tony Young (right) recently attended a meeting of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, an organization that supports boards and board members across the country. Here they meet with the LSBEP and Executive Director Ms. Jaime Monic (left).

Three members from the Louisiana State Board of Examiners traveled to Savannah, Georgia to attend “Back to the Future: 50 Years of Psychology Regulation,” the annual meeting of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) in October. Drs. Joe Comaty, Rita Culross and Tony Young attended for the state board.

The event included educational presentations and workshops aimed at bringing board members up-to-date with current regulatory topics and events affecting their work on the board of examiners.

The list of presentations included a review of the ASPPB model licensing act and a presentation describing the ASPPB examination program.

Authors reviewed the results of the recent study of job characteristics of practicing psychologists, called a practice analysis. Louisiana’s Dr. Greg Gormanous contributed to this effort last year.

Dr. Rita Culross noted, “Issues that generated a lot of discussion at the conference were telepsychology, continuing professional development, and the current challenges for new members of our profession.”

Dr. Tony Young also mentioned continuing development and the ongoing demonstration of competence, or “Continuing Professional Development.” (See this issue, page one.) He noted that interacting with other board members from around the country was “pleasant and interesting.”

Presentations included “Continuing Professional Development: Looking to the Future,” “ Telepsychology: Panel Introduction, Topic Background & ASPPB Activity,” and “Telepsychology Practice: Regulation Process and Pitfalls.”

“Attending ASPPB in Savannah gave me a wonderful opportunity to be oriented to service as a board member,” Dr. Culross noted. “It was great also to see the strong presence the LA Board has had in ASPPB over the years. Greg Gormanous and Tommy Stigall have both served as Past Presidents of ASPPB, and Greg continues to participate as an Individual Member.”

All handouts from the presentations can be downloaded from the ASPPB website at http://www.asppb.net/i4a/pages/index.cfm?p ageid=3565 (follow ‘go to past meetings’).

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 4.

According to minutes of the state medical board, the rules for Act 251 will be published in the November issue of the Louisiana Register.

The publication will be a “Notice of Intent” meaning that the board is giving notice to the public that it intends to adopt the rules and place them into administrative law. The public will have an opportunity to review the rules, make comments, and under certain conditions, attend a public hearing.

The October agenda for the medical board noted, “The Board decided to undertake a rule making effort pursuant to Act 251 of the 2009 session of the Louisiana Legislature which, among other matters, transfers medical psychologists to the Board.” They considered the draft in August, and approved publication of the Notice of Intent in the Louisiana Register.” The Notice should appear in the November edition of the Louisiana Register, found at http://doa.louisiana.gov/osr/reg/regi ster.htm

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 4.

The psychology and medical boards have been working on a “Memorandum of Understanding,” an agreement to facilitate how the two agencies address the dual regulatory duties over the practice of psychology in Louisiana.

The psychology board’s minutes of March 12th, 2010, noted, “Collaborating with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners: After much consideration and consultation with Attorney Lunceford, Dr. Courtney moved to accept the modifications proposed by Attorney Lunceford for the “Memoran- dum of Understanding” in order to facilitate cooperation on all matters pertaining to the shared regulatory role over the practice of psychology.”

The Medical Psychology Advisory Committee’s minutes of May 3, 2010 noted, “The Committee reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (“LSBME”) and the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychology (“LSBEP”) to establish a cooperative agreement between both Boards regarding the regulation of the practice of psychology as it pertains to medical psychologists who maintain dual licenses with both Boards. The LSBEP agreed with the Memorandum of Understanding, and it was the consensus of the Committee to present it to the LSBME for consideration.”

On October 20th, the psychology board again discussed this document.

The Times requested a copy of this document but has not received it as yet.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 4.

A team of psychologists and counselors is working to develop a collaborative approach to legislative concerns. Their next meeting is scheduled for November 17th at 1:00, according to sources.

A view of the capital from outside Bienville Building where the Behavioral Health Working Group met. The next meeting will be November 17th.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 7, 14.

On the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), psychology professor Dr. Joseph (Joe) McGahan and political science professor Dr. John Sutherlin have cofounded a research and training laboratory named Social Science Research Laboratory (SSRL). Together they have designed an interdisciplinary team that promotes community and economic development, while teaching students career enhancing research skills.

“Years ago, my primary goal was to help my students get into competitive doctoral programs,” said Dr. Joe McGahan to the Times. “Although we had some success, I also became increasingly aware that many psych majors ended up working in retail jobs where they appeared less than thrilled.”

Joe had worked in marketing research and realized that this area was going through a paradigm shift. He noticed that psychology and social sciences were “augmenting–perhaps replacing–economics.” He found that he frequently encouraged his students to consider careers in marketing research and R&D. And so to facilitate this he created the SSRL in June 2007.

The lab brings together a diverse group of talent from ULM faculty for interdisciplinary research. Professors from psychology and political science, and also from fields as diverse as educational technology and criminal justice, blend their knowledge and expertise. These “research fellows” work with undergraduate and graduate students in applied research and service-learning projects to benefit the community’s economic conditions.

Dr. Joe McGahan (co-founder of ULM’s Social Science Research Lab) at Scientific Program in Baton Rouge.

Projects at SSRL involve just about any aspect of the overall mission, which is to promote economic development in Louisiana.

Co-founder Dr. John Sutherlin told the Times that one of his favorite projects is Stay Brady Stay, a film project about Louisiana's loss of intellectual capital. “The 26-minute documentary film,” he said, “has been shown in PBS markets across the state and at film festivals. It is forcing public officials to deal with out- migration in ways it never had before.”

Dr. John Sutherlin

The film was the primary result of a grant obtained by Joe and John, “Economic growth and cultural development as a function of an R & D corridor on Louisiana’s northern frontier.” The grant, from the University of Louisiana System, was an attempt to build on LA Tech's research park initiative. "For me," Joe said, "a corridor represents universities working with each other so that the universities win, and more importantly, so does northern Louisiana and, therefore, our state also wins."

For 2010 the cofounders have focused on the impact of literacy in Northern Louisiana, and building community partners. “For the past year,” said Joe McGahan, “we've been cultivating a relationship with the West Monroe Community Center, where we are particularly interested in AmeriCorps.” The lab’s developing projects include: “An international psycho-educational approach to conflict, conflict mediation and conflict resolution,” and “Renewable energy project with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.”

“We–graduate and undergraduate students–are working on a Macarthur foundation grant obtained by Dr. Jana Sutton (Marriage & Family) that deals with justice reform– it is a very big project,” Joe noted.

While benefiting the community, the lab provides students with skills-sets that enhance their career contributions and opportunities. This results from the many services provided by the lab, including marketing reports, reliability and validity studies, surveys, focus groups, and controlled experiments.

“In the three plus years since the inception of the SSRL,” Joe noted, “we have worked on numerous health science and law related projects. So I encourage my students to consider dual majors, minors, even just coursework that would prepare them to work in these fields.”

“Moreover,” he continued, “given the current interest in evidence-based programs, I encourage students to master measurement, statistics, and research design so that they could market themselves as research consultants for organizations that are pursuing grant related funding opportunities.”

“If they learn to think of themselves as researchers, they can bring that skill-set wherever they go, even if –just– to a psychiatric institution.”

John Sutherlin believes that the skills gained by his students at SSRL are very important also. “For the political science and sociology students, they could follow the same path for research or work with political campaigns in conducting research, reviewing proposed legislation or in analyzing polling data.”

The broad focus of the SSRL sometimes opens a new career path for the student. “Anti-litter project created the first litter ordinances and public awareness campaign for West Monroe…” John Sutherlin explained. “But this one included a student worker who changed majors and got a masters in environmental policy because of this project.”

The SSRL can be found on the Psychology Department’s home page at University of Louisiana Monroe at: http://www.ulm.edu/ssrl/

Stay Brady Stay, a film project of Dr. John Sutherlin from the SSRL, is a documentary that highlights Louisiana's loss of intellectual capital. It has been shown in PBS markets around the state.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 8.

Dr. Sherry Desselle, licensed counseling psychologist and owner of Baton Rouge Center for Anxiety Treatment, presented a workshop on “Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD,” sponsored by Capital Area Human Services District. The workshop took place on October 13th at the Baton Rouge Police Academy.

Dr. Desselle is a specialist in the treatment of anxiety said to the Times, “Trauma treatment was a highly requested topic to the professional development committee, so they sought me out for this workshop.” The audience consisted of approximately 140 psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers from local communities. She noted that participants’ feedback was very positive, “They enjoyed the training for its practicality and for my enthusiasm for the subject,” she said.

The three-hour workshop covered major concepts and practical applications regarding a type of therapy called “Prolonged Exposure Therapy” or PE. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, PE is one of the therapies that work effectively with many individuals who experience trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations that they avoid. Components of the therapy include education, breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and talking over traumatic memories or “imaginal exposure.” According to the Department, PE has been demonstrated to be one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, and requires only eight to 15 sessions for many clients.

Dr. Sherry Desselle speaks to a group of 140 psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers on “Prolonged Exposure Therapy” for PTSD, in Baton Rouge, October 13th. Dr. Desselle is a licensed psychologist, assisting those with anxiety.

“To me,” Sherry explained, “providing treatment to folks living with PTSD is a privilege. Their symptoms can disrupt their lives so dramatically. Treatment can make a remarkable difference in a surprisingly short period of time. It is an amazing process to witness. It’s really a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.”

Before opening her practice and the center, Sherry had worked as the Trauma Treatment Specialist for Capital Area Human Services District for almost five years. Currently, at Baton Rouge Center for Anxiety Treatment, she helps those with anxiety disorders and also mood disorders, which she noted, “are highly comorbid with anxiety problems.” And she said, “I focus on providing evidence-based practice, which for anxiety and depression can mean specific cognitive behavioral treatments for specific problems, sometimes combined with medication.” She added that, “These are very active treatments. My patients usually have homework assignments to complete between sessions.”

Sherry has a history of rock- climbing adventures. These days she enjoys throwing dinner parties for her friends, traveling with her partner, studying new applications in her field, and dog training, which she applies to her “adorable 65 pound rescue dog named Jackie,” Sherry said. “She’s the best dog in the world, by the way.”

Dr. Sherry Desselle graduated from Texas Tech University with an internship at the University of Texas at Austin. (She noted, “Part of my heart is still in Texas.”)

Her office is located at 7424 Picardy Ave., Baton Rouge, and phone is (225) 588-6348.

For more information about her services visit her website at http://batonrougeanxiety.com

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 9, 10.

Close-up

“I have always found human behavior to be fascinating,” said Dr. Marc Zimmerman to the Times, explaining his generalist, comprehensive perspective, and his tendency to add one new credential after another as a regular matter of business. “I always see courses and say to myself, ‘I need to know that.’” Consequently, he continues to add new areas of knowledge to his more than ample list of credentials.

Marc is licensed in Louisiana by the psychology board, and in Louisiana by the medical board as a medical psychologist. He is a Diplomat with the American Academy of Pain Management. He is a Diplomat with the American Academy of Psychologists Treating Addiction. He is also a Diplomat with the American Board of Forensic Examiners and a Diplomat with the American Board of Forensic Medicine. He is board certified with the American Board of Medical Psychology.

Marc holds the Diplomat in Forensic Neuropsychology and also the Diplomat in Forensic Psychology from the American Board of Psychological Specialties.

Additionally Marc serves on the board of the American College of Forensic Psychology and on the board of the American Academy of Psychologists Treating Addiction.

What motivates him appears to be his genuine interest in human behavior. “I most enjoy determining why people do what they do,” he said. “I like to help them understand their motivations, both conscious and subconscious. This is particularly true in the forensic arena where there are more confounding variables.”

Dr. Marc Zimmermann (center) discusses issues at the bylaws revision earlier this year.

Marc has been in private practice for thirty years and forensic work has been a continuing focus of his. He is qualified as an expert witness in the District Courts of Texas, New Jersey, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana. He is also qualified in the Middle and Eastern Louisiana Federal Courts of Louisiana and the Northern Federal District Court of Georgia and in multiple occasions in multiple jurisdictions.

His classical training began with his undergraduate degree in psychology and minor in sociology from North Texas State University. “I was not concerned,” he said, “that my professors kept telling me that with a bachelors in psychology I would be fully trained to sweep a psychologist’s office.” So, he explained, “After I graduated, I saved enough money to get my masters and went back to school.” Following the masters in counseling psychology and working for a short while he discovered something else about himself. “I introspected and decided that I did not have the temperament to work for someone else. So, I went back to school and got my Ph.D.”

Marc received his doctorate from Texas A&M at Commerce, and three masters degrees, one in counseling psychology, one in psychology, and more recently one in clinical psychopharmacology from the California School of Professional Psychology.

Finding out early that he was best suited to work independently, Marc has focused in clinical, medical, business and forensic psychology in his private practice. His emphasis is often in evaluations and psychotherapy, and applied applications in clinical and consulting.

“I like to help people change the behaviors that they decide are uncomfortable or counter productive,” he said, supporting his clinical expertise with competency in pain management, clinical hypnosis, and staying up with science through his membership in Association for Psychological Science.

In his consulting work, he connects his knowledge of the individual with his training and interest in social, community and business psychology. “One of my major professors was from LSU and he was trained in IO,” he explained. Marc has worked with organizations helping assess and deal with problem employees, fitness for duty, critical incident stress debriefing, and also providing supervisor training.

He has consulted with Abbeville Police Department, Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Department, Addis Police Department, and the Baton Rouge City Parish. He has worked with the Baton Rouge City Constable’s Office, Brusly Police Department, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Department and the Zachary Police Department. He has consulted to Dow, Exxon, Rubicon, Lion, as well as the City Parish of Baton Rouge, and others.

Marc has been a consultant to the Office of Youth Development, Brown and Root, Gulf States Utilities, River Bend Nuclear Facility, and Baton Rouge General Medical Center’s Chemical Dependency Unit. He has also helped the East Baton Rouge District Attorney Pretrial Intervention and Juvenile Diversion programs, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Stop Rape Crisis Center, the Louisiana Regional Pain Rehabilitation Group, Office of Human Development, and the Baton Rouge General Pain Unit, among others.

Marc developed his broad, generalist style early in his career. “I was doomed to consider the social environment when dealing with individuals,” he said. “Because of my job in a community mental health center in Texas I was able to put these principals into practice.” He continued this work as Chief Psychologist at the Baton Rouge Mental Health Center and before at the Deep East Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services as Director of outpatient services.

When the Times asked Marc if there have been any frustrations he said, “My frustrations are that I never feel that I know enough and constantly strive to get better–thus, all of the Board certifications. This is not bad in and of itself, but graduate school creates somewhat of an inferiority complex. It is difficult to overcome this.”

His advice to younger psychologists? “I have consistently given the same advice for 30 years. Decide what you want to do in psychology and put forth a reasonable amount of effort and you will accomplish your goals.”

He is a member of APA, APS, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, Association of Medical Psychologists, American College of Forensic Psychology, and Louisiana Psychological Association, recently helping with bylaws revision. “And,” he remembered, “I was the founder and first president of the local association BRASP.” (Baton Rouge Area Society of Psychologists.)

Among his other civic contributions is a heartwarming involvement in “Greyhound Pets of America,” Louisiana and Mississippi chapters. Marc explained that these groups “…receive dogs that are being ‘retired’ from the track. They used to be killed,” he said. The group takes the greyhounds, sees to their general health and tests them to make sure they are “other pet friendly.” Marc explained, “The dogs then are often put in a foster home until they can find a permanent home.” Marc and his wife have worked to foster and assist in this effort, rescuing many of these beautiful dogs from being destroyed. Marc explained, “I get much more from the greyhounds than I ever gave to them.”

Sleeping Dogs: Greyhounds, rescued by Dr. Marc Zimmermann, sacked out in the family’s living room.

Dr. Marc Zimmerman is a man who seems to speak out only rarely and when he does, in few words. But once you’ve heard what he has to say, you’ll very likely make it a point to stop and listen carefully from then on.

Left: “Eowyne,” the first of all the racing greyhounds rescued by Marc and his wife.

Eowyne was named after a character from Lord of the Rings.

She lived out her life with their family.

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

Article archive / November 1, 2010

Originally published: November 1, 2010. Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 15, 16, 1, 5.

Faculty and students from psychology departments across the state gathered at the Baton Rouge Marriott Hotel recently for a fall scientific conference.

Participants came from Ruston (LA Tech ), Monroe (ULM), Nicholls State (Thibodaux), Lafayette (ULL), Monroe (ULM), New Orleans (Tulane), and Baton Rouge (LSU and Southern) for the program.

Drs. Theresa Wozencraft and Emily Sandoz, ULL, began the day with their “Convention Success Training Student Workshop,” which was filled with important advice and practical tips on how to navigate meetings, give talks, prepare posters, and make the most out of being part of a professional meeting.

Drs. Julia Buckner, LSU, and Joseph McGahan, ULM, then presented a fascinating “Laboratory Research Applications Symposium,” which included student presenters Jessica Phillips and Matthew Van, also from ULM. They discussed how their research applies to the outside world, illustrating the path of research from psychology lab to the clinic and to the community.

Top (L to R): Dr. Julia Buckner (LSU), Jessica Phillips (UL-Monroe, Matthew Van (UL-Monroe) and Dr. Joseph McGahan (UL-Monroe) speak on taking science from the lab to clinic to community. Middle: (L) Dr. Theresa Wozencraft (UL- Lafayette) shares information about SWPA. (R) Dr. Tillman Sheets (Chair, LA Tech) discusses human subjects research. Below: (L) Dr. Emily Sandoz (UL- Lafayette) provides tips for making presentations. Dr. Jerome Tobacyk (LA Tech) helps the audience understand issues of cultural diversity in their research.

A “Human Subjects Research Dilemmas Panel Discussion” followed in the afternoon. Dr. Mary Livingston, LA Tech, brought her colleagues, Drs. Alice Carter, Tilman Sheets (Dept. Chair), Janelle Silvers, Jerome Tobacyk, and graduate student John Buckner, together to offer comprehensive guidance on how to develop solid research proposals that follow the rules of human research and protect human subjects.

The day concluded with a “Teaching Difficult Topics Round Table,” chaired by Dr. Marva Lewis (Tulane), with Dr. Emily Sandoz (ULL) as co-chair. Faculty and students pulled their chairs together in one large circle for a candid and powerful discussion of their experiences as teachers and learners in the classroom.

Above: The late afternoon session at the Scientific Program engages participates in a round table discussion about teaching difficult subjects, facilitated by Dr. Marva Lewis (Tulane.). Below: Program developer Dr. Susan Dardard hands out Halloween treats between sessions.

Each session began with drawings for a Shell gas card and a Radio Shack technical gadget for the students, and included plenty of Halloween candy for everyone in attendance.

The group gathered in the hotel restaurant for a lively luncheon, where they spent time getting to know each other while enjoying a meal provided by The Psychology Times and Sound Psychology, Inc.

Dr. Susan Dardard developed the fall scientific program, which was held in cooperation with LPA, through Sound Psychology, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3), educational corporation that she founded and has led for the last two decades.

Louisiana Tech psychology professors presented “Human Subjects Research Dilemmas” for the Scientific Program held recently in Baton Rouge. L to R: Dr. Mary Livingston, Dr. Tillman Sheets, John Buckner, Dr. Janelle Silvers, Dr. Jerome Tobacyk, and Dr. Alice Carter.

Luncheon for faculty presenters and graduate students at the Scientific Program was sponsored by Sound Psychology, Inc., and The Psychology Times.

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