Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 12. Source pages: 16.
AFCC-LA State Conference to be Held Friday, March 18th in Baton Rouge
The AFCC-LA State Conference will be held Friday, March 18th at the Baton Rouge Embassy Suites. The all-day conference will offer CEUs for Family Court-related issues such as the use (and misuse) of technology and risk management for working with professionals working with DV cases.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 12. Source pages: 5.
Gov. Edwards Congratulates Marcus Jones as Northwestern State University's President
On Nov. 8, Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a statement congratulating the newly-selected president of Northwestern State University Marcus Jones. Since July 2021, Jones has served as the interim president of the university and permanently took on the role starting November 15.
"Congratulations to the new president of Northwestern State University Marcus Jones, who is making history today as the first Black president of the university. Earning his undergraduate degree at Northwestern, his master's degree at Grambling, and his law degree at Southern, Mr. Jones is a testament to Louisiana's higher education institutions. Mr. Jones has served the NSU community for many years, and I have no doubt he will continue to succeed in his new role," Gov. Edwards said.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 12. Source pages: 16.
C.G. Jung Society to Present "Spirit of the Future," February 1
The C.G. Jung Society will present "Spirit of the Future: Reclaiming the Value and Meaning of the Individual in Times of Collective Upheaval," February 1 at 7:30 pm. The event is to be held online.
Presenter is Elizabeth Colistra, PhD. Colistra is a certified Jungian analyst and Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in the French Quarter in New Orleans.
She trained at the C.G. Jung Institute of New York and the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association while completing her doctorate from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is a faculty member of the New Orleans Jungian Seminar and an analyst member of the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts.
"We will explore Jung’s notion that 'If the whole is to change, the individual must change himself.' The cultural, societal, and national crises that are taking place across the world, and especially here in the United States, challenge us to critically think about and question Jung’s premise.
"Is individual change enough? Is personal analysis and a commitment to one’s individuation process really enough?"
For additional information go to www.jungneworleans.org
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 12. Source pages: 5.
Gov. Edwards Announces $1.5M Federal Grant to Address Human Trafficking in Louisiana
On Nov. 16, Gov. Edwards announced that Louisiana has been awarded a $1.5 million grant by the United States Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime that will be used to improve outcomes for child and youth victims of human trafficking. The grant is a multi-year award that will be administered by the newly established Louisiana Governor's Office of Human Trafficking Prevention and will help fund the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative Accessibility Initiative. This is the second time Louisiana has been selected for the award.
"I am proud that the Department of Justice recognizes the hard work we are doing in Louisiana to combat human trafficking and grateful that they saw fit to once again single out Louisiana for this grant," said Gov. Edwards. "Although we have made great progress, we know that our work is not yet done. This funding will greatly assist our state in implementing programs and practices that will promote greater healing and recovery for victims and survivors. This wouldn't be possible without the collective efforts of key agencies and trained professionals who have made it their mission to end this horrific crime. I am also extremely thankful of the leadership of my wife Donna who has worked hard over the last several years to raise awareness at both the state and national levels."
Louisiana was one of two states selected for the 2021 Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking grant award. In 2019, Louisiana was the only state to receive a similar $1.2 million grant. Since then, more than a thousand professionals have been trained to utilize best practices and improve victim identification, hundreds of victims have been served, and human trafficking specific multi-disciplinary teams have been established in every region of the state.
"I am so proud to be a leading voice in this fight against human trafficking," said First Lady Donna Edwards. "The people of Louisiana deserve it and our children deserve it. I believe strongly that we all have a role to play. […]"
This year, Gov. Edwards signed into law a bill creating the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, which was a key part of the Governor's legislative agenda. Gov. Edwards appointed Dr. Dana Hunter as executive director.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 12. Source pages: 5.
From the Minutes Selected Items from Sept & Oct 2021 Minutes of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP)
September • ASPPB Meeting October 15 – 16, 2021; Voting Delegate Objectives – […] Dr. Moore moved that the Board affirm Dr. Gormanous as the Voting Delegate for Louisiana. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote
• Next Meeting Dates and Location – […] December 10, 2021 […] and Thursday, January 20, 2022 – Friday, January 21, 2022 for Long Range Planning and Awards.
• Staff Development: Administrative Assistant Position – […] Ms. Monic reported the reason for delaying this hire was due to the continuing financial position of the Board explaining that rulemaking initiatives were not in place to allow the Board to begin collecting new revenue to support a new hire. Additionally explaining that the difference from the original plan for adding an in-house attorney involved moving currently available funds designated for the current contract position into an employee position. […]
October • Complaints Committee – a. Committee Report: Ms. Monic reported for the period 8/27/21-10/22/21 as follows: There have been 3 new Request(s) for Investigation received or initiated. There are a total of 17 open cases. There are 11 are active cases (1 from FY17- 18; 1 from FY19-20; 9 from FY 20-21; 6 under review (1 from FY 21-22 and 5 from FY 21- 22). This fiscal year-to-date there have been no formal hearings, There has been 1 face to face meeting. There is 1 disciplinary action pending and no new applicants with criminal backgrounds.
• In the matter of: Richard A. Marksbury, Ph.D. vs. LSBEP, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal found that the plaintiff, Richard A. Marksbury, Ph.D. does not have a right of action in the matter filed against the LSBEP. Accordingly, the 1st Circuit Court granted LSBEP’s exception of no right of action and dismissed the case. The discussion of the exception of no cause of action was pretermitted as moot. Subsequent to this ruling, plaintiff advised LSBEP’s counsel of his intent to appeal this decision.
• Liaison to Professional Organizations – Dr. Gormanous reported on attending the ASPPB Annual Conference. Other members attending the conference noted concerns with acknowledgment of new board members; the election process; and not knowing who candidates were.
• Long Range Planning Committee – Ms. Monic reported that she and Dr. Comaty had scheduled a meeting to continue work on the Complaint Adjudication Process. Dr. Gormanous reiterated his request to ensure that Dr. Henke be utilized on the workgroups engaged in rulemaking of registration of assistants and continuing education if she desired to volunteer.
• Cynthia Lindsey, Psy.D., Director of Clinical Training at Northwestern State University Department of Psychology – Question regarding Practicums at NSU […] The Board reviewed Dr. Lindsey’s email of October 4, 2021 regarding the NSU Clinical Psychology program. NSU is seeking to establish a program where students from the Louisiana Scholars’ College who are majoring in psychology may be eligible to enroll in a five-year program enabling them to receive a M.S. in Clinical Psychology. […] Dr. Gormanous moved in favor of affirming that there would be no prohibition against the development of the collaborative program between Louisiana Scholars’ College and NSU with the distinct proviso that all activities comply with Louisiana laws, rules, and regulations, and the Licensed Psychologist supervising practicum students follows the ethics code and best practice approaches. NSU was informed that the Board would follow up with a formal written response. The Board discussed this motion. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote […]
• Discuss and consider LSSP Recommendations RE: LA Department of Education inquiry of 9/28/21 regarding understanding the scope of practice for a Licensed Psychologist and LSSP within a school system in order to develop appropriate comprehensive CPT codes and crisis intervention services – The Board reviewed the educative report provided by the LSSP Committee as guidance for the Board in responding to letter from Michael Comeaux, M.S., M.H.S.A., Healthy Communities Director of the Louisiana Department of Education dated September 23, 2021. The Board adopted this guidance and agreed to provide a formal response to the inquiry, with the exception of providing explicit recommendations on specific CPT codes.
• Legal Opinion Regarding the Supervision of by Medical Psychologists – Due to time, this matter was tabled.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 12. Source pages: 9.
Dr. Marva Lewis Joins "Call to Action" for Change in Infant Mental Health Journal
Dr. Marva Lewis joined colleagues in a "Special Statement" and call to action for the Infant Mental Health Journal. The statement, "Call to action: Centering blackness and disrupting systemic racism in infant mental health research and academic publishing," was published on November 7.
Dr. Lewis is an Associate Professor at Tulane University School of Social Work. Dr. Lewis' program of research focuses on the development of culturally valid research methods and measures of racism-based stress during pregnancy, Colorism in African American families, and parental acceptance or rejection of children. In 2021, Dr. Lewis was endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Mentor- Research/Faculty by the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health.
Co-authors of the statement were Iheoma U. Iruka, Fantasy T. Lozada, Erika L. Bocknek, and Holly E. Brophy-Herb.
Authors wrote, "The Infant Mental Health Journal is committed to ending systemic racism and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic publishing. IMHJ unequivocally denounces all forms of racism and white supremacy, including systemic racism in academic publishing. We commit to investigating and working to terminate the ways in which systemic racism has become normalized in academic publishing, including examining our practices and processes at IMHJ. We invite you to join us in intentional, anti- racist work through your scholarship.
"As a second immediate response relative to promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive research, IMHJ is releasing the following Call to Action, focusing on centering Blackness in infant and early childhood mental health research. This call is designed as a first step in our efforts, and IMHJ looks forward to coming initiatives aimed at disrupting systemic racism in infant and early childhood mental health research for the many scholars studying and working with diverse populations marginalized by racism and systemic inequities.
"It is not enough to acknowledge the inequities that exist in research and academic publishing. Instead, we must intentionally and actively work to disrupt racism in research that ensures a fuller story is told of children's development and well- being, particularly among infants, toddlers, and young children of color.
"Likewise, we must create a shift in the institutional power so that scholars of color, particularly Black scholars, have opportunities to disseminate their work and assume roles of leadership equitably."
At Tulane, Dr. Lewis' basic and applied research includes: Basic research on racism-based stress as an unrecognized factor in racial disparities in perinatal infant outcomes in African American women; Applied research using narrative therapy techniques and measures to strengthen African American family intergenerational relationships based on issues of Colorism as a legacy of the historical trauma of slavery; and prevention and reduction of child abuse and neglect.
Dr. Marva Lewis (photo courtesy Tulane)
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 12. Source pages: 12.
The Man with a Shattered World by A.R. Luria
John Fanning, PhD Neuropsychologist, New Orleans Past President, LA Psych Assn
On March 2, 1943 twenty-two year-old Lev Zasetsky, a lieutenant in the Soviet army, was leading his unit across a river in the Battle of Smolensk when he was struck in the head by a piece of shrapnel, causing extensive left occipital-parietal damage. After a considerable period of time in a field hospital he was sent to his small rural village on a train. He got lost trying to get back to his mother’s house. He had severe perceptual damage, aphasia, right visual neglect, markedly impaired memory, and severe traumatic headaches. These never abated. But Zasetsky retained his basic personality and motivation, and was aware of his impairments. He determined to keep a diary in hopes of improving his functional ability. He also hoped it might be of value from a medical standpoint. If he kept at it he could get out about a hundred words a day. Oner the next thirty years he compiled a 3,000 page journal. This little book is comprised of excerpts from that journal, with sections written by his doctor, the great Russian neuropsychologist Alexander Luria. It is in no way a technical neuropsychological text, and is highly readable. When people talk about “wartime heroism” they’re usually referring to combat. In Zasetsky’s case wartime combat was just the beginning.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 12. Source pages: 12.
Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life by Steven C. Hayes
Sumer Ledet Miguez, PhD, MP Creator of The Get Present System, a virtual group program for overwhelmed working mothers
This workbook, written in 2005, remains a staple on my bookshelf. It points out, so practically, that human suffering is ubiquitous. This simple & honest framework etches away stigma and allows the women I work with to feel seen, connected, and normal rather than isolated and broken, which has become typical for so many working mothers. This realization is a cornerstone for building wellness and connection. The workbook goes on to provide a process for becoming an observer of your thoughts, building a sense of awareness in difficult moments. Life gets so busy, and so many mothers are spread too thin. This work gives them choices. How liberating it is to watch mothers wake up to their own values and needs! Finally, this workbook teaches a process to lean into, rather than avoid, your experience so that you can move through life in a way you feel proud of. Courage blossoms when working mothers choose to sit with discomfort in the service of their values. Relationships and health improve. Mothers find themselves again through this framework. When working mothers feel capable in any situation, they can live completely aligned to their values, even when they are afraid. I have personally gone through this workbook several times in my own wellness journey, and each time I do, I come out braver and more aligned to my most deeply held values. In my opinion, this one is a must have and stands the test of time.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 11. Source pages: 5.
The Louisiana Motor Transport Association announced a Trucking Human Trafficking Awareness Summit on November 16 from 10 AM to 2 PM. The summit will be held at the American Rose Center in Shreveport. According to the announcement by officials, the half-day summit is hosted by the Louisiana Department of Justice, Greenwood Police Department, Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), and Busing on the Lookout (BOTL) to bring together key bus, truck stop and casino industry stakeholders, with local, state and federal law enforcement and government agencies to work together to close loopholes to traffickers. The training will feature a Human Trafficking 101 presentation, information on training resources for bus, casino and truck stop companies, a presentation by a survivor-leader/field trainer and a law enforcement panel. The law enforcement panel will delve deeper into trends officers are seeing locally, share case studies, discuss victim-centered approaches and offer recommendations for industry partners wanting to get involved.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 11. Source pages: 5.
U.S. Congressman Garret Graves announced that East Baton Rouge, Lafourche and Livingston Parish Sheriff Offices are receiving a combined $94,261 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to aid their efforts in preventing and controlling crime. Additionally, East Baton Rouge Parish is receiving $169,735 for law enforcement efforts. "It's no secret that there is a relationship between the uptick in crime across communities and the 'defund the police' movement. Now more than ever is the time to double down on providing resources to our law enforcement so they can keep Louisiana and our country safe. […]" The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used any one or more of the following program areas: 1. law enforcement programs; 2. prosecution and court programs; 3. prevention and education programs; 4. corrections and community corrections programs; 5. drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6. planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; 7. crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation) 8. mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 11. Source pages: 5.
From the Minutes Selected Items from August 2021 Minutes of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP)
Complaints Committee – a. Committee Report: Mr. Owens reported for the period 7/24/21 – 8/27/21 as follows: 0 new Request(s) for Investigation were received or initiated; there are a total of 13 open investigations, 11 are active (one from FY17-18; one from FY19-20; ten from FY 20-21; and one from FY 21-22. Two are under review and not yet noticed. There are currently no formal hearings scheduled; no disciplinary actions were finalized during this period and no applications received with criminal background. Legislative Oversight Committee – Dr. Gormanous shared a reference to an article published in the Wall Street Journal Article (8/24/2021) Covid-19 Rekindles Debate Over License Requirements for Many Jobs: Hair styling and medical fields are among the occupations where state rules can bar entry; Biden has pushed for changes. Dr. Gormanous reported that this article specifically mentions psychology and support for license compacts. Dr. Gormanous opined that although he generally supports state compacts, the psychology compact “PSYPact” by ASPPB has anti-trust impacts and the potential to negatively impact the LSBEP as well as the public. Dr. Gormanous reported that he will be watching for legislation regarding potential impacts related to this matter in future legislative sessions. Ms. Monic reported the Board banking accounts were compromised, due to a fraudulent check cashed inappropriately by the bank, on the Board’s account, causing delays in accounts payable and requiring transfer of funds to a new account. Dr. Gormanous emphasized for the record that this was not the fault of the LSBEP. Renewal Report – Ms. Monic provided the following renewal report: […] OPEN RENEWALS: July 1, 2021 Active Licensed Psychologist – 775 Provisionally Licensed Psychologist – 15 Licensed Specialists in School Psychology – 28 CLOSING RENEWALS: August 1, 2021 742 – Licensed Psychologists 59 – Renewing at 1⁄2 fee – $10,325 (amount does not include paper renewal or extension fees) 683 – Renewing at full fee – $239,050 12 – Provisionally Licensed Psychologist – $1200 25 – Licensed Specialists in School Psychology – $2500 Total Renewal Fees 8/1/2021 $253,075 Liaison to Professional Organizations – Dr. Gormanous reported that APA has conferred a taskforce to develop guidelines and address issues regarding approving masters level programs in psychology which will impact the LSBEP. Additionally, APA will be issuing a resolution on racism and is seeking individual or organizational comments. Dr. Gormanous reported that he shared the link to provide comments to BRASP, LPA and will also share with Dr. Gibson and Ms. Monic to share with board members. Psychologist Emergency Certificate (R.S. 28:2(30) and LSBEP Opinion #2) – Dr. Gibson discussed the impacts of La. R.S. 28:2(30) related to a prerequisite number of years required for a psychologist to issue an emergency commitment. Particularly that 1) since this was not a provision within the board’s practice act or regulations that there is a concern that there is a lack of awareness of the requirement by licensed psychologists; and 2) that the provision which prohibits a licensed psychologist from acting on the safety and welfare of their client and others, is harmful to individuals and the public. Dr. Gibson suggested the criteria was ambiguous and not based on any data that the public is better served by delaying the ability of licensed psychologists to fully engage in the scope of their practice by a requisite number of years and should be corrected. In the meantime, Dr. Gibson suggested educating psychologists through the jurisprudence examination, newsletter and website of the existence of this requirement.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 11. Source pages: 8.
Sen. McMath's bill was signed into Act 294. The new law requires public schools, for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years, to provide expanded academic support to each student in grades four through eight who failed to achieve mastery on any statewide assessment administered pursuant to the state's school and district accountability system during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. Also, the new law requires each city, parish, or other local public school board to develop an education plan and supporting budget to provide expanded academic support to students using federal funds provided for educational relief relative to COVID-19. The new law allows a student identified as needing expanded academic support to be provided accelerated instruction or prioritized placement in a class taught by a teacher labeled as "highly effective."
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 11. Source pages: 15.
The Louisiana Psychological Association will host a blended in-person/virtual LPA 2021 Fall/Winter Workshop for Friday, December 3rd from 8 am to 4:15 pm at the Sheraton Metairie Galleria. The event will provide 7-1/2 hours of continuing education including two hours in ethics. The keynote speaker, delivering The Janet & Lee Matthews Invited Address: "Shifting Cultural Lenses in Clinical Practice," will be Dr. Steve Lopez, professor of psychology at University of Southern California. Dr. Lopez directs the culture and mental health lab at USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The day's training will begin with the presentations in the LPA Science Café, directed by Dr. Amanda Raines. Participants will learn about basic and applied psychological science from researchers around the state, while enjoying breakfast in person or virtually. Following the keynote speaker, participants will break into experiential learning groups and participate in peer-based problem solving for various specialty areas in psychology, an activity called Lunch and Learn. The day concludes with a Roundtable Discussion on "Ethical Practice Under COVID-19." The keynote address by Dr. Lopez will provide contrast to a group-based approach to cultural competence. Dr. Lopez will present a model of cultural competence that encourages clinicians to consider one’s patient’s social world and individual experience. In addition, Dr. Lopez will identify clinician’s behaviors that reflect our model which we refer to as Shifting Cultural Lenses. Dr. Lopez will illustrate key aspects of the model with a case of a young Latinx boy with autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Steven López has dedicated his 39-year career as an academic clinical psychologist to improving mental health services for the Latinx community. He has developed programs to teach people in Mexico and the United States to identify the early signs of serious mental illness so they can receive prompt care. He has taught mental health professionals to work effectively with culturally diverse communities, especially Latinx communities. And for 15 years, he directed a research training program in Mexico in which over 100 students from across the United States participated. In all his efforts, he strives to promote a conversation about mental health, the role of culture, and effective care.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
On December 3, 8:30 am to 12:45 pm, John Simoneaux, PhD, Professional Training Resources of Pineville Louisiana, will present the webinar, "Predicting Danger: Evidence Based Strategies." Cost is $95 and available for four hours of continuing education for psychologists and other professionals. Dr. Simoneaux will: · Explain the current evidence-based, scientific literature involving the prediction of future violence.
· Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of clinical data- gathering versus the use of actuarially-derived information in predicting dangerousness. · Demonstrate the range of “tests” designed to predict future violence and explain how to decide which instrument is best for specific clinical questions · Analyze and assess the dangers and risks associated with short-sighted predictions of violence (or not) by mental health professionals. · Design strategies for communicating conclusions about violence risk to clients and other professionals The agenda includes: What science tells us about risk assessment; Being right (and wrong) about risk assessment; How to collect data about risk – what to look for; Clinical prediction versus actuarial prediction; the Available instruments for assessing risk; Risk assessment tools – the good and the bad; Mistakes made by mental health professionals in predicting danger; and Talking to clients and other professionals about risk Dr. Simoneaux has presented many times over the years on Risk Assessment and the Prediction of Danger. He has said that as a psychologist he feels that this is a topic that should be a professional requirement. Mental Health professionals are not statistically good at predicting danger and it is his hope that this information will be helpful in changing that, he explained.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 12, No. 11. Source pages: 16.
On December 10, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will offer a continuing education event. The topic is, "Multicultural and ethical issues in psychology: The example of neuropsychological assessment of Spanish speakers." The event will be held live on Zoom. The presentation will be by Antonio E. Puente, Ph.D. According to the course description, "The demographics of professional psychology in the US are becoming increasingly disconnected from the demographics of the population it seeks to understand and serve. This disparity can result in a series of clinical and ethical challenges ranging from misdiagnosing to questions of professional competence. Using the example of neuropsychological testing of Hispanics (including death penalty situations) these challenges will be considered and mitigation strategies will be presented. Objectives include: 1. Participants will understand the demographics of both professional psychology and the United States. 2. Participants will appreciate the difficulties and their potential solutions to the emerging disparity. 3. Participants will become more understanding of how to both handle these situations and how to help prepare the field for a future that will be drastically different than psychology has prepared for.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.