Article archive / March 2018

Originally published: March 2018. Volume 9, No. 3. Source pages: 2.

The First Duty by Times publisher, J. Nelson

The Oscars are out and our movie reviewer Dr. Burstein has leaped ahead once again and reviewed the Best Movie, The Shape of Water. See his clever review on page 14.

I hardly noticed the Oscars this year. Besides Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, and Blade Runner, I’ve seen none of winners. Archimedes and I have almost given up trying to find good movies.

So when I want to watch something really good, I watch Star Trek reruns. I found a scene recently in Next Generation where a gruff Captain Picard is mentoring young Wesley Crusher, asking him, “Have you read that book I gave you?” Wesley hems and haws and says, “I just don’t have much time. And William James isn’t going to be on the Starfleet entrance exam.”

“The important things never will be,” Picard says, and continues to say, “Anyone can learn the mechanics of piloting a starship.” Study philosophy, art and history––“and all this might mean something.”

The father-son exchanges between the two are often poignant but perhaps the most famous one for fans comes from the well-loved episode, “The First Duty.”

Wesley is now a cadet at the Starfleet Academy and becomes a member of an elite flying squad. The squad, led by a charismatic senior cadet, decides to perform a spectacular but prohibited and very dangerous maneuver at the Academy’s graduation.

The flying team’s attempt to grab glory goes horribly wrong and one of the young flyers is killed. An investigation ensues and the remaining cadets agree to cover up.

The story is a common one. Roddenberry probably didn't call the plot points “identity threat” or “group think” or “boundary rigidity,” but it is all there.

Wesley attempts a lie by omission, but Captain Picard figures out the ruse and confronts Wesley. The scene is as meaningful and as beautifully acted as any from Shakespeare.

Picard, the archetypical warrior-king, sets out the moral principle and it rings like a bell.

“The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth,” Picard tells Wesley. “Whether it is scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based. And if you can’t stand up and tell the truth about what happened, you don’t deserve to wear the Starfleet uniform.”

Even for those who aren’t fans of Star Trek, the scene is worth watching (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xefh7W1nVo4)

There are many roles those of us in the psychological and behavioral sciences community take on in our hope to be of use to the larger society. Some of us focus on helping, perhaps as psychotherapists, counselors, or coaches. Some of us focus on teaching and education. Some of us focus on research. Some of us do a little bit of everything.

One of the societal roles a psychologist can take up is that of scientist-practitioner. In 2009 APA president James Bray asked, “Where have all the psychologists gone?” I think he was referring to the scientist-practitioner, the person LSU professor Ed Timmons once described in this way: “You should be able to pick a psychologist up by the ear and drop them in anywhere.”

For the psychologist who is a scientist-practitioner it is about truth. It can't be about politics, or group identification, or emotions, or perception. It isn’t about altruism or interpersonal harmony or even cooperation. It is hard to lead by this principle, especially these days, because we are each of us embedded in our social context, with our group identities, and our fast-think brains.

But for those psychologists, who are scientist-practitioners, truth is the first duty. As ragged, complicated, or as incomplete as it is, truth and its application, is our first duty.

Then we go to whatever is second.

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

Article archive / March 2018

Originally published: March 2018. Volume 9, No. 3. Source pages: 4.

Governor Edwards’ long and passionate speech opening the special session apparently had no or a reverse effect. He asked lawmakers to face the dramatic financial cliff by passing tax legislation.

The special session adjourned without a significant tax measure. Sources say another special session is planned.

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

Article archive / March 2018

Originally published: March 2018. Volume 9, No. 3. Source pages: 5.

House Bill 145 by Rep. Kenny Cox would place limitations on diagnosing of factitious disorder imposed on another (formerly known as "Munchausen syndrome by proxy"), and on circumstances in which state child welfare proceedings may be initiated.

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

Article archive / March 2018

Originally published: March 2018. Volume 9, No. 3. Source pages: 6.

From the Minutes Selected Items from January and December Discussions of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

DECEMBER
 15,
 2017

Executive
 Director
 Report
 – Ms. Monic reported on the following: Elections opened on November 22, 2017 and will close on December 22, 2017. The LSBEP appeal in the LA First Circuit in the matter of Dr. Eric Cerwonka (Plaintiff/Appellee) and LA State board of Examiners of Psychologists (Defendant/Appellant) was set for oral argument on January 10, 2018. A Motion to Dismiss was filed in the Civil Suit against the Board by Eric Cerwonka in the U.S. District Court, and is set for Oral Argument on January 18, 2018.

Complaints
 Committee:
 – Dr. Griffin reported that he and Ms. Monic interviewed two qualified candidates for the contract position of Complaints Coordinator II. Dr. Griffin moved in favor of offering the contract for Complaints Coordinator II to Dr. Erin Skaff. Which role will be to serve the Board in reviewing and overseeing the direction of complaint investigations, including negotiating Consent Orders for the Board when needed, where the primary Complaints Coordinator I may be recused due to conflict of interest, or unable to serve due to workload. The contract amount shall not exceed $5,000, with standard terms and travel reimbursement established by contract. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote as follows: Griffin – YEA, Lambert – YEA, Boggs – YEA, Henke – YEA. Ms. Monic was directed and empowered to facilitate the contract with Dr. Skaff. Dr. Griffin noted for the record that upon the execution of Dr. Skaff’s contract, the Board will have three Complaint Coordinators contracted for complaint reviews.

DISCUSSION
 ITEM
 [s] 1.
 Audit for Reciprocity requirements with ASPPB, Certificate of Professional Qualifications and ABPP Diplomat* – Due to time constraints, this matter was tabled

2. Letter from Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists RE: Reciprocity Agreement* – The Board reviewed the letter from Darrel Spinks, Executive Director for the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists, wherein Texas terminated reciprocity with Louisiana, effective December 18, 2017, due to recent legislative changes which no longer require Texas to administer an oral examination for licensure. By motion of Dr. Lambert, the Board accepted the termination letter from Mr. Spinks. Ms. Monic was directed to facilitate the necessary revisions on the application process.

3. Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) Part I and Part II – Due to time constraints, this matter was tabled.

4. Request for Quarterly Verification Report from the Office of Behavioral Health* – The Board reviewed the email request from LDH, to assist them with auditing MHO’s by providing a quarterly report to LDH so they could audit a sampling of the providers credentialed by MHO’s. Noting that such a report is not currently developed and further that this information is readily available at the LSBEP website for LDH to access, the Board suggested Ms. Monic discuss the needs of LDH further and also direct LDH to the information available on its website.

JANUARY
 12,
 2018

Executive
 Director
 Report Ms. Monic reported those results to the Board as follows: Of 768 electors, 211 participated. Dr. Greg Gormanous received 169 votes. 42 electors abstained. Ms. Monic reported that LPA should report these results in accordance with LA R.S. 37:2353.A(2). Ms. Monic reported that oral arguments were heard in the LA First Circuit in the matter of Dr. Eric Cerwonka (Plaintiff/Appellee) and LA State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (Defendant/Appellant) on January 10, 2018. No updates were available with regard to the Motion to Dismiss filed in the Civil Suit against the Board by Eric Cerwonka in the U.S. District Court.

Finance
 Committee
 Report Ms. Monic reported the need for a contract amendment for Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLC in relationship to the ongoing litigation and that the matter was on the agenda as a discussion item.

DISCUSSION
 ITEM[S]

2. Contract Amendment: Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLC – The Board discussed amending the dollar amount of the contract for Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLC in relationship to the ongoing litigation. Dr. Henke, moved in favor of increasing the current contract amount by $7,500. The Board discussed the motion. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote as follows: Griffin – YEA, Boggs- YEA, Henke – YEA, Crouch– YEA.

3. Contract Renewal: with Deborah Harkins for 2018 Regular Legislative Session [Rodel, Parsons, Koch, Blanche, Balhoff & McCollister] – The Board discussed renewing the contract with Ms. Harkins for the 2018 Legislative Session. Dr. Griffin recommended renewing the terms and amount ($7,500) of the contract with Ms. Harkins for the reminder of the 2017-18 Fiscal Year. Dr. Henke moved in favor of the recommendation. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote as follows: Griffin – YEA, Boggs- YEA, Henke – YEA, Crouch– YEA.

4. Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) Part I and Part II – The Board discussed concerns with the development of the new EPPP and ASPPB’s requirement that jurisdictions require both Part I and II for licensure in Louisiana. Additional concerns were raised regarding the substantial fee increase, lack of data provided for exam validity, and the preadmission and vetting of candidates by ASPPB rather than by licensing jurisdictions. The Board agreed to formulate a response and request for additional information

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

Article archive / March 2018

Originally published: March 2018. Volume 9, No. 3. Source pages: 7.

The Department of Psychology at the University of New Orleans (UNO) will offer a new graduate degree option to prepare students to work in a psychology-related, applied field or under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

“We are admitting students into a 12- month, non-thesis master program,” said UNO Department Chair Dr. Laura Scaramella. “The degree is geared towards students who are interested in pursuing graduate education in psychology but may be undecided in the actual field of study.” Requirements will include graduate level statistics, developmental psychopathology, ethics, electives as well as two assessment and two practicum courses, she said.

“Focused on childhood disorders, assessment courses will provide students with training in assessment of autism and related disorders, intelligence testing, and developmental psychopathology,” explained Dr. Scaramella. She anticipates openings for seven to 10 students, with admissions in both the fall (April 1) and spring (November 1).

For more information go to http://www.uno.edu/cos/psychology/graduate.aspx.

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

Article archive / March 2018

Originally published: March 2018. Volume 9, No. 3. Source pages: 7.

Seminar on Implementing AOT For Seriously Mentally Ill Held

A seminar on Implementing Assisted Outpatient Treatment in Louisiana, designed to assist local communities to create and implement assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) programs for the seriously mentally ill was held in February in Baton Rouge. AOT is known by different terms in different states, such as “outpatient civil commitment” or “mandatory outpatient commitment". Organizers, Janet Hays of Healing Minds NOLA and Dr. Jan Kasofsky, PhD, of Capital Area Human Services, the discussed the benefits of AOT to behavioral health providers, families, law enforcement and the judicial system, coroners, emergency medical personnel, and those dedicated to the homeless.

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

Article archive / March 2018

Originally published: March 2018. Volume 9, No. 3. Source pages: 8.

Social Work Faculty May be Exempted from SW Practice Act

Senator Fred Mills is putting forth SB24 that would amend the Social Work practice act to exempt faculty at a social work program of higher education.

The change would add the language, “Social work practice shall not include social work education administered by a faculty member at an accredited institution of higher education. A person who serves as a faculty member in a social work program at an institution of higher education is not required to hold a license under this Chapter, to the extent that the faculty member's activities are limited to teaching, scholarship, service, and research.”

The proposed law retains present law that allows social workers to use, or interpret tests of language, education and achievement, adaptive behavioral tests, and symptom screening checklists instruments, as well as tests of abilities, interests, and aptitudes.

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

Article archive / March 2018

Originally published: March 2018. Volume 9, No. 3. Source pages: 10.

It took me four hours on back roads to get to Aliceville, Alabama, the small, rural community where one of the Federal Correctional Institutions is located, on Highway 14 a few miles out of town. The facility is a low–security prison for up to about 1,500 female offenders, with a minimum-security satellite camp for another 200 women. Dr. Beverly Stubblefield is serving a 30-month sentence at the satellite camp.

I got there at exactly the time when Beverly had said not to, because the entrance was closed for “count,” the guards making sure all of the offenders were where they are supposed to be. There are no fences. I waited at the front door with a middle-aged woman and two teenage boys, and we were all eventually allowed in to the small, bare, reception area where we were met by the guard who instructed me to fill out a visitors’ form.

He was a crisp, pleasant-looking, businesslike, uniformed Black man, about 6’ and perhaps in his early 30s. He took my drivers’ license, car keys and the visitor’s sheet––on which I swore that I had no weapons, drugs, or so on.

Beverly had already told me in an email (we are pen palls now on the prison email system) that I was not to wear “sandals or green.” She said not to wear a watch or smart watch. But, she recommended I dress in layers because the room is cold and coats aren’t allowed. I would not be allowed to bring paper, pencils, or a tape recorder.

What I was to bring, she said, were quarters. “Bring two rolls of quarters in a clear, zip lock bag.” This was so we could have lunch out of the vending machines. I was all in. I arrived with four rolls.

The guard disappeared behind the glass door with my form, license and car keys. I had a short flash of Zimbardo and losing my identity in a Federal prison.

But, I could see Beverly through the window, and she looked just fine. She was visiting with two young women and an adorable baby. I waved at her and she waved back at me and soon the two women came out and introduced themselves as Beverly’s relatives. They thanked me for coming and I thanked them.

Then the guard ushered me through the door. Beverly and I hugged and said how happy we were to see each other. She was wearing a green uniform and looked to be relaxed and in good health. She told me where to sit and explained that we were not allowed to sit side-by-side but only facing each other. I wasn’t sure exactly what the danger would be, but obeyed 100%.

The visiting area was one large rectangular room maybe 50 ft by 150 ft. Two additional guards, these White and similar demeanor to the first one, joined the other and sat around an elevated desk and platform, to one side of the larger wall.

The room reminded me a bit of an airport waiting room with rows of plastic chairs. There were vending machines around the perimeter and at one end, a play section with toys, for children. A family sat there most of the day while two, cute as buttons, twin girls played on the floor.

Beverly and I talked and drank diet cokes, and talked, and ate some chocolate, and talked, and drank more diet cokes. I wound up putting the quarters in the machines for us because she was not allowed to touch money. This rule took me a couple of reminders to learn and I kept trying to hand her quarters and was probably annoying.

The room was full of visitors and inmates. Beverly later said that there were physicians, nurses, and attorneys in the group and many were in their 50s or 60s. She seemed to know everyone and it was clear that she was in some type of informal, supportive role. She introduced me to several inmate friends, including one whom she was teaching to play the piano and one that was the photographer. When I commented that the restroom was unusually clean and thoughtfully supplied, she said, “We do that, the inmates take care of everything.” She told me she is the senior orderly in the Chapel Library and that she does a lot of supporting of the other women.

During the day another of her friends showed up to visit, unexpectedly. The three of us continued to chat about the world, life and what happened to Beverly.

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

Article archive / February 2018

Originally published: February 2018. Volume 9, No. 2. Source pages: 9.

Tulane Psychology will offer a certificate in health psychology to students in the Psychological Science PhD program at the university, beginning in Fall 2019 to be coordinated by Dr. Michael Hoerger.

Health psychology is the scientific discipline that seeks to understand and change the psychosocial factors affecting physical health outcomes.

“The certificate program goes into effect Fall 2019,” current Chair of the Department of Psychology and Professor, Dr. Janet Ruscher said, “and is only available for students enrolled in our psych doctoral programs. It draws upon existing graduate courses in Health Psychology and Behavioral Health Research Methods, as well as faculty expertise in psycho- oncology, stress, and health disparities.”

The certification program will be led by Dr. Michael Hoerger, clinical health psychologist. Dr. Hoerger has focused his career on conducting interdisciplinary research and has served over 30 professional journals. He serves on the editorial board of Health Psychology, manages the charitable foundation web site for the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and reviews grants for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. He was Tulane’s first faculty member to complete the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science (LA CaTS) Center’s Roadmap Award.

In completing the certificate, students focus 15 of their credits on health psychology foundational courses, advanced courses in methodology and statistics, and clinical or disease-specific courses. The training will empower students to improve public health and well- being through health psychology research careers in academic, medical, and other settings.

Dr. Hoerger’s research draws from the perspective of translational psychological science.

His psycho-oncology studies are informed by basic psychology research and theory related to personality, emotion, and decision- making. This includes Dr. Hoerger’s seminal work on ‘affective forecasting’ and ‘delay of gratification.’ He is known for his methodologic expertise in study design, survey development and measurement, statistics, and web design.

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

Article archive / February 2018

Originally published: February 2018. Volume 9, No. 2. Source pages: 9.

Christopher Garner, PsyD, CGP, MSCP, will speak on “Effective Psychotherapy: The Psychotherapeutic Mentality™, Part I: Basic Assumptions, The Prime Movers, & A Look at Dream Interpretation.” The educational event will be hosted by the Louisiana Group Psychotherapy Society at its Winter Workshop on February 10 at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge.

Dr. Christopher Garner is a Clinical Psychologist as well as a Certified Group Psychotherapist. He owns Garner Psychological Services, Inc., and is an Associate Clinical Professor at LSU-HSC Psychiatry & HSC-OLOL.

Dr. Garner will explain and discuss a way of thinking, as well as conceptualizing, regarding the issues for therapy patients and the therapeutic encounter.

“The Psychotherapeutic Mentality is pan-theoretical, informed by practice relevant research and age-old lore,” he explained.

Areas of discussion will include: Differentiating psychotherapy from other psychological interventions; Reviewing empirical therapeutic factors that cut through all effective types of therapy; Elucidating the “The Psychotherapy Mentality” with examples and group participation; Applying it to both individual and group therapy; Focus in depth on the essential “lenses” of therapist’s conceptualization; Appreciate the prime emotional drives in patients; Introduce important and additional concepts relevant to group psychotherapy; Use examples of dream interpretation and other clinical encounters for application.

Dr. Garner will use film and audience participation to illustrate clinical concepts. Attendees are encouraged to bring examples of dreams and clinical encounters.

Dr. Chris Garner (Center) speaking at a panel during previous workshop. Dr. Garner will present the training this month at the Louisiana Group Psychotherapy Society to be held in Baton Rouge. Above are Dr. Darlyne Nemeth (L) and Bob Waggener, MSW, (R).

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

Article archive / February 2018

Originally published: February 2018. Volume 9, No. 2. Source pages: 14.

The late Dr. George Hearn was honored by Louisiana College in a tree-planting ceremony in front of Alexandria Hall, on January 26.

“Hearn Twin Oaks Ceremony” was a tribute to the long-time professor at the college and hosted family, friends, and colleagues. Gloria Hearn, Dr. Hearn’s widow noted, “The oak tree represents strength, beauty, grace and on-going life.”

“It is incumbent on us to pause for the cause today as we plant trees in memory of one who listened to the valued teachings of our forebears,” and she explained how Louisiana College and its founding by the Baptists helped to provide more education and preparation for the gospel to citizens and families.

Speaking at the Ceremony and representing the Louisiana Psychological Association was Dr. Darlyne Nemeth. Also speaking was Dr. Rick Brewer, President of Louisiana College, Mayor Clarence Fields, and family members including Ms. Gail Hearn Smith.

“It was my great honor to represent the Louisiana Psychological Association and to share with the rather large audience, Dr. Hearn's contributions to the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Louisiana Psychological Association,” said Dr. Nemeth. “Dr. Hearn served as Chair of the Board and President of our association. In regard to his service to psychology, Dr. Hearn was given our Distinguished Psychologist Award.”

From 1965 to 2000 George served Louisiana College (Pineville) as Full Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychology. He also was in independent practice at his firm, Hearn & Hearn, and was known for his skills as mediator in groups and organizations through his work.

His focus in IO Psychology had begun while in graduate school, serving as Assistant to the Head of the Industrial Division, Executive Appraisals and Employee Selection at Baylor University. At Baylor Dr. Hearn also worked in the research projects supporting the NASA Space Program.

He blended his technical knowledge with his enduring respect and faith in people and the course of human events. This early interest was portrayed by his choice of an undergraduate in history, a masters in history, and another masters in theology. Before he returned for his doctorate, Dr. Hearn was an ordained minister, pastor of Laurel Heights and Ford Park Baptist churches in Shreveport from 1948 to 1961.

Dr. Hearn’s willingness to help and give of himself was also apparent in his extensive community service. He was member and president of the Historical Association of Central Louisiana, member and chairman of Rapides Area Planning Commission, and Alderman for Pineville City Council. He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He served on the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists from 1982 to 1988, including as chair.

Gloria Hearn (L) with Dr. Rick Brewer, President of Louisiana College, and Dr. Darlyne Nemeth who spoke at the memorial ceremony in honor of psychologist and professor Dr. George Hearn. (Photo courtesy Dr. Nemeth)

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

Article archive / February 2018

Originally published: February 2018. Volume 9, No. 2. Source pages: 14.

The Louisiana School Psychological Association named it Awards for 2017 at the recent convention in the fall. Awards Chair, Dr. Kim Sherman, noted those honored.

Jeremy Babb, from Iberia Parish, was named School Psychologist of the Year and Gordon Upton was named for Lifetime Achievement. Stacey Johnson was named the EC Member of the Year.

Amber Boykin was honored with the "Got Your Back" – President’s Award. The Will Bergeron Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Haley Walker from Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Katie Simon from Tulane was honored with the Dr. Conni Patterson Scholarship and the Dr. Larry Stout Memorial Scholarship went to Anna Schech from Nicholls. Tulane’s Megan Saybe won Best Poster.

Governor Edwards with members of the Louisiana School Psychological Association at a previous conference. (Courtesy photo.)

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

Article archive / February 2018

Originally published: February 2018. Volume 9, No. 2. Source pages: 16.

The Louisiana Group Psychotherapy Society will hold it Winter Workshop on February 10 at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. Presenting is Christopher Garner, PsyD, CGP, MSCP, who will speak on “Effective Psychotherapy: The Psychotherapeutic Mentality™, Part I: Basic Assumptions, The Prime Movers, & A Look at Dream Interpretation.”

Dr. Garner is a Clinical Psychologist, Doctor of Psychology, and Certified Group Psychotherapist, and Associate Clinical Professor at LSU-HSC Psychiatry & HSC-OLOL.

Dr. Garner will explain and discuss, “The Psychotherapeutic Mentality is pan- theoretical, informed by practice relevant research and age-old lore,” he explained.

Attendees will see how to appreciate the prime emotional drives in patients. Dr. Garner will use film and audience participation to illustrate clinical concepts. Use examples of dream interpretation and other clinical encounters for application. Attendees are encouraged to bring examples of dreams and clinical encounters.

The workshop is 9:00 am to 12:00. Dr. Garner hopes to cover all the concepts; uncovered areas or those in need of more time will be presented in an addition session or, “Part 2.” Those who want more may bring their lunch for addition discussion. Space is limited and scholarships available. Visit the event page for more information at http://www.lgpsonline.org/winter- workshop.html.

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

Article archive / February 2018

Originally published: February 2018. Volume 9, No. 2. Source pages: 16.

Dr. John Pickering announced the Annual Mindfulness day will be held Saturday, April 7, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Tam Bao Meditation Hall, in Baton Rouge. The theme is “Mindfulness and Resilience: A Day of Mindfulness for Mental Health Professionals.”

Presenters are Thay Dao Quang, PhD, Margo Hasha, PhD, MSW, David Weibel, PhD, and Anne Marie Rossi. Early registration is open until February 28, at $90 for the day, then afterward at $110. The event is approved for 6 hours of CPD for psychologists by the Louisiana Psychological Association, for Licensed Professional Counselors by the Louisiana Counseling Association, and for Social Workers by the Louisiana Chapter of NASW.

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

Article archive / February 2018

Originally published: February 2018. Volume 9, No. 2. Source pages: 2.

I received some nice comments from a few readers after they saw the recent movie, The Post, Spielberg’s story of the 1971 conflict over the disclosure of the Pentagon Papers. (Be sure to see Al Burstein’s review this issue.)

The story is a good one for today––the public’s right to know and the duty of the Press. Spielberg supports the theme with iconic images of linotypes, web presses, newspapers being hurled in packs out onto city street corners and held open at breakfast tables.

While the First Amendment is the main theme in The Post, actress Meryl Streep lays out the subtheme, the fevered decisions made by Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, joined by her gruff newsroom editor, Ben Bradlee, played by Tom Hanks.

My mother and father both earned LSU journalism degrees and after they died I inherited a marvelously helpful introductory textbook, Exploring Journalism, by Wolseley and Campbell. This 1943 time machine of a book captures part of the golden age of the Press in the U.S. and has been a best friend for simple answers to questions such as “How do I write a news story?” or “Why do I need an Editorial Page?” The authors even have a section titled, “Reporters as psychologists,” where they say, “Good reporters are good social and applied psychologists.”

By happy luck, I struck gold. I discovered that my mother, ordinarily reluctant to express her ideas (or overshadowed by my extraverted father), had scribbled her thoughts in the margins. So I was given the chance, like a message in a bottle, to understand just a bit of what she thought about being a good journalist.

She jotted down these necessary traits for the career: “… good English, resourceful, aggressive, spelling, accurate observer, knowledge and grasp of the English language, interest in people, visual senses, ability to stand your convictions, mental physical stamina, clear thinking, seeker after truth.”

She wrote, “not a moneymaking profession particularly,” and would be “…a lot of hard work,” which obviously did not scare her off. She put a big check by the section on small, weekly papers.

Wolseley and Campbell did not scare her off either with their candid section on, “Women in journalism,” since she placed a big checkmark by that section, also. “Young women interested in journalism often receive little encouragement. If they are realists, they will note that the fourth estate is a man’s world. Their prospective employers are men and they prefer to hire men. Moreover, many of them are convinced that journalism is a man’s profession and that the woman who doesn’t believe her place to be in the home should choose an occupation sheltered from ugly realities that journalists encounter. For that reason a woman usually has to be much abler than a man to succeed.”

Wolseley and Campbell also wrote about character––“Promotion of any private interest contrary to the general welfare for whatever reason is not compatible with honest journalism. Partisanship and editorial comment which knowingly departs from the truth does violence to the best spirit of American journalism.”

I’ve come to the notion that journalists and psychologists have and should have a good deal in common, both hoping to work with finding truth, facts, and valid information, resisting the pull to fast- think conclusions, or political, motivated or superficial reasoning. Today there appears to me a decline in the overall level of reality in our group collective and the process from which it emerges.

A few years ago CareerCast rated the job of newspaper reporter as the worse career out of 200 they ranked, cited low pay among other problems. In a 2017 study of social class, (“Defining Social Class Across Time and Between Groups”) researchers found that, over the last four decades, people define their subjective social class increasingly by their income, and less by occupation or values. The link to self-esteem was strongest in whites, who have dropped more, and rate themselves lower, than other groups in social class.

My parents settled in Coushatta and purchased the Coushatta Citizen. While raising a family, their partnership built the Citizen into a publication of journalistic excellence and social conscience when it was thrust into the national spotlight during the Civil Rights era in the 60s. One thing I know for sure–it was never about the money.

Has some sad combination of subgroup dynamics and monetary incentives led to a decline in character and competence today, and in today’s Press? The common man seems to think so, if the surveys are valid.

Where are the Katharine Grahams and Ben Bradlees of the world, the Gordon and Lynn Nelsons? I think the real journalists, and also the real psychologists, are still out there. I hope they are.

1947 La. Press convention badge for Lynn H. Nelson.

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