Lately I have been looking inward and analyzing myself as a therapist. My emotions sometimes become very strong, either during therapy sessions or after sessions are over. This can be very useful when directed appropriately, but also can be harmful for my own wellbeing. The awareness of these emotions and figuring out what to do with them has been extremely helpful for me. This post will focus on self-awareness when saying goodbye to clients.
One of the reasons for these recent efforts is that I have experienced strong connections with several of my therapy clients, and a few of them have recently left or completed therapy. One of these clients completed an evidence-based protocol at the VA I am working at. He did extremely well and was one of the most successful cases I've seen in my short tenure as a therapist. He was extremely insightful and had several "ah-ha moments" during our sessions. I'm sure it was enlightening for him, but it was also powerful for me. It was amazing seeing him grow throughout our sessions. It was also pretty cool to see how his trust and openness changed throughout our time together. When we first met, I thought to myself "This guy really doesn't like me!" because he was somewhat guarded and seemed annoyed at something I said a few times in our early sessions. One of my favorite things about longer-term therapy is the trust process and feeling connected with a person who has trouble trusting others. It was also a realization for me to see how effective cognitive-behavioral treatments can really be. Before this client, I had tried fragmented cognitive-behavioral methods with people, either very short-term or with people who have somewhat low insight. Needless to say it was minimally effective. With this client, we followed the Cognitive Processing Therapy manual exactly, and he was a really good candidate for it. This client showed me that CBT treatment can have a significant impact and improve a person's quality of life.
Another client recently was discharged from the state hospital where I work. He was someone in one of the groups I facilitated last year. He is someone who is known not to trust people and was often aloof, sometimes even hostile towards other people. He ended up really enjoying the group I ran (which is rare for him) and we spent about 10-15 minutes talking on the way back to his unit every week after sessions. After the group ended, I visited him every few weeks to see how he was doing. We had some really good conversations and I felt like I was one of the few people he trusted. He ended up being discharged much faster than any of us expected. I had to say goodbye to him last week. It felt pretty emotional for me, bittersweet for sure. I was really happy that he finally left the hospital after being there several years (and I know he was). But I will really miss him and our conversations. I will always remember our time together.
One of my individual therapy clients at the hospital is going to be discharged soon - likely this month. I have worked with him for over a year now. He has been ready to leave for a while (both personally and according to behavioral requirements). It will be really different not meeting with him every week, and I will miss seeing him. He will be the first person I've met with regularly at the hospital to leave, and a few others are slated to leave relatively soon. I feel like I am going to be more emotional for these moments when my hospitalized individual therapy clients leave than any other clients who have left or completed therapy. My individual therapy clients at the hospital have actually changed my life. My time with them has been an epiphany that maybe I am really meant to be a therapist, and not a researcher, which is what I thought for a while. I have connected on a level I never thought possible with my clients. I have seen enormous change with people. I am so grateful to them for taking healthy risks of sharing their life and their soul with me through our sessions. So when this client leaves, I am going to acknowledge what our time together has meant to me, and how grateful I am. He thanks me for my time frequently. But I am equally as grateful for his time with me.
My supervisors have given me some tips on how to terminate therapy. It is going to be really difficult with some of them. I am going to listen to my heart (while staying within my ethical obligations) and say goodbye with them how I feel fit. It is not the first time I will be sad about someone leaving, and it will not be the last.
Showing posts with label psychology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label psychology. Show all posts
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Self-Care: Being a Therapist as a Highly Sensitive Person
Since 2015, I have slowly increased my weekly clinical hours. Along with this, my clinical skills have been refined. As mentioned in previous posts, I have moved more towards a clinical orientation rather than 100% focused on research.
Here's some background: One of my first jobs was in a psychiatric rehabilitation job that was full-time after graduating college. I loved this experience, but it was stressful for me. When working FT, my office was right in the middle of the "milieu" area and the office was bright yellow. I had constant visitors. The bright yellow was very abrasive and I think it wore on me over time. I burned out in about 3 months of my 10 month position there. I continued to enjoy working with clients but was constantly stressed and didn't know what to do about it. So I told myself I never wanted to be a full-time clinician because I couldn't handle it. I thought it was just a personality flaw that I was too anxious or too sensitive to work 1-1 with people 40 hours a week. I knew I'd have to do some clinical work with my training, but accepted the fact that I'd never be a clinician.
My view of myself as a non-clinician continued until 2016 when I started my first clinical experience with some skills and more knowledge under my belt. This job completely flipped my career path plan 180 degrees. The work was more rewarding than any other job I had. I saw people improve drastically and built real therapeutic relationships with people. However, along with this experience, the stress has continued.
I recently discovered a personality trait called "Highly Sensitive Person" (HSP). This is defined by people who are very sensitive to a range of things: sensory information, social interactions, hunger, pain, etc. This has been eye-opening for me and has helped me gain insight into this trait and how to harness it.
I think being an HSP as a therapist is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, I feel that I often am attuned to how people feel and subtle changes they show. My sensitivity to this can enhance the therapeutic alliance with empathy or simply bringing my observations to light. On the other hand, sometimes clinical work can be overwhelming for me. Too much social interaction is tiring for me (both as an HSP and an introvert). When people are feeling intense emotions, I feel it too. When I have a full day of therapy, I'm exhausted.
I've been thinking about self-care lately because I went over the edge recently. I was feeling really anxious for a few weeks. I had a socially-busy weekend coming up. On the first event on Friday, I did not want to go out but decided to anyway. I told myself "Just stay out a little while. You can go home early, but showing up is important to maintain friendships." So I went out. The event was in a busy area of town, and parking took about 10 minutes. As soon as I parked I received a text saying that plans had changed location, so I had to re-park. At this point my anxiety was building from the busy environment, stimulation, parking, people, etc. I was annoyed but decided to "go with the flow" of the plans. So I drove to the new location and looked for parking. This area was even worse. Only parallel parking was available. Cars were all around. Pressure was mounting. I tried parking 3 times with no success. I didn't realize how high my anxiety was until I had a low-level panic attack while driving. So I went straight home and tried to calm down. I lied on the couch and got under the covers. I put on my favorite self-care movie "Little Miss Sunshine" and hung out with my cat.
That night, I had a lot of time to think. I thought about the past week. I realized I did not once take a lunch without working through it. I did not have one work day less than 9 hours. I did not eat enough green veggies. I thought, "Wow. What terrible self-care." And the past few weeks before this one were almost equally as bad. I've always been told, as a therapist, you have to take care of yourself first to take care of your clients. Self-care is something I know is important, but I never really think about it. But after this week, I realized how important it is. I decided to stay in that whole weekend to recharge. Even though I felt guilty for cancelling on my friends, I knew staying in was what I needed more than going out.
I have to remember to listen to my body and mind and take care of both. My job as a therapist is so important to me. But I can't be an effective clinician if my insides are deteriorated. I have my own battery that needs to be recharged daily. I think HSPs need even more self-care than someone who isn't an HSP because of the "easily overwhelmed" quality. I've thought about self-care before in its relationship to being an introvert. But realizing the addition of being an HSP has increased my awareness of self-care even more.
I am the type of person who sometimes has to go past my limits to realize them. I will use this experience to remember my boundaries of self-care. Prevention and maintenance are very important in self-care and maintaining mental health. I went over the edge that week and do not want to experience that again. It might happen, but I will do my best to remember my own boundaries.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Professional Identity Thoughts
This past year has really made me think about my professional identity and future career. I always used to say "I never want to be a therapist! I can't imagine having to listen to people's problems all day." But now, as I enter my third year of supervised clinical work, my perspective is completely different.
My first year of clinical work was not very fun. I worked at an outpatient community health facility that serves low-income people. Supervision was less than ideal, student interns were very under-valued, and client turnover was huge. This first year basically reinforced my idea that clinical work was not for me.
My second year of clinical work was completely different. I worked at a state hospital in a long-term psychiatric unit. The majority of the people on my unit had schizophrenia and are often treatment-resistant (meaning they do not respond well to anti-psychotic medication). I did both group and individual therapy. All my individual therapy clients were diagnosed with schizophrenia. I was supervised by a psychology intern weekly as well as informal supervision from the unit psychologist.
This year really changed my view of clinical work. First of all, it was the first time I really experienced formal, individual therapy with people diagnosed with schizophrenia. It was very challenging, eye-opening, and rewarding at the same time. As I continued to gain experience, I realized my own strengths as a clinician and my ability to effectively work with individuals with schizophrenia. I feel that working directly with this population is not something every clinician is good at, or even wants to do. Second, I learned how much progress can happen in a full year of consistent therapy. When it got closer to my year as a practicum student ending, I knew I couldn't leave. So, I spoke to my supervisor and figured out a way to stay and continue seeing a few of my clients. I decided to do this because all of the clients I started therapy with were still hospitalized. I figured I could continue to build the progress I had seen while learning clinical skills along the way. The course of recovery from schizophrenia can be a long one, and I feel very grateful that I can continue to help a few people I started with to build their growth.
I think I enjoyed it so much because of the clinical presentation of the clients and the setting. I had experience with schizophrenia in the past, but this was in psychiatric rehabilitation programs, which can be pretty different than formal therapy. Also, I really enjoyed the inpatient setting. It helps maintain consistency with sessions and rapport-building with clients. And I enjoy collaborating with professionals at the hospital. Some of the nurses are really amazing and I love getting their perspective on clients. The psychiatrists are really good and the chair of psychiatry is doing a great job building the department. And there are several psychologists who are amazing and really care about the clients. Finally, there are some great techs who have their own views of the clients and welcome collaboration daily.
The culture of the hospital is different than other places, too. A few of the clients (sadly) have lived there a long time. Some of them between 5-10 years. Most of them want to get out, but sometimes people want to stay there forever. While you are there, you really get to know the clients well. Certainly the people I have met with for therapy, but many others through groups and informal interactions. It is amazing to get to know people there and really experience how amazing people are underneath their shells. I have had such a great experience here that I am seriously thinking of being a full-time clinician. I hope to do this and still be involved with research. I think staying in touch with research is so important to be an effective clinician.
Well, those are my thoughts for now...
My first year of clinical work was not very fun. I worked at an outpatient community health facility that serves low-income people. Supervision was less than ideal, student interns were very under-valued, and client turnover was huge. This first year basically reinforced my idea that clinical work was not for me.
My second year of clinical work was completely different. I worked at a state hospital in a long-term psychiatric unit. The majority of the people on my unit had schizophrenia and are often treatment-resistant (meaning they do not respond well to anti-psychotic medication). I did both group and individual therapy. All my individual therapy clients were diagnosed with schizophrenia. I was supervised by a psychology intern weekly as well as informal supervision from the unit psychologist.
This year really changed my view of clinical work. First of all, it was the first time I really experienced formal, individual therapy with people diagnosed with schizophrenia. It was very challenging, eye-opening, and rewarding at the same time. As I continued to gain experience, I realized my own strengths as a clinician and my ability to effectively work with individuals with schizophrenia. I feel that working directly with this population is not something every clinician is good at, or even wants to do. Second, I learned how much progress can happen in a full year of consistent therapy. When it got closer to my year as a practicum student ending, I knew I couldn't leave. So, I spoke to my supervisor and figured out a way to stay and continue seeing a few of my clients. I decided to do this because all of the clients I started therapy with were still hospitalized. I figured I could continue to build the progress I had seen while learning clinical skills along the way. The course of recovery from schizophrenia can be a long one, and I feel very grateful that I can continue to help a few people I started with to build their growth.
I think I enjoyed it so much because of the clinical presentation of the clients and the setting. I had experience with schizophrenia in the past, but this was in psychiatric rehabilitation programs, which can be pretty different than formal therapy. Also, I really enjoyed the inpatient setting. It helps maintain consistency with sessions and rapport-building with clients. And I enjoy collaborating with professionals at the hospital. Some of the nurses are really amazing and I love getting their perspective on clients. The psychiatrists are really good and the chair of psychiatry is doing a great job building the department. And there are several psychologists who are amazing and really care about the clients. Finally, there are some great techs who have their own views of the clients and welcome collaboration daily.
The culture of the hospital is different than other places, too. A few of the clients (sadly) have lived there a long time. Some of them between 5-10 years. Most of them want to get out, but sometimes people want to stay there forever. While you are there, you really get to know the clients well. Certainly the people I have met with for therapy, but many others through groups and informal interactions. It is amazing to get to know people there and really experience how amazing people are underneath their shells. I have had such a great experience here that I am seriously thinking of being a full-time clinician. I hope to do this and still be involved with research. I think staying in touch with research is so important to be an effective clinician.
Well, those are my thoughts for now...
Friday, February 3, 2017
Clinical Work is a Challenge
Today I am thinking about how challenging clinical work (and being a Psychologist) is.
Lately I've thought about the intimacy of individual therapy specifically. I currently work in a long-term inpatient hospital, so most individuals are in the early stages of their recovery. Many have not accepted that they have a mental illness, and are doing their best to disentangle their experiences. So, when clients share their experiences with me, I feel very fortunate to have gained a level of trust that allows this.
The experience of psychosis seems very scary and can include extreme paranoia and hallucinations. When these symptoms aren't controlled, they can take over your whole being and be very overwhelming. I can completely understand a person questioning whether or not this experience is a "mental illness" or if it's reality. If something so powerful and compelling to surround your world, it is your experience, which is your reality. I think being in the system focuses a lot on labels, which are very difficult to comprehend in the early stages of recovery. Labeling your experience as a "mental illness" has its pros and cons, and I think each person has the right to interpret their experience however they want.
I really love doing therapy with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Last year, I really hated therapy (I think this was because of the setting I worked in) and a few years ago, I hated clinical work (I think that was due to lack of experience and other factors). This year has made me question (again) my career path. I'm starting to feel like I need to do clinical work in some capacity. I feel like my skills will be wasted, and they could be used for good. I love research, too, but I need to figure out how to balance the two.
People often ask me how I became interested in schizophrenia -- well, that's a complex question with many answers. One of my answers is because I really do love it, and I think my strengths as a clinician fit well with this population. Also, there are unique challenges that accompany the diagnosis, and I believe being a schizophrenia specialist is valuable. So, I've put a lot of energy over the past 10 years in learning and working with this population. Maybe this is why I've felt overwhelmed at times while at the hospital, or after a long day of clinical work. So much of my energy is often devoted towards my specialization, and this year I've really had the opportunity to put these skills to the test. I really care about the people I work with, and hope the best for them. Maybe I put pressure on myself. But that's OK. I want to live up to my potential and really help those in need. Everyone deserves to live a meaningful life. I seek the skills necessary to make this possible for as many people as I can help.
I am feeling very contemplative today. I look forward to returning to the hospital on Monday...
Lately I've thought about the intimacy of individual therapy specifically. I currently work in a long-term inpatient hospital, so most individuals are in the early stages of their recovery. Many have not accepted that they have a mental illness, and are doing their best to disentangle their experiences. So, when clients share their experiences with me, I feel very fortunate to have gained a level of trust that allows this.
The experience of psychosis seems very scary and can include extreme paranoia and hallucinations. When these symptoms aren't controlled, they can take over your whole being and be very overwhelming. I can completely understand a person questioning whether or not this experience is a "mental illness" or if it's reality. If something so powerful and compelling to surround your world, it is your experience, which is your reality. I think being in the system focuses a lot on labels, which are very difficult to comprehend in the early stages of recovery. Labeling your experience as a "mental illness" has its pros and cons, and I think each person has the right to interpret their experience however they want.
I really love doing therapy with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Last year, I really hated therapy (I think this was because of the setting I worked in) and a few years ago, I hated clinical work (I think that was due to lack of experience and other factors). This year has made me question (again) my career path. I'm starting to feel like I need to do clinical work in some capacity. I feel like my skills will be wasted, and they could be used for good. I love research, too, but I need to figure out how to balance the two.
People often ask me how I became interested in schizophrenia -- well, that's a complex question with many answers. One of my answers is because I really do love it, and I think my strengths as a clinician fit well with this population. Also, there are unique challenges that accompany the diagnosis, and I believe being a schizophrenia specialist is valuable. So, I've put a lot of energy over the past 10 years in learning and working with this population. Maybe this is why I've felt overwhelmed at times while at the hospital, or after a long day of clinical work. So much of my energy is often devoted towards my specialization, and this year I've really had the opportunity to put these skills to the test. I really care about the people I work with, and hope the best for them. Maybe I put pressure on myself. But that's OK. I want to live up to my potential and really help those in need. Everyone deserves to live a meaningful life. I seek the skills necessary to make this possible for as many people as I can help.
I am feeling very contemplative today. I look forward to returning to the hospital on Monday...
Monday, January 2, 2017
Inpatient Therapy Reflection: First 5 Months
I missed a week of therapy with my clients, and I really missed it! Two of my clients missed two sessions because they did not want to meet twice in a row, and all of my clients missed another session with my week out.
I was at the hospital Thursday, and was reminded how much I love it. On top of that, I had three out of three really great sessions with my clients. Last year, my first year of conducting individual therapy, was really challenging. I constantly worried about my clients' well-being and never felt like I was doing an "evidence-based practice". Therapy was stressful most of the time, and did not feel very rewarding. This year is feeling very different. I look forward to going to the hospital every day (which never happened last year), I am starting to feel like I am really integrating evidence-based practice correctly (which I rarely felt last year), and I am a lot less stressed than I was last year. I think part of this change might be the setting (I am really loving inpatient) and part of it might be that I'm feeling more comfortable conducting therapy. A big part of it is also the population. I really love working with people with serious mental illnesses and schizophrenia.
I met with a coworker to discuss some clients and coordinate treatment. One thing she said that stuck with me was "You have to find their strengths", referring to people with serious mental illness (specifically schizophrenia). She really emphasized each person's qualities that make them unique and clearly cared for each person she works with. It takes a certain clinician to speak in this way, and I really love working with these types of people. If we, as clinicians, are able to show people their strengths, and highlight those, every person can have a meaningful life.
I have been wanting to do this for so long -- sometimes it feels surreal. Working with this population is the most rewarding thing ever. People really appreciate the time you spend with them and are very open. This population has a horrible reputation, and I find that very sad because some of them are the best people I've ever met. When the day comes to leave this place, it will be a very sad day. I am thankful to spend time with these individuals.
I was at the hospital Thursday, and was reminded how much I love it. On top of that, I had three out of three really great sessions with my clients. Last year, my first year of conducting individual therapy, was really challenging. I constantly worried about my clients' well-being and never felt like I was doing an "evidence-based practice". Therapy was stressful most of the time, and did not feel very rewarding. This year is feeling very different. I look forward to going to the hospital every day (which never happened last year), I am starting to feel like I am really integrating evidence-based practice correctly (which I rarely felt last year), and I am a lot less stressed than I was last year. I think part of this change might be the setting (I am really loving inpatient) and part of it might be that I'm feeling more comfortable conducting therapy. A big part of it is also the population. I really love working with people with serious mental illnesses and schizophrenia.
I met with a coworker to discuss some clients and coordinate treatment. One thing she said that stuck with me was "You have to find their strengths", referring to people with serious mental illness (specifically schizophrenia). She really emphasized each person's qualities that make them unique and clearly cared for each person she works with. It takes a certain clinician to speak in this way, and I really love working with these types of people. If we, as clinicians, are able to show people their strengths, and highlight those, every person can have a meaningful life.
I have been wanting to do this for so long -- sometimes it feels surreal. Working with this population is the most rewarding thing ever. People really appreciate the time you spend with them and are very open. This population has a horrible reputation, and I find that very sad because some of them are the best people I've ever met. When the day comes to leave this place, it will be a very sad day. I am thankful to spend time with these individuals.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Treat others as you would like to be treated
The other day, a patient at the inpatient hospital gave me a Christmas card. I was very touched when he made a point to make me a personalized card. This particular person is known to be hostile towards others and not very friendly. Ever since I've worked at the hospital, I've always made sure to speak in a kind tone towards him and say hello whenever I saw him. He always says hello back, even when he's listening to music with his headphones. Sometimes he asks my name when he forgets it, and sometimes he talks to me randomly. He has never been hostile, aggressive, or unfriendly towards me.
When he gave me the card, I told the unit Psychologist. She said something along the lines of, "That's so great for him! He likes people when they treat him like a human being." This broke my heart and reminded me how some of the staff members talk to the patients. Just the other day, a staff member said something to him in a very rude, loud tone, basically giving him some sort of direction related to a rule. He responded with a loud, "Fuck you, bitch!"
Patients can sometimes seem scary when they are symptomatic and/or delusional, but most of the time it is not directed towards people in the environment. I think another contributing factor is how symptomatic people can be, and how that tends to create a dividing line between psychiatrically healthy people and people diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. There are several people on the unit (both my own individual therapy clients and other residents) who have a reputation for hostility, but are kind to me. I have met so many amazing people who have a psychiatric illness. People who have a diagnosis are no less human than those of us who do not. Unfortunately, not everyone feels this way, and some very disrespectful people end up working in the mental health field. Treating people with respect and dignity is very important to me in my work (and of course, life in general). How you treat others can go a very far way, and I have witnessed this first hand.
When he gave me the card, I told the unit Psychologist. She said something along the lines of, "That's so great for him! He likes people when they treat him like a human being." This broke my heart and reminded me how some of the staff members talk to the patients. Just the other day, a staff member said something to him in a very rude, loud tone, basically giving him some sort of direction related to a rule. He responded with a loud, "Fuck you, bitch!"
Patients can sometimes seem scary when they are symptomatic and/or delusional, but most of the time it is not directed towards people in the environment. I think another contributing factor is how symptomatic people can be, and how that tends to create a dividing line between psychiatrically healthy people and people diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. There are several people on the unit (both my own individual therapy clients and other residents) who have a reputation for hostility, but are kind to me. I have met so many amazing people who have a psychiatric illness. People who have a diagnosis are no less human than those of us who do not. Unfortunately, not everyone feels this way, and some very disrespectful people end up working in the mental health field. Treating people with respect and dignity is very important to me in my work (and of course, life in general). How you treat others can go a very far way, and I have witnessed this first hand.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Ph.D. in Progress
Wow, it has been a long time since I have written. I have been so busy with my Ph.D. program at the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC). I was reading some of my old posts and am truly amazed how much things have fallen into place. Let me give you an update...
I was admitted to UMKC to begin in Fall 2014 with a lab focused on serious mental illness. Since then, I have been involved with a project collaborating with a local community hospital and their treatment program Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET). CET helps people diagnosed with serious mental illness (primarily schizophrenia and autism) learn neurocognitive and social cognitive skills. Reading my last post reminded me how long I've been wanting to be involved with treatment research. I couldn't ask for a better project to be involved with. I absolutely love it. Our collaborators are awesome and really care about the people they work with. Our Co-Primary Investigator is one of the most skilled clinicians I have ever met (especially working with individuals with schizophrenia). I am so grateful for my mentor who pushed this project along and has been very supportive along the way. We have been very lucky to have this project funded since it has begun. I love observing and participating in groups, spending time with each participant (especially learning each person's unique perspectives), and sharing our project with the world. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the project.
I have also very much enjoyed formal practicum experiences. I began clinical practicum in my second year in the program (last year). I started at a local free clinic conducting individual therapy. This was my first time doing therapy. It was admittedly challenging and frustrating, but I truly enjoyed working with diverse people and having the opportunity to be invited into each person's world. This year, I have begun working at a local state psychiatric hospital. This practicum is on its way to becoming one of my most favorite experiences ever. I am facilitating individual therapy and group therapy. My unit is a long-term psychiatric unit with individuals with serious mental illness. My therapy clients primarily are diagnosed with schizophrenia. Before working here, I decided that individual therapy was "not for me". However, I am enjoying it so much now that I am reconsidering this. The people I work with are extremely open, gracious, and just enjoyable to be around. People on the unit amaze me with their resiliency and determination to reach their goals, despite being stuck somewhere largely against their will.
I have enjoyed my academic life at UMKC as well. The classes here have been challenging and very applicable to my future career. I am ending my semester and have one more class next semester. I have always been eager to learn, but am admittedly looking forward to being finished with coursework.
I have had a lot of different Teaching Assistantships since starting here at UMKC. Many of it has been positive, but other aspects have discouraged me from pursuing academia. I will keep the option open, but lately have been thinking about non-academic research and/or clinical careers. I have a bit of time to decide, but that's where I am now!
I can't neglect to mention the awesome friends I have met here. I wouldn't have been able to get through the tough times I've had here without my KC friends. I moved here to pursue my education and career, but was pleasantly surprised by the awesome people I have met along the way. My wonderful boyfriend moved here with me in 2015 after a hard year of a long-distance relationship. Life is always better with his support, and that is no different here in KC.
I will try to write more and continue to document my pursuit of a career focused on serious mental illnesses! Thanks for reading!
I was admitted to UMKC to begin in Fall 2014 with a lab focused on serious mental illness. Since then, I have been involved with a project collaborating with a local community hospital and their treatment program Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET). CET helps people diagnosed with serious mental illness (primarily schizophrenia and autism) learn neurocognitive and social cognitive skills. Reading my last post reminded me how long I've been wanting to be involved with treatment research. I couldn't ask for a better project to be involved with. I absolutely love it. Our collaborators are awesome and really care about the people they work with. Our Co-Primary Investigator is one of the most skilled clinicians I have ever met (especially working with individuals with schizophrenia). I am so grateful for my mentor who pushed this project along and has been very supportive along the way. We have been very lucky to have this project funded since it has begun. I love observing and participating in groups, spending time with each participant (especially learning each person's unique perspectives), and sharing our project with the world. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the project.
I have also very much enjoyed formal practicum experiences. I began clinical practicum in my second year in the program (last year). I started at a local free clinic conducting individual therapy. This was my first time doing therapy. It was admittedly challenging and frustrating, but I truly enjoyed working with diverse people and having the opportunity to be invited into each person's world. This year, I have begun working at a local state psychiatric hospital. This practicum is on its way to becoming one of my most favorite experiences ever. I am facilitating individual therapy and group therapy. My unit is a long-term psychiatric unit with individuals with serious mental illness. My therapy clients primarily are diagnosed with schizophrenia. Before working here, I decided that individual therapy was "not for me". However, I am enjoying it so much now that I am reconsidering this. The people I work with are extremely open, gracious, and just enjoyable to be around. People on the unit amaze me with their resiliency and determination to reach their goals, despite being stuck somewhere largely against their will.
I have enjoyed my academic life at UMKC as well. The classes here have been challenging and very applicable to my future career. I am ending my semester and have one more class next semester. I have always been eager to learn, but am admittedly looking forward to being finished with coursework.
I have had a lot of different Teaching Assistantships since starting here at UMKC. Many of it has been positive, but other aspects have discouraged me from pursuing academia. I will keep the option open, but lately have been thinking about non-academic research and/or clinical careers. I have a bit of time to decide, but that's where I am now!
I can't neglect to mention the awesome friends I have met here. I wouldn't have been able to get through the tough times I've had here without my KC friends. I moved here to pursue my education and career, but was pleasantly surprised by the awesome people I have met along the way. My wonderful boyfriend moved here with me in 2015 after a hard year of a long-distance relationship. Life is always better with his support, and that is no different here in KC.
I will try to write more and continue to document my pursuit of a career focused on serious mental illnesses! Thanks for reading!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
First Year Complete
Wow, it's been even longer than I thought since I last wrote. My last entry was after the first semester and before the second even started. That seems to foreshadow how bustling this semester was!!!
I am currently enrolled full-time at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington in the Psychology Master's degree program. My concentration, General, is mostly meant to prepare students for research careers and/or to enroll in Ph.D. programs. I resisted this option (e.g. first earning a Master's degree then going to Ph.D., rather than straight to Ph.D.), but I can say now that I am really glad I ended up on this path. I was very stubborn about NOT doing a Master's first, but as it appears to be the best (and sometimes only) option for Ph.D. preparation, I am definitely starting to feel more ready.
This semester I joined another lab to gain more cognitive research experience. I am broadly interested in the rehabilitation and recovery of schizophrenia. I would love to become involved in a treatment-based research lab (such as development of a targeted social skills training program). I am also interested in involvement with a cognitive lab that either investigates cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, or develops cognitive remediation programs.
I am currently in what is called the Mental Illness & Recovery Lab. My project is working with the local Mental Health Court program. My thesis (pending prospectus approval) will be looking at the contributing factors of re-offending in these participants (namely criminal thinking and empathy). Mental health courts are diversion programs for individuals with mental illness involved in the justice system. Our research will help inform targeted treatments to reduce re-offense (for example, CBT programs targeted to reduce criminal thinking, which are available and have been tested mostly with incarcerated offenders).
The other lab I joined, the ACT (the Aging & Cognitive Training) Lab. This semester, I worked with the lab coordinators to develop a project that will evaluate the relationship between source memory and empathy. These two cognitive processes are impaired in schizophrenia. Although we will not be testing individuals with schizophrenia, establishing a relationship in psychiatrically healthy individuals may be useful to guide future research with individuals with schizophrenia. I worked on lots of literature review and started a write-up for this project. Hopefully data collection will follow in the fall semester.
Working in two labs definitely filled the extra time in my schedule I was concerned about having. I also was offered 5 extra TA hours working with the learning center to mentor students on academic probation. This was a very useful experience (minus the negative, which was a very high dropout rate) and I felt like I helped students either improve their academics or just figure out their life!
I really enjoyed the two classes I took this semester. First, Cognitive Psychology. I always LOVE cognitive classes. I find cognition to be so fascinating. I learned a lot of interesting new things about cognition, but by-far, my favorite part of the class was writing the paper. We basically could write about whatever we wanted, as long as it related directly to cognitive psychology. I started off broad, but then decided to write about Mindfulness Yoga for Schizophrenia. Surprisingly, mindfulness and/or yoga has been used for schizophrenia, mostly to reduce stress & anxiety. I focused my writing on the potential cognitive benefits of mindfulness yoga for schizophrenia. Mindfulness and/or yoga uses many focused attention practices, thus may be a candidate training program for schizophrenia. And, importantly, it is a recovery-oriented treatment, meaning it increases self-awareness and improves quality of life.
Second, Research Methods. We basically learned to critique research articles throughout the class. I really needed this. I now read literature much more critically than I did before. I am glad I completed this class before submitting my undergraduate research anywhere for publication (fingers crossed). After this year, I realize that I probably was not really ready for doctoral-level training. I feel that after masters-level training is complete, it will be a much smoother transition to doctoral work.
So, this summer will consist of GRE prep (will take likely early August), publication prep (my unpublished undergraduate honors research), and thesis writing. I originally was considering getting a job to avoid dipping into the loans even more, but I think I will have plenty to do without one. I was feeling very stressed at the end of the semester, and I few months off will be nice. Oh, and fun things for me to do (!): lots of running/working out, 5Ks, beach days, exploring Wilmington/NC cities, and gourmet eating. Aaaahhh, so glad summer is here.....
I am currently enrolled full-time at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington in the Psychology Master's degree program. My concentration, General, is mostly meant to prepare students for research careers and/or to enroll in Ph.D. programs. I resisted this option (e.g. first earning a Master's degree then going to Ph.D., rather than straight to Ph.D.), but I can say now that I am really glad I ended up on this path. I was very stubborn about NOT doing a Master's first, but as it appears to be the best (and sometimes only) option for Ph.D. preparation, I am definitely starting to feel more ready.
This semester I joined another lab to gain more cognitive research experience. I am broadly interested in the rehabilitation and recovery of schizophrenia. I would love to become involved in a treatment-based research lab (such as development of a targeted social skills training program). I am also interested in involvement with a cognitive lab that either investigates cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, or develops cognitive remediation programs.
I am currently in what is called the Mental Illness & Recovery Lab. My project is working with the local Mental Health Court program. My thesis (pending prospectus approval) will be looking at the contributing factors of re-offending in these participants (namely criminal thinking and empathy). Mental health courts are diversion programs for individuals with mental illness involved in the justice system. Our research will help inform targeted treatments to reduce re-offense (for example, CBT programs targeted to reduce criminal thinking, which are available and have been tested mostly with incarcerated offenders).
The other lab I joined, the ACT (the Aging & Cognitive Training) Lab. This semester, I worked with the lab coordinators to develop a project that will evaluate the relationship between source memory and empathy. These two cognitive processes are impaired in schizophrenia. Although we will not be testing individuals with schizophrenia, establishing a relationship in psychiatrically healthy individuals may be useful to guide future research with individuals with schizophrenia. I worked on lots of literature review and started a write-up for this project. Hopefully data collection will follow in the fall semester.
Working in two labs definitely filled the extra time in my schedule I was concerned about having. I also was offered 5 extra TA hours working with the learning center to mentor students on academic probation. This was a very useful experience (minus the negative, which was a very high dropout rate) and I felt like I helped students either improve their academics or just figure out their life!
I really enjoyed the two classes I took this semester. First, Cognitive Psychology. I always LOVE cognitive classes. I find cognition to be so fascinating. I learned a lot of interesting new things about cognition, but by-far, my favorite part of the class was writing the paper. We basically could write about whatever we wanted, as long as it related directly to cognitive psychology. I started off broad, but then decided to write about Mindfulness Yoga for Schizophrenia. Surprisingly, mindfulness and/or yoga has been used for schizophrenia, mostly to reduce stress & anxiety. I focused my writing on the potential cognitive benefits of mindfulness yoga for schizophrenia. Mindfulness and/or yoga uses many focused attention practices, thus may be a candidate training program for schizophrenia. And, importantly, it is a recovery-oriented treatment, meaning it increases self-awareness and improves quality of life.
Second, Research Methods. We basically learned to critique research articles throughout the class. I really needed this. I now read literature much more critically than I did before. I am glad I completed this class before submitting my undergraduate research anywhere for publication (fingers crossed). After this year, I realize that I probably was not really ready for doctoral-level training. I feel that after masters-level training is complete, it will be a much smoother transition to doctoral work.
So, this summer will consist of GRE prep (will take likely early August), publication prep (my unpublished undergraduate honors research), and thesis writing. I originally was considering getting a job to avoid dipping into the loans even more, but I think I will have plenty to do without one. I was feeling very stressed at the end of the semester, and I few months off will be nice. Oh, and fun things for me to do (!): lots of running/working out, 5Ks, beach days, exploring Wilmington/NC cities, and gourmet eating. Aaaahhh, so glad summer is here.....
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Academic Generosities
After being away from school for a year and being given the wonderful opportunity to return, I have realized some academic "pluses", "extras", etc. that schools give their students. All on this list will be things inexpensive or free and of academic or cultural nature. Things I appreciate and enjoy in being a student.
1. Guest Lectures
I realized I really missed the opportunity to be invited to guest lectures on campus. I just went to one titled: "The behavioral and neural basis of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) - induced memory impairments: What animal models reveal." Dr. David Harper from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand was the guest. I really enjoyed listening to his research, findings, and implications. There is so much wonderful research being done around the world; being a student in college gives you a plethora of opportunities to learn about just a fraction of what is being done.
2. Cultural Performances
I love that dance performances, plays, poetry, etc. are available right on campus on multiple occasions. I enjoyed many at Ursinus, but have not been to any here yet. I hope to attend one soon.
3. Interest Groups
At Ursinus I was involved in Active Minds, Psychology Club, and started The Running Club. Here at UNCW I am involved in PGSA and NAMI on campus. I love making a difference in these student-run groups and meeting others passionate about what I'm passionate about. I have had nothing but positive experiences in campus groups.
4. Studying
There, I said it. I enjoy studying. Well, it's not as simple as that. I enjoy being challenged to fill my brain with facts and methods (some feel more relevant than others), and being tested to see how well I did. No, I do not particularly enjoy the test itself, or receiving the grades, but I love the challenge.
5. Other Students
Being a student in college is one of the best opportunities to meet people from all over the world with all different experiences. Especially in grad school, I have really enjoyed getting to know people I would never have met had I not come down here at good old UNCW.
6. Professors
College professors are definitely one of the nicest AND smartest population of people I can generalize about. Here at UNCW every professor I have met has been very friendly and enthusiastic. My mentor here and my TA advisor (the two professors I am in closest contact with) are extremely helpful and encouraging.
7. Writing
I love writing and doing literature reviews. In my year off from college, this is what I missed most. I am currently working on publishing my undergraduate research (a slow process), and have lots of fun doing it. I hope to get it submitted somewhere by the end of the semester. I would love to have a publication before applying to Ph.D. programs. Reading and and all research about schizophrenia is definitely one of my unique hobbies that I will never give up :).
There it is. I definitely have things I like MORE about grad school than undergraduate, but I will save that for another post ;).
1. Guest Lectures
I realized I really missed the opportunity to be invited to guest lectures on campus. I just went to one titled: "The behavioral and neural basis of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) - induced memory impairments: What animal models reveal." Dr. David Harper from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand was the guest. I really enjoyed listening to his research, findings, and implications. There is so much wonderful research being done around the world; being a student in college gives you a plethora of opportunities to learn about just a fraction of what is being done.
2. Cultural Performances
I love that dance performances, plays, poetry, etc. are available right on campus on multiple occasions. I enjoyed many at Ursinus, but have not been to any here yet. I hope to attend one soon.
3. Interest Groups
At Ursinus I was involved in Active Minds, Psychology Club, and started The Running Club. Here at UNCW I am involved in PGSA and NAMI on campus. I love making a difference in these student-run groups and meeting others passionate about what I'm passionate about. I have had nothing but positive experiences in campus groups.
4. Studying
There, I said it. I enjoy studying. Well, it's not as simple as that. I enjoy being challenged to fill my brain with facts and methods (some feel more relevant than others), and being tested to see how well I did. No, I do not particularly enjoy the test itself, or receiving the grades, but I love the challenge.
5. Other Students
Being a student in college is one of the best opportunities to meet people from all over the world with all different experiences. Especially in grad school, I have really enjoyed getting to know people I would never have met had I not come down here at good old UNCW.
6. Professors
College professors are definitely one of the nicest AND smartest population of people I can generalize about. Here at UNCW every professor I have met has been very friendly and enthusiastic. My mentor here and my TA advisor (the two professors I am in closest contact with) are extremely helpful and encouraging.
7. Writing
I love writing and doing literature reviews. In my year off from college, this is what I missed most. I am currently working on publishing my undergraduate research (a slow process), and have lots of fun doing it. I hope to get it submitted somewhere by the end of the semester. I would love to have a publication before applying to Ph.D. programs. Reading and and all research about schizophrenia is definitely one of my unique hobbies that I will never give up :).
There it is. I definitely have things I like MORE about grad school than undergraduate, but I will save that for another post ;).
Friday, August 24, 2012
First Official Week
So it is just about the end of my first week. I have met the majority of people from the program (although not everyone). Everyone I have met is very friendly and nice. Everyone is from different areas of the U.S., which I think is pretty cool. There is a pretty wide age range as well, a good amount of people took a year off as I did. There are three programs - ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), General, and SATP (Substance Abuse Treatment Psychology). I am in the general track - the goal for the program is basically to get you more experience to be a strong candidate for a Ph.D. program. The other two tracks are preparing to get licensed and work after graduation.
We had 3 orientations - one for the psych department, one for the grad school, and one for TAs (teaching assistants). They were all pretty informative, but pretty tiring as well (each was 3 hours long). Who knew they had so much to orient us about? At least we got a free t-shirt out of it :).
My first classes were on Thursday (I have a T/Th schedule, some students do have classes Wednesday). Physiological Psychology will be good, I always love neuroscience classes so I am looking forward to that. We didn't get too much into the material but I know I will enjoy it, as always (I <3 Neuroscience).
I met with my TA and he was very nice. I will be doing a lot of grading, maybe some proctoring, maybe teach a class. And I got a free textbook (he is a coauthor on the book for the class)!!
Research Methods was.....research methods. It's strange, I love research when I am participating in data collection, plugging in, analyzing, etc...but the straight numbers tend to bore me. I am going to try hard to improve my understanding & love of math and statistics. I really need to improve to be a better scientist/statistician/researcher. AND it might help with the GREs :). It was not excruciatingly boring though, so that's a good sign!
Oh and I got to see my lab. There is a brand new Psychology building that was built (actually just finished the week before classes). Each professor has their own lab space - ours is 3 rooms with 3 computers and a lounge area. It is a really nice space essentially just for me and my mentor (I am currently the only grad student). I think I will be using it a lot :).
So I got my student ID and parking pass. It's official - I am a UNCW student :). I am really excited to be back in school. The year off actually upped my motivation to be in school and reach towards my long-term goals. I imagine things will be getting very busy very fast. I'm not sure what to expect for graduate school - all I keep hearing is that I will not be bored and it will be challenging. Sounds good to me!
We had 3 orientations - one for the psych department, one for the grad school, and one for TAs (teaching assistants). They were all pretty informative, but pretty tiring as well (each was 3 hours long). Who knew they had so much to orient us about? At least we got a free t-shirt out of it :).
My first classes were on Thursday (I have a T/Th schedule, some students do have classes Wednesday). Physiological Psychology will be good, I always love neuroscience classes so I am looking forward to that. We didn't get too much into the material but I know I will enjoy it, as always (I <3 Neuroscience).
I met with my TA and he was very nice. I will be doing a lot of grading, maybe some proctoring, maybe teach a class. And I got a free textbook (he is a coauthor on the book for the class)!!
Research Methods was.....research methods. It's strange, I love research when I am participating in data collection, plugging in, analyzing, etc...but the straight numbers tend to bore me. I am going to try hard to improve my understanding & love of math and statistics. I really need to improve to be a better scientist/statistician/researcher. AND it might help with the GREs :). It was not excruciatingly boring though, so that's a good sign!
Oh and I got to see my lab. There is a brand new Psychology building that was built (actually just finished the week before classes). Each professor has their own lab space - ours is 3 rooms with 3 computers and a lounge area. It is a really nice space essentially just for me and my mentor (I am currently the only grad student). I think I will be using it a lot :).
So I got my student ID and parking pass. It's official - I am a UNCW student :). I am really excited to be back in school. The year off actually upped my motivation to be in school and reach towards my long-term goals. I imagine things will be getting very busy very fast. I'm not sure what to expect for graduate school - all I keep hearing is that I will not be bored and it will be challenging. Sounds good to me!
Monday, August 13, 2012
One more week
I am slowly feeling like I am knowing my way around the area a little better. First with my food endeavors. On Saturday, I went to a place called Carolina Farmin' (http://carolinafarmin.com/) that I heard from several sources is a great place for locally-grown, inexpensive produce. Well, I was not disappointed! I got peaches, plums, kale, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash all for about ten bucks!! Finally, a grocery store I really enjoy. They also carry inexpensive bulk items (I will be coming back when I run out of flax seeds :)). The main chain grocery stores around here are Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and Lowes, none of which impress me. I have not been to the local Whole Foods or Costco, but I have heard good things about both.
Other lovely places I have been include The Ivy Cottage, World Market, and Fire and Spice. The Ivy Cottage is a large consignment/thrift store. They have a lot of interesting things there if you are into antiques. All are appropriately priced (I hate consignment shops with a bunch of used junk that is way overpriced). World Market is a chain store that I have never been to (not sure if there are any in the Philadelphia area). They have lots of different things, including jewelry, furniture, decorations, and gourmet food items. I will definitely be returning here to buy gifts and home decor :). Fire and Spice is a small gourmet foods shop that is located in the Cotton Exchange (building with several shops) in downtown Wilmington. I enjoy this store for its local items, large selection of hot sauce, and random delicious-looking food items.
I have been cooking some lovely meals for myself as well. I made a few too many unhealthy meals, but am now getting back into eating healthy. I got a large amount of vegetables recently so am going to be eating those up:). It is not excruciating for me to eat healthy because I do enjoy getting flavors from spices rather than fats. And I know my body feels better when I eat better. To go along with that, I have been trying to do some type of workout every day. I was doing Insanity for a while but today did the Jillian Michael's '30 Day Shred' and remembered how much I liked it. I think I may try to do it all the way through this time.
It was nice having this time to explore the area and get myself settled, but I am definitely ready for school to start. Having a structure is good for me. Orientation is Monday August 20th, one week from today :)!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Getting in the groove
I have tried out some delicious restaurants - including Wasabi Sushi, Genki Sushi, and Flaming Amy's. I am trying to find the best sushi restaurant around here because I LOVE it. I have previously tried Nikki's Sushi (a small chain around here) and was very disappointed. Matt and I used to go to Bonjung Sushi in Collegeville when I went to Ursinus and LOVED it. It was definitely one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Right now, of the three I have tried, Genki Sushi is winning. Flaming Amy's was delicious as the reviews stated - I got a speciality burrito with chicken and it was very yummy. The Copper Penny is definitely winning overall though. It is a Philadelphia sports bar in downtown Wilmington - but that's not the reason I love it. The food is bar food - but awesome bar food.
I have done a lot of shopping and exploring the area as well. From my location, it usually takes me about 15 minutes to get where I need to go - which is fine with me. Pretty much the same situation as I was living in West Chester - any shopping I needed to do was in Exton usually, about 15 minutes away. It will also take me anywhere from 10-15 minutes to get to school (depending on traffic). Anyway, there is a Target, Homegoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and lots of other chains. I will miss Wegman's, H&M, and DSW a lot. The only problem with Wilmington is that if it does not have the store you want (which it usually does) you have to go pretty far to get it (either Charlotte - 3.5 hrs or Myrtle Beach - 1.5 hrs)
I volunteered with Cattails adoption agency stationed at Petsmart. That was fun (can't wait to have my own cat!!!). I went to the farmer's market - that was nice, I probably will visit again (it's every Saturday). I went to the DMV to take my driver test to get my new NC license (which I PASSED by the way). The same day I went to Walmart. If you want to see the "rough" people from Wilmington, I advise to either visit Walmart or the DMV :). I have been slowly decorating and unpacking just about every day. It is finally almost done! Above is a picture of me sitting in my office/2nd bedroom. I really love the natural light that comes in. I got nice blue curtains (for $3.29 a pair at goodwill by the way) for each room that still need to go in the office (I ran out of nails and had to wait to do those). And I went to Antique stores on Castle St. (there are a ton of cool antique shops here - still plenty to visit that I have not yet).
The weather here is very strange lately (I am not sure if it is the norm yet or not. People have told me that it's normal around here than others have said it is very unusual and not normal. So I don't know!). Yes, it is hot. But just about every day has rained at very varying intervals of time. It is usually extremely unpredictable rain. It will beautiful blue skies one minute, then ten minutes later a thunderstorm! Yesterday, I was doing my errands, and driving I could barely see and the roads were flooded and there was thunder and lightning. It slowly rained a bit lighter but the sky was still dark. I went into a store for about a half hour and came back out and it was beautifully sunny and lovely blue skies. STRANGE!
I met with my mentor last week and am meeting with her again tomorrow. We went to mental health court and met with the judge and the psychologist and the rest of the treatment team. It was a new and enlightening experience. I will either be doing research here or with a new project starting with cognitive enhancement therapy (I am hoping this one goes through, as it is more closely related to my research interests). I am very glad I can get started on things before school starts. I am excited to start. The week of the 20th is when orientation and classes all start. Whooohooo!! I have been ready for graduate school since last year and I am so excited the time is finally here.
Today's agenda is.....Insanity (workout I currently love. I wanted to lose a few more pounds before school starts but it has been harder than I thought. I have trouble in general when I do not have a busy and set schedule. We will see what I can do :)). Clean up/ organize the living room and my bedroom. Check the mail. Oh and read my articles I have been putting off too long!
Goodbye friends
Monday, July 30, 2012
My new journey
Hello world!
I thought I would start a blog documenting my new ambition to earn my Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Today is the third day I have been moved into my new apartment in Wilmington, North Carolina. My family and boyfriend helped me move in on the weekend and left this morning. I have been slowly unpacking and decorating all day.
My first thoughts about the Wilmington area are optimistic but still unsure, of course.
Pros:
Lots of restaurants (I have become quite the foodie in the past year or two)
Near the beach (more of a pro for Matt)
New culture (I really like the idea of finally experiencing a different area)
Many shopping options
Warmer winters
Cons:
Far from home (relatively)
Hot weather (has been very hot and humid this weekend and is raining right now!)
Lots of big roads and not as many residential areas (prob will figure this out when I get familiarized with the area)
BUT the real reason I am moving here is not the area but the school. I will be getting a wonderful research opportunity here. I will be getting my Masters degree in General Psychology at UNCW (en route to my Ph.D. somewhere else afterwards). I am very excited to be getting back into research - my true passion. I worked in a psychiatric rehabilitation program this past year. I liked it - but it made me realize how much I really love research. I missed research a lot when I was away from it.
I will specifically doing schizophrenia rehabilitation research. If all goes as planned, my mentor and myself will be starting a new project related to cognitive enhancement programs for schizophrenia. I originally thought I would be working on an ongoing project related to mental health courts and serious mental illness. This is loosely related to my research interests - but cognitive rehabilitation is more what I want to do. I am very happy my mentor was able to start a new project so closely aligning my research interests!
This week I will be unpacking and getting settled, maybe meeting with professors before classes start in a few weeks. I have never lived in another state but it is exciting!
More to come later......
I thought I would start a blog documenting my new ambition to earn my Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Today is the third day I have been moved into my new apartment in Wilmington, North Carolina. My family and boyfriend helped me move in on the weekend and left this morning. I have been slowly unpacking and decorating all day.
My first thoughts about the Wilmington area are optimistic but still unsure, of course.
Pros:
Lots of restaurants (I have become quite the foodie in the past year or two)
Near the beach (more of a pro for Matt)
New culture (I really like the idea of finally experiencing a different area)
Many shopping options
Warmer winters
Cons:
Far from home (relatively)
Hot weather (has been very hot and humid this weekend and is raining right now!)
Lots of big roads and not as many residential areas (prob will figure this out when I get familiarized with the area)
BUT the real reason I am moving here is not the area but the school. I will be getting a wonderful research opportunity here. I will be getting my Masters degree in General Psychology at UNCW (en route to my Ph.D. somewhere else afterwards). I am very excited to be getting back into research - my true passion. I worked in a psychiatric rehabilitation program this past year. I liked it - but it made me realize how much I really love research. I missed research a lot when I was away from it.
I will specifically doing schizophrenia rehabilitation research. If all goes as planned, my mentor and myself will be starting a new project related to cognitive enhancement programs for schizophrenia. I originally thought I would be working on an ongoing project related to mental health courts and serious mental illness. This is loosely related to my research interests - but cognitive rehabilitation is more what I want to do. I am very happy my mentor was able to start a new project so closely aligning my research interests!
This week I will be unpacking and getting settled, maybe meeting with professors before classes start in a few weeks. I have never lived in another state but it is exciting!
More to come later......
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