Maine Psychological Association News, Articles and Updates

MePA News: March 2026

Erin McMullan — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:24:04 GMT

Link to newsletter

Dirigo: A Call to Action in Solidarity with our New Mainer Communities
Announcement: MePA Names Secretary
CE Opportunities and more!

MEPA News: February 2026 Black History Month

Erin McMullan — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:55:56 GMT

A Tribute to Dr. Carolyn R. Payton by Doug Kimmel
MaineHealth Job Opportunity!
MePA Welcomes Drs. Carol Ann Faigin and Sandra MacPhail
MePA Signs On to Immigration Support Letter
2026 PSLC Equips MePA to Lead and Advocate More Effectively
Link to CE Opportunity

MEPA News: January 2026

Erin McMullan — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:01:05 GMT

Video message from Stacy Whitcomb-Smith, MePA President
Legislative Update!
And more

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MePA Newsletter: December 2025

Erin McMullan — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 14:15:50 GMT

Message from MePA President Jeff Matranga

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MePA Newsletter: November 2025

Erin McMullan — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:27:17 GMT

Highlights from MePA’s 2025 Annual Conference, the 75th Anniversary Celebration, & More!

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MePA Newsletter: October 2025

Erin McMullan — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:25:23 GMT

MePA Member Mary Donahue Shares Autism Resource

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MePA Newsletter: September 2025

Erin McMullan — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:29:13 GMT

Message from the President: MePA’s 75th Anniversary

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: August 2025

Erin McMullan — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:14:33 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: JULY 2025

Erin McMullan — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:37:11 GMT

https://mailchi.mp/mepa/mepa-july-enews-13839837

Mainers – and their therapists – experiencing new stress during pandemic

MJ Designs — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 21:16:36 GMT

“I keep hearing ‘If I only knew when this would end,'” Alexandra Lash, a clinical psychologist who practices in Portland, said.

Mental health providers in Maine say their clients are reporting new stresses, heightened anxiety and worsened depression. Their field has made a dramatic shift to telehealth, which could expand access to care in the future but right now is causing gaps for some. The Opportunity Alliance reported that the state’s crisis line got 250 to 300 daily calls last week, which is consistent with usual volume, but experts are worried about an increased risk for self-harm or suicide. New programs are aimed at connecting people with professional support, maybe for the first time.

Health care workers are a special concern. And even the therapists themselves are not immune to the pressures facing clients who come to them for help.

Read article

MEPA NEWSLETTER: June 2025

MJ Designs — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 15:42:31 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: May 2025

MJ Designs — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:40:04 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: April 2025

MJ Designs — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:41:46 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: March 2025

MJ Designs — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:39:15 GMT

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MePA Newsletter: February 2025

MJ Designs — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:37:25 GMT

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Heiser Award Honors Dr. Diana Prescott’s Pioneering Advocacy in Rural Psychology

MJ Designs — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 22:16:21 GMT

The American Psychological Association (APA) has honored Dr. Diana Prescott, PhD, a dedicated Maine psychologist, with the prestigious Heiser Award for her nearly three decades of advocating for rural and underserved communities.

The Heiser Award recognizes Dr. Prescott’s exceptional commitment to leadership and improving access to mental health services for these populations.

Dr. Prescott, a longtime advocate for equitable healthcare, draws on firsthand experience growing up on a farm and practicing in rural Hampden, Maine. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities fuels her dedication to expanding access to quality mental health services.

“Growing up on a farm, I witnessed the challenges of rural life, including suicide and teen pregnancy,” Dr. Prescott said. “I vowed to tirelessly advocate for the psychological health of rural and underserved populations.”

As the Federal Advocacy Coordinator for the Maine Psychological Association (MePA), Dr. Prescott has helped shape national policies to address the needs of marginalized populations. “Diana is a born leader,” said Jeff Matranga, MePA Board President. Dr. Prescott also served on the APA Board of Directors and chaired the APA Committee on Rural Health, further demonstrating her extensive expertise.

Dr. Prescott’s advocacy has also earned her international recognition. She has presented on rural integrated care at major conferences worldwide, addressing professional audiences in Slovenia, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Canada. Her efforts have played a crucial role in raising awareness of rural health issues and promoting equity in mental health services.

“The Heiser Award honors Dr. Prescott’s lifelong dedication to improving mental health care for rural populations,” Matranga added. In addition to this award, Dr. Prescott has received numerous accolades, including the APA Practice Organization’s Federal Advocacy Award and a 2023 APA Presidential Citation for her contributions to psychology.

“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Mayra Zoe Ortiz and APA’s Division 31 for recognizing my work championing legislation to meet the needs of rural people,” Prescott said, adding, “It is such an honor to join my esteemed colleagues who have received the Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award.”

Dr. Prescott earned her BA in Psychology and Spanish from Butler University and her MA and PhD in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, specializing in rural community psychology. She has held many leadership roles at both APA and MePA, garnering several awards, including the 2023 APA Presidential Citation and the APA Practice Organization’s Federal Advocacy Award.

About the Heiser Award

The Heiser Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and advocacy in psychology. It honors those who contribute significantly to advancing the profession and improving mental health care, particularly for underserved populations. Recipients are acknowledged for their dedication and impact at both national and international levels.

About the Maine Psychological Association

The Maine Psychological Association’s mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare. The organization’s membership consists of psychologists, academicians, researchers, students, and other professionals committed to the practice of psychology. MePA helps consumers identify psychologists around the state for referral and provides a searchable online database at no charge. For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.

Letter to the Editor (Pride month 2024)

MJ Designs — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:18:58 GMT

This June the Maine Psychological Association (MePA) shares our PRIDE by showing our support and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community across the state of Maine!

The Pride celebration tradition originated as a way to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment that catalyzed the modern gay liberation movement in the United States. The events at the Stonewall Inn ignited a series of protests and demonstrations that brought attention to the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. Pride celebrations now also honor the work of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, trans women of color who created safe havens for trans youth and fought for the inclusion of trans people in the gay liberation movement. Maine’s first Pride parade was in 1987; and June has been the official Pride month in the United States since 1999.

In the past several years, we have seen unprecedented attacks on people who identify as LGBTQIA+, particularly on transgender and gender diverse youth. Psychologists’ allyship and commitment to affirming care for all is more important than ever before, as research continues to show that when LGBTQIA+ youth feel recognized, supported and valued by their communities their mental health improves and suicide risk decreases.

This year the American Psychological Association (APA) and MePA have enacted research-based policies and position statements supporting the LGBTQIA+ community (https://mepa.org/mission-leadership/). In February 2024, APA joined other major medical organizations by affirming psychologists’ support for access to quality health care for all regardless of their gender identity.

As an organization, MePA is proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, during Pride month and throughout the year. Throughout the state, psychologists will be participating in Pride-related events, showing our support for our communities and our commitment to LGBTQIA+-affirming care. We hope you will join us!

To learn more about MePA or to find a psychologist near you, please visit: https://mepa.org/

Jeff Matranga
Maine Psychological Association Board President

Interventions Promoting Safe Storage of Firearms: Time and Space

MJ Designs — Thu, 09 May 2024 22:20:15 GMT

By Mary P. Donahue, Ph.D.

COR Representative – Maine

The Second Amendment – The Right to Bear Arms – just reading those words can elicit a myriad of thoughts and feelings; some logical, some less so, and all nuanced. The fact remains, however, that the right to own firearms is an important part of American culture and, for many, critical to individual identity. Here in Maine, the nation’s most rural state, gun ownership is highly personal to individuals concerned with safety, sports, hunting, and collecting. Regardless of current debates, firearms are here to stay.

Mental health needs are also not going away but, rather, increasing almost exponentially. More than 1 in 5 people nationwide are experiencing mental health issues, with Maine’s population landing in the higher-than-average category at 25% of our population having a mental health condition¹. The suicide rate here is also higher than average: 18.1% vs the national average of 14%^2,3. It is the second leading cause of death for young people. Suicide is indeed a public health crisis.

Now, putting together firearms and mental health, one no doubt sees a strong connection. Research does, in fact, demonstrate that access to firearms is associated with increased suicide risk and that handguns especially elevate that risk⁴, as does keeping handguns loaded when not in use and the use of alcohol in coping⁵. Firearms availability indeed contributes significantly to suicide deaths; there is a positive correlation between ease of access and suicide attempts.

Nationally, firearms are used in more than half of suicide deaths³, and in more than three-quarters of suicide deaths in Maine⁶. Unfortunately, the stigma attached to suicide, and the politics surrounding guns, makes it difficult for many to discuss the issue, even when it pertains to healthy living. Indeed, mental and medical health can talk about smoking, mindfulness, exercise and other beneficial decisions. As mental health professionals, we likely have talked with someone about self-harm and suicidal ideation. We may make safety plans. We are mandated to report. We may have talked about locking up medications or knives, read about bridge barriers, given helpline information…but many hesitate to screen for or specifically discuss suicide and firearms. One reason for this is that many practitioners lack knowledge about how to have such polarizing conversations without putting rapport at risk.

Nevertheless, research demonstrates that having those conversations about suicide and firearms safety can cause actions that directly intervene between the time one decides to act, and the attempt. This is important because we know that this interval can be as short as 5 or 10 minutes⁷. We also know that the method by which one decides to act typically doesn’t change, even when that means is restricted⁸. Finally, studies demonstrate a significant reduction in attempts and deaths when practitioners discuss access to firearms⁹. Thus, practitioners may hold crucial, lifesaving roles when properly educated and informed about safe storage. I wish I had known this myself a few years ago when my own practice was affected by a firearms-related suicide loss.

In the February 2024 APA Council of Representatives meeting, a resolution was adopted entitled, “RESOLUTION ON THE SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS AND LETHAL MEANS SAFETY STRATEGIES TO PREVENT SUICIDES.” This resolution calls upon psychologists to seek training in and to promote safe storage of firearms. Note that this is a resolution to encourage, not mandate (as was a concern during debate.) It is, nonetheless, an important consideration in suicide prevention. You can read the entire resolution here:

APA Resolution on the Secure Storage of Firearms and Lethal Means Safety Strategies to Prevent Suicides

Training is affordable, and practitioners are not required to own or advocate for ownership of guns. We need only to know if guns are available to the at-risk client and how we might become more comfortable in discussing safe storage. This can lead to an increase in time between planning and acting. It can save a life.

There are several programs wherein psychologists can find training. For example, the Veterans Affairs office has both written and video trainings available, as well as an online toolkit for use in the community. Additionally, CALMAmerica is an organization based out of New Hampshire, offering both online and in-person training to mental health providers. It addresses how to work collaboratively with at-risk clients and their families on methods for reducing access to firearms and other lethal means. These trainings can take between 1 and 3 hours, and include familiarization with gun safes or lock boxes, biometric storage, and trigger and barrel locks. They discuss reasoning for storing ammunition separately from the firearm as well as how to address off-site storage. Specific aspects of safety plans may also be discussed. In short, it might take very little to make a considerable difference.

To recap, Maine has high firearms ownership and high mental illness rates. Access to firearms increases the risk of suicide deaths. The more time elapsing between suicide plans and suicide actions, the greater chance of an intervention (time, interruption, impulsivity quelled, re-thinking, and reaching out for help, for example) that can save a life. Psychologists have a distinctive opportunity to contribute to that time and space. Training in that area is available and readily accessible.

Mary P. Donahue, Ph.D.
COR Representative – Maine

References

Mental Health in Maine – NAMI Maine Stats and Facts
Amid national increase in suicide deaths, Maine sees decline | Maine Public
Suicide Data and Statistics | Suicide Prevention | CDC
Studdert DM, Zhang Y, Swanson SA, et al. Handgun ownership and suicide in California. N Engl J Med2020;382:2220-2229
Army Suicide Prevention Activities Focus on Reducing Lethal Means | Article | The United States Army
Report: Maine’s proportion of firearm deaths by suicide is significantly higher than the nation | Maine Public
Paashaus L, Forkmann T, Glaesmer H, Juckel G, Rath D, Schönfelder A, Teismann T. From decision to action: Suicidal history and time between decision to die and actual suicide attempt. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2021 Nov;28(6):1427-1434. doi: 10.1002/cpp.2580. Epub 2021 Mar 16. PMID: 33687121.
Yip PS, Caine E, Yousuf S, Chang SS, Wu KC, Chen YY. Means Restriction for Suicide Prevention. Lancet. 2012;379(9834):2393-2399.
Boggs, J. M., Beck, A., Ritzwoller, D. P., Battaglia, C., Anderson, H. D., & Lindrooth, R. C. (2020). A 62 Quasi-Experimental Analysis of Lethal Means Assessment and Risk for Subsequent 63 Suicide Attempts and Deaths. Journal of general internal medicine, 35(6), 1709–1714. 64 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-05641-4
Sale E, Hendricks M, Weil V, Miller C, Perkins S, McCudden S. Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM): An Evaluation of a Suicide Prevention Means Restriction Training Program for Mental Health Providers. Community Ment Health J. 2018;54(3):293-301.

MEPA Spring 2024 Newsletter

MJ Designs — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:25:41 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: Winter 2023

MJ Designs — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 18:03:09 GMT

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Maine Psychological Association Names 2023 Psychologist of the Year

MJ Designs — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 21:00:16 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Maine Psychological Association Names Psychologist of the Year

Freeport – The Maine Psychological Association (MePA) named Dr. Rae Egbert as Psychologist of the Year at its 2023 Annual Conference, which focused on embracing diversity and cultivating equitable and inclusive communities.

More than 50 leading psychologists, researchers and students from across Maine attended the all-day training and educational celebration. The association represents Maine psychologists as it advances its mission to advance psychology as a science, profession, and a means of promoting human welfare.

Dr. Rae Egbert, a licensed psychologist with a strong commitment to fostering healing and growth, believes in the power of community and connectedness, emphasizing the importance of increasing security within oneself and with those closest to them. Using evidence-based approaches, Dr. Egbert helps her clients develop therapy goals tailored to their unique strengths and needs.

With a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University Post, Dr. Egbert also holds a Graduate Certificate in LGBT Health Policy and Practice from The George Washington University, a J.D. with a concentration in Child/Family Law from Capital University Law School, and a B.S. in Justice Studies from James Madison University.

With expertise in working with the LGBTQ+ community, trauma, stress-related disorders, substance use disorders, and addictive behaviors, Dr. Egbert brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to therapy.

The association also recognized three standout educators for their exceptional work integrating social-emotional wellness into the classroom. Recipients Jeni Frazee (Waterville Public Schools), Joy Jancewicz (RSU 56), and Catherine Newell (Scarborough Public Schools) were celebrated for championing positive student-teacher relationships, blending academic and socioemotional learning, and advocating for mental health awareness within their districts. Praise centered on the compassionate classroom culture established by each teacher, where mutual understanding and respect enable students to feel secure exploring academic challenges.

“These remarkable educators epitomize the future of teaching we envision for Maine schools,” said MePA President Jamie Pratt, PsyD. “By innovating through a lens of psychological adaptation, they have profoundly impacted their students’ wellbeing and potential.”

The Educator Recognition Program aligns with MePA’s mission to promote welfare through psychology and as pioneers in this initiative, Frazee, Jancewicz, and Newell have set a standard to which hundreds of Maine teachers can aspire.

“We embrace a big-tent philosophy," said Executive Director Randy Moser, emphasizing the theme of this year's conference, titled "Embracing a Culture of Equity, Inclusion, and Community." The event centered on principles of radical acceptance, understanding, and a dedication to health equity.

Presenters included Dr. Idella Glenn, a collaborative leader with more than 29 years of higher education experience focusing on diversity and inclusion initiatives, and Quinn Elleen Gormley, Executive Director of MaineTrans.Net, boasting extensive expertise in community organizing and social justice issues.

During the conference, attendees learned methods to foster understanding, skills to effectively communicate with diverse community members and ways to support marginalized communities.

For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.

The Maine Psychological Association’s mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare. The organization’s membership consists of psychologists, academicians, researchers, students, and other professionals committed to the practice of psychology.

In addition, MePA helps consumers identify psychologists around the state for referral and provides a searchable online database at no charge. For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.

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Annual Conference Opening & Closing from the President

MJ Designs — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:57:28 GMT

Dear MePA Members,

As the end of my term as president approaches, composing this message is bittersweet. It truly has been a privilege to serve MePA, and I am indebted to the many members who volunteer their time to advance the science and practice of psychology for the benefit of the people of Maine. I continue to be humbled by the vast expertise within our organization and grateful to belong to an incredibly compassionate and supportive professional community.

The MePA community is invaluable, and we are proud to adopt an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement (on the previous page) to affirm our commitment to a diverse membership and advancing equity and justice for all Mainers. This statement guides our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive community where all members’ voices are valued, advocate for equitable psychological services, and address inequities in Maine. The statement’s value lies in its ability to drive action, and MePA is ready to act under the leadership of our new Executive Director, Randy Moser, incoming President, Jeff Matranga, and our dedicated psychologists on the Policy Council and Committees.

Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion requires prioritizing cultural competence and humility. We recognize the diverse, intersectional identities of Mainers we serve and the implications of intersecting social identities and contexts for well-being. The MePA’s 2023 Annual Conference theme is “Embracing a Culture of Equity, Inclusion, and Community” and today Dr. Idella Glenn facilitates an interactive workshop to explore the impacts of our social identities, self-reflect on intercultural competence, and establish growth plans. Quinn Gormley, Executive Director of MaineTrans.Net, will also provide training to enhance understanding of Maine’s transgender community, shedding light on health disparities, resilience factors, and best gender-affirming support practices.

MePA’s goal is to offer valuable professional development and opportunities for community-building and collegial connections. We also plan to announce the recipient of the MePA Psychologist of the Year Award and celebrate the accomplishments of three exceptional Maine teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting their students’ social-emotional well-being. We are so glad to have you with us today at the beautiful Haraseeket Inn for this time-honored fall tradition!

With care,

Jamie

Annual Conference Opening & Closing from the President

MJ Designs — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:28:40 GMT

Dear MePA Members,

With care,

Jamie

Maine Psychological Association Names Educators of the Year

MJ Designs — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:24:53 GMT

Freeport – The Maine Psychological Association (MePA) honored three outstanding Maine educators at its Annual Conference on November 3, 2023, during an all-day event at the historic Harraseeket Inn in Freeport that celebrated diversity and excellence in psychology and education.

The MePA Educator Recognition Program recognizes PK-12 educators who prioritize the establishment of positive relationships with their students, effectively integrate social-emotional learning within the classroom, and model leadership and advocacy within their school communities. Recipients of the 2023 Educator Recognition Awards included Jeni Frazee, Waterville Public Schools, Joy Jancewicz, RSU 56, and Catherine Newell, Scarborough Public Schools.

Jeni Frazee, a grade-5 teacher at the Albert S. Hall School, was honored for her trauma-informed approach to supporting students in the classroom. Frazee shows a deep respect for the dignity of all students and adeptness in providing guidance and mentorship to colleagues. She also responds to challenging behaviors in the classroom with empathy and practical coping skill development.

Joy Jancewicz, a grade-4 teacher at Dirigo Elementary School, was recognized for her innovative approach to integrating social-emotional learning into the classroom and commitment to partnering with families to support positive student outcomes. Jancewicz uses “respect circles” to give her students voice and shows unwavering dedication to whole-education and trauma-informed practice.

Elementary Music Educator Catherine Newell received the award for her commitment to the Responsive Classroom approach and skillful integration of self-regulation tools and strategies within the classroom. Newell’s recognition of how traditional classroom expectations may contribute to challenges in emotional and behavioral regulation, coupled with subsequent efforts to create a more inclusive learning environment and curriculum, highlights her dedication to meeting the diverse needs of students.

During the ceremony, MePA President, Jamie Pratt, PsyD congratulated the educators for their exceptionally psychologically minded performance and dedication to advancing positive mental and behavioral health outcomes for Maine students. “These teachers understand the importance of supporting students’ mental and behavioral health and make a tremendous impact by creating psychologically safe environments for learning,” said Pratt.

For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.

In addition, MePA helps consumers identify psychologists around the state for referral and provides a searchable online database at no charge. For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.

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Maine Psychological Association Welcomes Randy Moser as Executive Director

MJ Designs — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 20:59:19 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Maine Psychological Association Welcomes Randy Moser as Executive Director

Saco, Maine (Oct. 11, 2023): The Maine Psychological Association (MePA) announced that Randy Moser joined the organization as Executive Director in September 2023. Moser brings more than two decades of executive nonprofit leadership experience to his role at MePA, and his extensive background in communications, development, and program management makes him a valuable addition to the membership organization.

In his previous roles as Marketing Director at Harbor Care in Nashua, New Hampshire and Director of Development and Communications at Crisis and Counseling Centers in Augusta, Maine, Moser led marketing initiatives and developed innovative fundraising strategies. These skills will be instrumental in advancing MePA's mission.

Moser's direct service experiences as Clinical Manager of the Doorway at Concord, New Hampshire and Site Manager at the HIV/HCV Resource Center in Claremont, New Hampshire reflect his commitment to addressing critical behavioral health issues such as substance use disorder and his leadership in the arena of public health.

Moser holds a master’s degree in liberal studies from the University of New Hampshire, a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maine, and a State University of New York Nonprofit Graduate Management Certificate. He demonstrates a commitment to education and professional development.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Moser has been an active volunteer, contributing his expertise to a wide range of organizations, including Brigid's House of Hope, York County Shelter Programs, the United Way of Kennebec Valley, the United Way of Mid-Maine, and the Kennebec Valley Humane Society.

Mr. Moser succeeds Amy Safford, who previously led MePA as its Executive Director for four years.Under Safford’s leadership, the organization implemented a robust online membership database, grew its membership, expanded its continuing education offerings for psychologists, and received the National 2022 American Psychological Association (APA) Advocacy Award. Safford played a key role in securing an APA grant that was critical for the adoption of Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) legislation that allows Maine psychologists to serve out-of-state clients.

“MePA is confident that Randy's leadership, dynamic approach, and exceptional communication skills will propel the organization toward achieving its mission,” said MePA President Jamie Pratt. She added, “His appointment as Executive Director marks a significant milestone in MePA's commitment to promoting psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare in Maine.”

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Founded in 1950,  MePA has a long history of principled leadership in Maine, represents the 600+ psychologists and psychological examiners in Maine, and has a mission to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare. The organization’s membership consists of psychologists, academicians, researchers, students, and other professionals committed to the practice of psychology.

MEPA Newsletter: Fall 2023

MJ Designs — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:27:51 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: Summer 2023

MJ Designs — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:29:31 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: Spring 2023

MJ Designs — Mon, 01 May 2023 17:01:55 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: Winter 2022

MJ Designs — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:06:00 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: Fall 2022

MJ Designs — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:03:51 GMT

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A Call for Action to Protect our Communities

MJ Designs — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 21:06:52 GMT

By Jamie L. Pratt, PsyD

Gun violence is a major public health concern, and action is needed now more than ever to protect our children and communities. The Maine Psychological Association, an organization whose mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare, urges the adoption of a comprehensive public health approach informed by science to prevent gun violence.

The national statistics are sobering. Firearm-related injuries are now the leading cause of death among children and adolescents, and a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows steeply increasing trends in rates of these preventable deaths. Each year in the United States, 2,100 young people die by gun homicide and 1,200 children and teens die by gun suicide (Everytown for Gun Safety). To put this in perspective, consider that the number of gun-related homicides and suicides in the United States is significantly greater than the number of firearm-related deaths in other high-income countries. One analysis of World Health Organization mortality data from 23 high-income countries revealed that over 90% of children ages 0-14 who were killed by firearms for any reason were from the United States (American Journal of Medicine).

The tragedies of mass shootings and school violence also demands attention. One in four victims of mass shootings in the United States are children, and more than 311,000 students have experienced gun violence at 331 schools since the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999 (Washington Post). Although school shootings remain relatively uncommon, there were more in 2021 than in any year since Columbine. Furthermore, deaths and injuries resulting from gun violence in schools are only part of the problem. Exposure to these events can contribute to a wide range of mental and behavioral health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use.

Although we all take pride in the safety of Maine communities, we would be remiss to assume that our children are immune from the risk of gun violence. There are guns in nearly 50% of Maine households, compared to about 30% nationally (RAND Corporation). Maine high school students are significantly more likely than their national peers to report carrying a weapon on school property (CDC), and our local news reported ten violent threats in Maine schools in the month after the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Suicide rates among Maine youth are also higher than the national average (Maine CDC), and access to guns is a significant risk factor for suicide.

Mainers are not immune to the harms of gun violence. We must open our eyes and our minds to the reality of this threat to public health and ask if we are doing enough to protect our children from preventable death.

The Maine Psychological Association stands behind the open letter to Congress issued by the American Psychological Association and other allied educational mental health professional organizations, and we stand behind the Call for Action to Prevent Gun Violence in the United States of America issued by the Interdisciplinary Group on Preventing School and Community Violence. We urge our fellow Mainers to follow suit and advocate for legislation to prevent gun violence and create safer schools and communities for our children.

Respectfully,

Jamie L. Pratt, PsyD
President, Maine Psychological Association

MEPA NEWSLETTER: Summer 2022

MJ Designs — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 17:04:33 GMT

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Maine Psychological Association Receives National 2022 APA Advocacy Award

MJ Designs — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 21:08:55 GMT

For Immediate Release

Maine Psychological Association Receives National 2022 APA Advocacy Award

Saco, Maine (April 7, 2022) – At the recent national advocacy summit hosted by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Maine Psychological Association was presented with the State Advocacy Award for their leadership in advancing the profession of psychology, health equity, and human rights.

“Maine has partnered with us on issues that impact the scope of practice and reimbursement for psychologists, as well as critical human rights issues at the state level,” said Katherine B. McGuire,
Chief Advocacy Officer at the APA. “Members of the association have really stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park to advance comprehensive advocacy issues at the state and national level.”

Full Award Presentation Remarks by Katherine B. McGuire, APA CAO

The President of the Maine Psychological Association, Jamie Pratt, PsyD, cites the passage of PSYPACT as critical advocacy legislation passed in 2021. “Maine is now one of 28 states that allow licensed psychologists to provide services via telehealth and temporary practice to patients in other compact states. This provides more access to psychological services and continuity of care when a patient travels or relocates.”

The Maine Psychological Association (MePA) is a membership organization whose purpose is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting health and human welfare. Founded in 1950, MePA has a long history of principled leadership in Maine.

MEPA NEWSLETTER: Spring 2022

MJ Designs — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:05:17 GMT

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Maine therapists say people are stressed but there are still reasons for optimism

MJ Designs — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 22:12:12 GMT

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/12/22/news/maine-therapists-say-people-are-stressed-but-there-are-still-reasons-for-optimism-joam40zk0w/

MEPA NEWSLETTER: Winter 2021

MJ Designs — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 18:11:44 GMT

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MEPA NEWSLETTER: Fall 2021

MJ Designs — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 17:09:15 GMT

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Maine Joins PSYPACT

MJ Designs — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 21:13:00 GMT

Contact :

Amy Safford, Executive Director Maine Psychological Association
Asafford@mepa.org
207-621-0732

For Immediate Release

New Maine Law Allows Psychologists to Provide Telehealth, and Temporary In-Person Services to Out-of-State Clients

Maine Joins 25 States in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT).

Saco, Maine (July 23, 2021) – Maine has enacted legislation to allow Maine psychologists to provide services to clients while they are out-of-state. Governor Janet Mills signed ME HB 631 into law on June 22, which becomes effective on September 21, 2021.

The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), is an agreement between participating states allowing licensed psychologists to provide services to patients in other compact states via telehealth or temporary practice for either remote or in-person appointments. The compact includes 25 other states.

“If a patient moves to another state, but already has an established trust and rapport with their therapist, they may prefer to continue their sessions virtually rather than start over again with a new provider,” says Thomas Cooper, PsyD, Maine Psychological Association President.

The legislation also allows psychologists to provide short-term in-person services to patients for up to 30 days in any of the compact states. In addition, residents in Maine can now take advantage of specialty psychologists in other states that may not be available in Maine.

“The legislation requires that psychologists meet acceptable standards of practice and provides better consumer protection across state lines,” says Cooper. “Joining PSYPACT not only increases patient access to care but improves continuity of care when they relocate or travel.”

Maine psychologists must possess an active “E.Passport” issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) to provide telehealth services or possess an active Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC) from the ASPPB to provide in-person services under the compact.

MEPA NEWSLETTER: Summer 2021

MJ Designs — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 17:10:08 GMT

Click here to view in your browser.

MEPA NEWSLETTER: Spring 2021

MJ Designs — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:10:56 GMT

Click here to view in your browser.

Senator King Receives APA Advocacy Champion Award

MJ Designs — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 21:13:44 GMT

Contact: Amy Safford, Executive Director, asafford@mepa.org, 207-621-0732

For Immediate Release

Senator King Receives APA Advocacy Champion Award

Portland, Maine (March 25, 2021): At the American Psychological Association’s 2021 Advocacy Summit, Senator King was awarded the APA's Congressional Champion Award. The APA honored Sens. Angus King (I-Maine) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) for their work in introducing the Mental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act (S.3999) in the 2020 Congress.

This legislation would have permanently expanded Medicare coverage of telehealth services—beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency—to make it possible for Medicare beneficiaries to receive care in their homes and to receive audio-only services for mental and behavioral health care.

“We are delighted and honored that a Maine Senator was chosen for this national award advancing psychology, especially during this historic period when mental health treatment is more vital than ever,” says Maine Psychological Association President Thomas Cooper, PsyD. “Our state association and the APA are advocating for Congress and the Biden Administration to advance tele-behavioral health policies that provide equitable access for all people.

https://vimeo.com/530360407

The Importance of Understanding Disability Insurance Claims

MJ Designs — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 21:14:52 GMT

List serv post Aug. 8, 2020 by Michelle D Schwab, PhD

In our first worldwide pandemic accompanied by huge mental health issues, we do need to be discussing these issues. We should be preparing to deal with unique ‘asks’ for at least the next 6-12+ months. I try to stay very low key about my background but perhaps it's time to come out of the closet in case I can be of service to others. I worked as a "Medical Director" and also a “Physician QA Reviewer” at UNUM for many years, I did a stint as the Lead Medical Director in the Portland office and, until a few months ago, I did some work on the side as a behavioral health disability consultant, reviewing disability claims for other insurance companies. I know more than I want to about how insurance companies view claims for FMLA, STD, and LTD. I have also talked by phone or correspondence with hundreds of health care providers across the country regarding their opinions and the data upon which they are basing said opinion. I have been deposed numerous times regarding these types of cases. In short, I am an expert regarding Behavioral Health disability claims and co-morbid claims involving both medical and BH conditions. This background does pertain to things like requests for accommodations to perform a job remotely. So, there are my bona fides. Out of the closet.

I apologize in advance for the likely length of this post: this is a very complex issue and may be a snooze fest for many. I am not sure if what I offer here will be relevant to any one particular school in Maine, but hopefully it will provide a context for thinking about these matters and your decisions on behalf of your patients. Additionally, it is useful to learn ‘disability-speak’ because a 22-year-old, newly minted claims adjudicator can understand you better—I am not kidding! LOL!

I agree with Tom about the need to be cognizant of intermingling a socioeconomic, politicized health crisis with a data-based request for accommodations or leave of absence. That said, I anticipate a huge influx of disability or FMLA claims as many workers are asked to return to their places of business or perform their duties in new ways. My impression from the news & my own clinical practice is that a significant # of teachers, maybe even a majority, would PREFER remote work at this time and/or expect to revert to remote teaching within weeks. If accurate, the anxious patient's concerns will be moot. But Maine’s viral infection rate is so low that it might be more than a few weeks and many parents will cheer this. Personally, I am becoming a hoarder of specific items in anticipation of a very difficult late Fall and Winter. I hope I am wrong in which case you each will receive a free roll of Charmin. Those who respond to this post will also be eligible for a small bottle of hand sanitizer.[divider line_type="undefined" custom_height="20"]
Teachers in a union may have a separate set of rules for processing various requests for accommodations; some joined a union, some did not, and some are not eligible due to private schools, and so forth. Individual school districts may vary in how they deal with requests for accommodations. A union probably has guidelines on what data is needed. In some places a superintendent or principal may make such decisions. If such requests are sent to a 3^rd party like an insurance company, the level of information required will probably be higher. And there can be differences depending on whether an employer is self-insured and uses the disability insurance company to process claims versus fully insured plans where the insurer's money is on the table. If you know the system by which accommodations or FMLA is managed by your patient’s employer, then what follows may be irrelevant to your question at the present time.[divider line_type="undefined" custom_height="20"]
Disability insurers handle all sorts of work leaves/changes: FMLA & STD are typically run concurrently, having the impact of limiting total time off. The less financial risk a company has, the less information they request. Short term disability is lower risk because the time period for benefits is limited. Many FMLA/STD departments are transactional; claims are paid quickly with the provider completing forms. LTD claims can present a lifetime financial risk and much more detail will be requested from the provider. Physicians and psychologists are often surprised to learn that disability determination is a contractual decision, not a medical or clinical one. This is important when setting expectations with patients: our opinion does not prove disability or the need for accommodations. Rather, evidence found to support functional restrictions or limitations is compared with the job description — often as it’s performed in the national economy vs at a specific business or school.[divider line_type="undefined" custom_height="20"]
So, if you do write something or complete a form, be sure to understand to whom you are writing and the potential adverse implications for your patient. The most glaring is when people have to sign an authorization for release of medical information to evaluate the claim (e.g., your records to back up your opinion that they cannot work or a sufficiently thorough treatment summary such that your data can be discerned). In any behavioral health claim this will include a specific authorization for release of psychotherapy records, and progress notes or test data in particular. This is not illegal and is done with HIPAA and other confidentiality issues in mind; they have lawyers too. Of course you can choose to not release your records; but your patient's claim can be denied for failure to provide proof of disability. In our usual informed consent documentation we explain the limited number of circumstances under which we are legally mandated to not maintain confidentiality. We don't speculate on the ways in which our patients can waive privilege to pursue something of interest to them such as a disability claim, a lawsuit, etc. In my opinion, this should be discussed very quickly if a patient raises interest in such matters. You might think the PCP or some other physician is handling it so you're off the hook. Maybe that is indeed accurate for some brief STD claims. Otherwise, expect to be pulled in and plan your boundaries and the impact on your therapeutic relationship.[divider line_type="undefined" custom_height="20"]
Health care providers of all types are not trained in presenting data to demonstrate functional impairment. Instead we offer impressions that are clinically reasonable. However, in terms of functional capacity, consider that our views are often based on patient self-report, brief MSE, and our many years of experience. Most of us don't consider factors such as validity, secondary gain, job site-specific factors, patient preference versus lack of ability, inconsistencies in the FULL record (including the PCP, psychiatrist, Ob/gyn, employer data, surveillance data), etc. The existence of a diagnosis does not equate to a functional disability. Clearly many people work with psychiatric diagnoses all across the country every day. What makes your patient different? That type of thoughtfulness should serve as a guide as you write.[divider line_type="undefined" custom_height="20"]
Limitations are what the patient CANNOT do because of a sickness or injury. Restrictions are what the patient SHOULD NOT do because of the probability of exacerbating a serious condition. A restriction-based claim is harder to ‘prove’. I will stop writing now as the variables are endless. The discussion in this thread is about advocating for accommodations, presumably because the clinician has evidence of functional restrictions and/or limitations rather than patient apprehensiveness or discomfort (???). Maybe asking for accommodations is a friendly process for your patient. Perhaps a superintendent or principal decides if accommodations are merited or maybe they ask a 3rd party (an insurance company) to decide. The sheer volume of such requests this year and the need for fairness could result in a handoff to an insurer to make such determinations. I would expect disability insurance companies to have been preparing for COVID-related claims, including psychiatric claims. They will not be swayed by public opinion or values. They will make decisions based on evidence because they simply cannot pay every single claim and stay in business for future claims. They will know the best public health data currently available (and they know this will change and develop over time). I do not envy the principal or claims payor who has to make these decisions, but it’s much safer to anticipate their decisions will be based on your data, not just your opinion.[divider line_type="undefined" custom_height="20"]
Finally, leave any restrictions based on age or underlying medical conditions to your patient's physician. You will lose credibility if you try to go there. Explicitly defer to their primary care physician or immunologist/etc and stick to the Anxiety Disorder. Best of all, call the PCP to demonstrate collaboration of care to 3rd parties but also to be sure you are on the same page! Many patients do not reveal the extent of their anxiety or depression to their physician. The other common scenario is for a PCP to say a patient is impaired by anxiety/depression/etc but have no clue how to document and defend such a claim. Work together, deferring to one another on relevant conditions. Do this with psychiatrists too because they are particularly reliant on patient self report; psychologists are well equipped to observe, describe, and document behavior and observable indicators of many subjective experiences. Bottom line, insurers look for consistency of patient report across providers and over time. Good care is coordinated and collaborative in an individual who is posited to be so impaired they cannot work; I don't see why this wouldn't also pertain to requests for accommodative work.

Separate from my missive above, as a clinician I would want to consider the possibility of avoidance behaviors in an anxious patient. Is it clinically in the best interests of my patient to work from home or is this an opportunity to work intensively around managing their anxiety? And if I pursued the latter position, encouraging them to return to work, I would document like crazy so that if they become functionally unable to do it, I can demonstrate they tried and failed — that is compelling in a disability file.

Michelle

Michelle D Schwab, PhD
mschwabphd@gmail.com
(207) 294-1771

Resources to Promote Anti-racism

MJ Designs — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:15:25 GMT

Recent national events have reignited a national conversation about race relations. The following links are provided for guidance to raise awareness, and tools for coping with racial trauma:

Resources for white parents to raise anti-racist children (books, articles, videos, podcasts)
Institution for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture (ISPRC) Racism Recovery Plan

Ending the Rhetoric of Violence in the Pandemic of Racism

MJ Designs — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 21:16:03 GMT

The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the shootings of Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and Ahmaud Arbery, are the most recent offenses in a long history of systemic racism across the country. Long-standing racial inequalities are reflected in violence against unarmed Black men and women, the disproportionate spread of the coronavirus, and the multiple other disparities in income and housing among communities of color.

Now is a time for Maine to come together in its response to what the American Psychological Association (APA) calls the “pandemic of racism.” We need an urgent new focus on underlying causes of long-standing social, economic, and political inequalities. A crucial step toward a more just and unified society is the thoughtful understanding of grievances and refusal to accept divisive language that perpetuates violence.

The people of Maine, as part of a nation built on the goal of a more perfect union, must advocate for a society that does not continue to perpetuate systemic racism and violence. Portland was among cities around the country where protesters demonstrated in response to the murder of George Floyd and others. Over 1,000 people gathered to show support for the condemnation of violence against minorities.

The concept of xenophobia helps describe the roots of racism in this country. This fear of outsiders or foreigners encourages allegiance and group cohesion and has become intertwined with American racism, white superiority, and nationalism. Unfortunately, xenophobia is also becoming evident with the COVID-19 pandemic and has been intensified by economic uncertainty.

As an organization committed to learning from the collective horror and angst of the recent murders of our fellow Black citizens, the Maine Psychological Association (MePA) encourages civil engagement and social discussion to proactively advance the cause of social and racial justice for all people living in the U.S.

Acting with thoughtful urgency, MePA and the APA are committed to building sustainable and long-lasting policies that address this critical issue to help move our nation forward peacefully. We stand behind all Mainers, and all Americans, to work towards unification and to prioritize the equal rights of all Americans.

Thomas Cooper, PsyD

President, Maine Psychological Association

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) vs. Non-ACOAs: A Quantitative Study

MJ Designs — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 21:18:01 GMT

*The following is a brief summary of my dissertation, titled "A Quantitative Comparison of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) and Non-ACOAs on Attachment.”

Children who grow up in an environment where at least one parent is an alcoholic can experience behavioral and emotional problems that continue into adulthood. A critical literature gap concerning the relationship between attachment and adult child of an alcoholic (ACOA) status, as well as personal alcohol abuse and levels of hope, was identified. The purpose of my study was to gain a better understanding of the influence of having alcoholic parents on personal alcohol abuse, attachment, and hope among ACOAs. Informed by attachment theory, my cross-sectional study compared attachment among ACOAs and non-ACOAs and the impact of attachment on personal alcohol abuse and hope.

Attachment theory holds that the quality of attachment to one’s parents, which develops in infancy, affects an individual’s ability to form healthy attachments in adulthood (Lander, Howsare, & Byrne, 2013), which is supported and reflected in the results of this study, as ACOAs reported more avoidant and anxious attachments to their mothers and fathers and anxious attachment with their significant other. Findings were consistent with results reported by previous studies affirming that ACOAs are more likely to develop alcoholism when compared to adults whose parents were not alcoholics (Anda et al., 2002; Bifulco et al., 2006; Haverfield & Theiss, 2014, 2015; World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). As previously noted, no studies have examined the relationship between ACOA status and hope; thus, the results of my study offer a significant contribution, as ACOAs were found to have lower levels of hope when compared to non-ACOAs.

The findings of my study could be used to address the social problem and growing epidemic of alcoholism. Alcoholism is a highly stigmatized disease that affects not only those dependent on alcohol, but also family members, friends, and all those close to such individuals. Although ACOAs have little to no control over the presence and severity of their parents’ dependency and are likely unaware of its residual effects, finding ways to reframe the illness is crucial in the promotion of more positive outcomes. With an enhanced understanding of the experiences of ACOAs, clinicians and other professionals may contribute to more fully developed treatments for ACOAs. The recognition of alcoholism as an uncontrollable disease by not only those closely affected, but also the population as a whole, will allow for less stigma. A decrease in stigma may encourage more ACOAs to speak up and reach out to others, thus improving the likelihood of overcoming the hardships associated with having an alcoholic parent (Haverfield & Theiss, 2015).

Of particular importance, the current findings suggest that children raised by alcoholic parents are likely to carry the problematic effects of their upbringing into adulthood. The current findings suggest that the children of alcoholics may likely be more affected than the alcoholics themselves. By considering children when addressing the effects of alcoholism, even if only from an educational or preventative perspective, the knowledge base can be broadened across the board in order to address the increasing number of individuals negatively affected by alcoholism.

For more information or to read the study in its entirety, please contact me at:

Carly Rodgers, Ph.D.
Email: carly.rodgers@gmail.com

Play Therapy: CREATING WORLDS IN THE SAND

MJ Designs — Fri, 19 May 2017 21:19:14 GMT

Sandplay is a hands-on, expressive, play therapy technique developed in the mid 1900’s by Swiss Jungian analyst Dora Kalff. Sandplay is theoretically rooted in Jungian analytic theory, and integrates the “World Technique” of British psychiatrist Margaret Lowenfield along with Eastern thought and philosophy.

As the name implies, play is the central feature of Sandplay which facilitates a child’s natural capacity for change and healing. Through the sandplay process children ( and adults alike ) portray, rather than verbalize inaccessible feelings and experiences often difficult to express in words.

Margaret Lowenfield, a pioneer in play therapy and a teacher of Dora Kalff, developed the “World Technique,” as a means of communicating non- verbally with children in treatment. Lowenfield understood that children learn through play. She was one of the first therapists to consider the powerful healing impact of children’s “world pictures” made in the sand.

C. G. Jung believed that each person strives to achieve wholeness by attaining a harmony within consciousness and unconsciousness and that this can be accomplished through dream study. The sand tray is seen as an aspect of our imagination.

Dora Kalff further integrated her study of Eastern Philosophy into the foundations of Sandplay. Through her studies and close contacts with various prominent Zen Masters and Tibetan teachers ( Dalai Lama) she came to understand that the spirit of Zen is implicit in the sandplay method. The therapist must create a safe space where the path to self -discovery is open.

The goal of Sandplay is to activate on the deepest psychic level a patients natural internal capacity for healing. This is accomplished through the process of viewing, choosing and placing miniatures in the sand. The successive scenes created by the miniatures symbolically act as a bridge between an individual’s inner and outer world. Unconscious conflicts appear as symbols and are able to be reordered in a healthy way.

The Sandplay Process

In sandplay therapy, patients are invited to “create a world in the sand” utilizing sand, water and miniature figures that represent all aspects of life and fantasy. The figures are arranged on shelves that are nearby the tray. The sand tray is of wooden construction and is 28 1/2 inches long by 19 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches deep. These dimensions are said to contain the natural span of one’s visual field. The sides and bottom of the inside of the tray are painted light blue allowing for the representation of water in the sand.

The therapist sits close by and takes notes of what the child says, does and what figures they choose. The therapist can sketch a diagram and/ or take a photo for later reference.

Sandplay therapists do not interpret or direct the patient in any way but rather safely contain the emerging unconscious material. Analysis and/ or interpretation is only offered after adequate time has passed for the integration of the sandplay work that was completed. It is not possible or necessary to understand everything that transpires in a patients sandtray. Martin Kalff (1993) , sandplay teacher and Buddhist scholar states that verbal or written analysis can not fully represent the symbolic contents of a sand tray. Successful interpretation involves thought but “should also include the functions of intuition, feeling and sensation.” Participating in the patient’s sandplay therapy on a pre-verbal level is paramount to their healing and transformational process. It is also helpful if the therapist is familiar with the cultural and archetypal dimensions of the sand tray contents.

For further information on the history and or clinical application of Sandplay please refer to the resources listed above.

ANTOINETTE HARRINGTON, PSYD

Sandplay Therapy Resources

BOOKS

Kalff, Dora M. (2003). Sandplay: A psychotherapeutic approach to the psyche

Tresidder, Jack (2004) The Complete Dictionary of Symbols

Turner, Barbara A. (2005). The Handbook of Sandplay Therapy.

WEBSITES

Sandplay Therapists of America
www.sandplay.org

International Association of Sandplay Therapy
http://www.isst-society.com

The Maine Jung Center
www.mainejungcenter.org

The Jung Institute of New York
http://junginstitute.org

Professional Sandplay Journals

Journal of Sandplay Therapy- USA

The Archives of Sandplay Therapy- JAPAN

The Magazine of Sandplay Therapy- GERMANY

Thoughts on Treating Grief

MJ Designs — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 22:20:34 GMT

I was eating my lunch alone in the hospital cafeteria where I was a psychology intern, and was surreptitiously ease-dropping the conversation of two pastoral care counselors at the table next to me. At one point one said, with pride: “Today I got my patient from “anger” to “bargaining”. That long-ago overheard statement has stayed with me and influenced my understanding and treatment of grief. Clients experiencing grief often come in with belief that the Keebler-Ross stages of grief, are like an obstacle course that must be traversed, hopefully as quickly as possible, in order to reach the final goal of “acceptance”. I view grief part of a life in which we cycle around many of the same issues such as love, loss, triumphs, and disappointment, in hopefully every widening circles of maturity and deeper understanding. We never leave it behind. We do not “get over” deep grief. Rather it is incorporated into the deepening of our identity. It is a dynamic process, which I believe was Kubler-Rosses original intent in her writings about the stages of grief.

When I was a young adult, both my parents died within a short time of each other. My grief was very much informed by the stage of life I was in: that of a young adult pulling away from the family of origin to form my own identity and new family. At the time, I mourned the loss of the opportunity that my parents and I could have an adult relationship that including more adult understanding and reciprocation. I still do mourn that. Yet my relationship to my parents’ memories is almost as dynamic as it would have been had they lived. As I grow, I understand and appreciate their strengths and struggles in a way I never could have many years ago. My relationship to their death changes and deepens as I gain experience. In my practice I also encounter the changing nature of grief as clients mature. For example I have seen a man who father died when he was eighteen go into a deep depression over that loss when he was in his mid-thirties. He entered the military shortly after his father’s death and was well taught to bury vulnerable emotions in order to perform in his profession. His “denial “lasted two decades. I have seen a widow of a successful man who mourned his death and extolled his virtues for thirty years before she allowed herself to feel her anger about his treating her with a casual disrespect reserved for someone he saw more as a prop than a partner. We are never done with grief. No one goes to a major family event: a wedding or birth or death of someone close without the stab of grief for those who are not there to share it. Our goal is to help our clients reach acceptance of their own emotional reactions rather than of the deal itself.

One added thought about forgiveness in the grieving process. I have had many clients who feel the pressure to forgive a parent or other close family member who has treated them terribly when that person dies. I have heard the statement from people in the helping professions that forgiveness is good for the grieving person because it relieves them of a psychological burden. My response is “maybe”. We see a population who have experienced many horrible actions at the hands of people who were changed with caring for them. Their anger towards the person who has died may be protective for them in avoiding repetitive abuse. I believe that lifting their self-imposed burden of needing to forgive is part of our job. The pressure to forgive may be viewed as an extension of the pressure not to acknowledge or speak about what was done. Forgiveness may come as a byproduct of deeper understanding, or it may not. Our goal is to help clarify the choices our clients make.

Arlene Brewster, PhD.

Dialectic Behavior Therapy

MJ Designs — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 21:21:01 GMT

Dialectic Behavior Therapy is a broad-based cognitive-behavioral model of treatment developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. Although initially designed to treat chronically suicidal and high-risk patients who struggle with patterns of behavior characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), current research shows the effectiveness of the model with other populations such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Eating Disorders, Substance Dependence, and Depression – all of which involve problems of emotion regulation. Dr. Linehan has often remarked that much of DBT is not new at all. She simply brought together very basic, well-documented behavioral strategies: contingency management, exposure treatment, cognitive modification, and skills training to create a strong behavioral treatment model. She then made it more palatable to both client and therapist by embedding it within Eastern philosophic principles that encourage the development of dialectical thinking and psychological flexibility. According to Linehan, change can only occur in the context of acceptance of what is and “acceptance of what is” is itself change.”

Essential to the practice of and appreciation of DBT is an understanding of the biosocial theory of BPD and, by extension, the general problems of emotion regulation. Disorders that are suited to DBT are essentially defined by problems in regulating emotion due to a combination of biological disposition, environmental context, and the mix between the two during development. There is a continuous and mutual interaction that occurs between a vulnerable individual and a more or less invalidating environment over time that may lead to maladaptive or inadequate emotion modulation strategies and the behavioral and cognitive dysregulation that tends to follow. This theory not only provides a base for effective intervention, it fosters a compassionate attitude toward the intensity of emotion and the difficulty of changing ingrained patterns of behavior.

DBT in its comprehensive form is a very structured approach that involves four components: DBT individual therapy, DBT Skills Training, DBT phone coaching, and DBT therapist consultation team. Although there is some evidence that skills training alone can be helpful, comprehensive DBT requires that all four components are present. The clients who are appropriately referred to DBT programs are those with multiple concurrent problems who often exhibit suicidal and other high-risk behaviors. Phone coaching between sessions is essential – you don’t send the team out on the floor for the championship game without a coach to guide plays. Coaching calls are intended to be brief interactions that help clients identify and use skills to get them through the moment. Team meetings are essentially therapy for the therapist to enable her to stay motivated and provide the best treatment possible. Despite all the structure, DBT is a not a manualized treatment. The therapist is guided by principles at every juncture to work with the client to establish treatment priorities, to build a strong, collaborative relationship, to select specific strategies to solve specific problems, to assign homework, and to clarify and maintain his/her own limits with firmness, compassion and flexibility.

Further information about DBT resources, training, and research can be found at behavioraltech.org

Debora B. Dixon, Ph.D.
20 York Street, Bath, ME 04530
207 443-3692
deborabdixon@gmail.com

Transitioning to College

MJ Designs — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 21:21:43 GMT

Heading to college of the first time, or returning after a summer away, can be a big adjustment. Aspects of your day to day routine get turned upside down, from when you wake in the morning to how much free time you have during the day. Many college students find this adjustment to be quite jarring. So, if this is happening to you, your client, or someone you know, don’t be alarmed, you are not alone.

As a clinical psychologist, I have worked with hundreds of students who have nailed this transition. I have put together a short list of techniques that many of my students have found helpful.

Survey Your Present Time Management Habits (see below for this tool)- This exercise will give you a sense as to how much free time you have, whether you are overcommitting yourself, and whether you need to make any adjustments. One of the things students often find when starting college is that they have too much free time. Students often don’t anticipate this will be an issues, but it can cause things such as “procrastination” to creep up, as students often get into the “I can do it later” attitude. Plan ahead! This leads to my next tool…

Create a schedule (see below for this tool) – Once you have evaluated your use of time, it’s time to create a schedule. Include things that happen on a weekly basis- things that are scheduled or that need to get done. Make sure that you include all of your classes, travel time, study time (usually one hour for each hour of class time), labs, breakfast/lunch/dinner, sports/hobbies, sleep, personal care (time it takes to get ready in the morning), etc. This will give you a visual as to your “week at a glance” and allow you to see where you can fit in other activities, should you choose, or when you can sit back and relax.

Sleep Hygiene- Ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Pulling an all-nighter is not beneficial in any sense. Sleep helps with learning. This is the time when memory is consolidated. So, the best thing you can do before a big test/exam if to get a good night’s sleep.

Self-Care- Everything in moderation. This includes a balanced diet, exercise, socializing, school work, social media/electronics, etc. You may be overwhelmed with the opportunities at college. It’s okay to say no and to set personal limits.

Personal Strengths- We often forget to look within to examine how we have coped with previous transitions or past difficult times in our life. Ask yourself: What worked for me in the past? What didn’t work for me? What strategies/coping mechanisms help me when I am faced with a challenge? Using tried and true strategies are the easiest, as you know how they work for you and how they make you feel.

Ask for Help- If things get too difficult to manage reach out for help. Most colleges offer counseling services, academic supports, tutoring services, and library supports. If you don’t know where to go for help, ask a professor, resident advisor, or upperclassman. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with anyone directly, most college websites have an online listing of the services they offer and where you can go for help.

Dr. Quynn Morehouse
Clinical Psychologist
Portland, ME
Work: (207) 773-7993, ex 26
Email: drquynnmorehouse@gmail.com
www.drquynnmorehouse.com

Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award

MJ Designs — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 21:22:40 GMT

The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award is sponsored by the Maine Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. The award was created to recognize organizations that make a commitment to workplace well-being and creating a psychologically healthy work environment for employees. Awards may be given to large, small, for-profit, and not-for-profit organizations based on the following criteria:

Employee Involvement
2. Employee Growth and Development
3. Employee Recognition
4. Work/Life Balance
5. Health, Safety and Security

Previous winners include Coffee By Design, Alpha One, Kennebec Technologies, Spurwink Portland Help Center and the Pine Tree Society.

For more information on the program, contact the MePA office at 1/800-287-5065.

Welcome to MePA’s first ever blog post!

MJ Designs — Wed, 11 May 2016 21:23:44 GMT

We are very excited to be launching this project. The idea is that MePA members will contribute a monthly informational blog on topics of interest to MePA members and the general public. MePA is lucky to have more than our fair share of excellent psychologists who have a wealth of knowledge about a wide range of topics. Many of us have tapped into that knowledge through the list serve. This will be another way of disseminating the knowledge. The focus would be on sharing information rather than advocating for a position or policy. Looking forward, we are hoping to have topics related to: concussions, hypnosis, back to school issues, drug use, and other interesting or relevant subjects.

At this point it is a simple process. If there is something you’d like to blog about, reach out to me, let me know, and we’ll get you on the schedule. If I get in touch with you about blogging, just say, “Sure, I’ll be happy to do it!” Or, you could suggest another topic you’re interested in. There is a lot of editorial freedom. At this point, the MePA president will review the article to make sure it isn’t completely crazy, and then we’ll publish it on our web page. We’ll take care of the formatting for the blog, so you don’t have to worry about that.

MePA already provides many great services for our members. We have the free ethics consultation, high quality continuing education, referral services, and a newsletter. Above and beyond that we provide lobbying at the state and national levels on topics that are critical to the practice of psychology. We’re excited to add this blog post to the benefits MePA provides its members.

I look forward to hearing from you about which topics you want to blog about and feedback in general about the blog!

Elise Magnuson, Psy.D., LCSW
Licensed Psychologist
MePA President
207-632-6965
drecmagnuson@gmail.com