- How does your agenda for APA fit with the values and agenda of Division 56 (most of whom are trauma therapists and trauma scientists)?
The theme of my campaign is: Education, Science, Practice and Public Interest: United to benefit society and improve people’s lives. Division 56 similarly aims to unite clinicians, researchers, educators, and policy makers to benefit society and improve lives by keeping trauma in the forefront of discussions within APA. The Division’s focus on traumatic stress is consistent with my focus on working with APA members and staff to prioritize adequate funding for research to better understand the biological, psychological, and social factors that impact on health and wellbeing, ensure appropriately accredited education and training in psychology to have a competent workforce to address challenges across the lifespan of individuals, and adequate and appropriate reimbursement for the services we provide. All areas hold equal importance within this ever changing and challenging health care environment and traumatic stress is an important factor in all these areas.
- Do you personally have research or clinical interests or knowledge in the area of psychological trauma? Please describe briefly.
Professionally, I am Board Certified in Clinical Health Psychology, and have worked in integrated care throughout my career in multiple contexts including a medical school, hospital, co-location in a physician’s office, and in my own independent practice (since 1994). I work primarily with patients with chronic medical conditions, providing evidence-based psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to assist them in managing their medical condition and live the most productive life possible given their challenges. Many of the patients that I treat have experienced some form of traumatic stress, from situations such as motor vehicle accidents, military service, sexual assault, domestic violence and racially motivated crimes. My referrals come from multiple sources: physicians, case managers, attorneys and self-referrals. I am on most insurance panels, including Medicare, as it is my belief that ALL patients should have access to adequate medical and mental health care.
- What reasons might you give for a psychologist who is primarily committed to Division 56 to vote for you in the coming election?
The knowledge base, skills, and expertise of the people within Division 56 will be important to the ongoing work within the American Psychological Association. I believe I can provide the leadership that APA needs to help meet the challenges of our changing profession and world, to embrace integrated advocacy beyond the current silos, to implement APA’s new strategic plan, and to advance our position as leaders in Health Care. I have the knowledge, the extensive experience, and the ability to unite diverse perspectives inside and outside of psychology.
5. What has been your experience or position regarding encouraging the development of educational models, research, and training programs that incorporate trauma information –
a. in the training of psychologists?
b. in the practice of psychology?
c. in addressing pressing global issues?
It is clear that trauma impacts individuals and ultimately society. I believe that training programs need to incorporate education on the impact of traumatic stress and encourage students to conduct research in trauma. There needs to be more focus on research that can assist practitioners in working with this challenging condition and help understand the global impact of trauma on society. In addition, programs need to prepare students to incorporate evidence base treatments for trauma in their practice. In my own experience as a private practitioner, I have seen the damaging effects of trauma and am hopeful that psychologists can unite in becoming a healing force for people impacted by trauma.
6. What has been your experience or how would you support the integration of trauma informed practice within emerging national healthcare models?
The ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study has demonstrated the negative impacts of trauma on physical, mental, behavioral, and social functioning. Additionally, research has shown the utility of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in patient care. A focus on treating the whole person is vital, taking into account past trauma and the resulting coping mechanisms when attempting to understand behaviors and treat the patient. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the research to recognize the importance of training in trauma-informed care, so there will be sensitivity as to how a range of experiences over the life course may relate to a person’s current health behaviors and health status.
In order for trauma informed care to be effectively integrated there must be both organizational and clinical changes to improve patient engagement and health outcomes, and thus decrease unnecessary healthcare utilization. A comprehensive approach that ranges from screening patients for trauma to measuring quality outcomes is necessary. In order for this to work, there needs to be payment models to support this approach. It will be important for training programs to integrate this approach in the education and training of students.