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RPA DIALOG

APRIL 2016 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 2

REDWOOD PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

A Chapter of the California State Psychological Association

P.O. Box 15209 Santa Rosa, CA 95402

Shollenberger Marsh Photo: Meg Tippy

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The Power of Yelp:

What My Rottweiler Taught Me About Professionalism Katherine Andre, PhD, Redwood Psychological Association Chapter President

Those closest to me in RPA know I have two Rotties, one of which is a pup named Bay. When she was only 13 pounds, adorable and roly-poly, I could pick her up and cuddle her, and her little jumps and nips were harmless. Then one day (actually a speedy 10 months later), her little nip wasn’t so little anymore and one nip left a large V-shaped gash on my arm that oozed for days. Upset, I wondered what next? As my wandering mind considered all possibilities from the simplest remedy to the most drastic, I mulled over where my behaviorist tools had failed. I believed that I had done everything even Skinner would have done – so as a nearly last resort, I turned to everyman's tool for research - GOOGLE. The answer according to a GOOGLE search: Yelp. Not the social media review Yelp, but a single dog “yelp” sound. As inauthentic as it felt and as uncertain as I was feeling as I tried it, I let out a “yeeelllP!” with Bay’s next jump and nip. To my absolute and utter amazement, yelping worked. She cocked her head, looked at me in surprise, and walked away. How did I feel about the yelp idea? Foolish - not authentic, but excited. It got results. Even though the idea of yelping hadn’t felt like something I had wanted to do, once I did it, I saw how it got professional results even Cesar Millan couldn’t have obtained faster. There was an authentic “YELP” inside me after all. Result: no more jump and nips, gashes, or fears that I would have a dangerous and undisciplined dog, or worse, lose her through some fault of my own.

RPA Executive

Committee officers and

support staff

President:

Katherine Andre, Ph.D.

(707) 263-6360

Past President:

Greg Thigpen, Psy.D.

(707) 494-6462

Vice-President:

Joe Puentes, Psy.D. (707) 583-9663

Treasurer:

Michael Pinkston, Ph.D. (707) 575-7230

Secretary and Newsletter

Editor:

Meg Tippy, Psy.D.

(707) 237-5209

CE Coordinator:

Carol Weser, Ph.D.

(707) 526-2288

Disaster Response Committee

Chair:

Richard Zimmer, Ph.D. (707) 526-7720 x326

Ethics Committee:

Ann Strack, Ph.D.,

Jeff Kahn, Ph.D.,

Michael Pinkston, Ph.D.,

& Juliet Dantin, Ph.D.

President’s Column Katherine Andre, Ph.D.

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President’s Column continued… SO what does this yelping communication have to do with RPA and professionalism? On March 8, our Local Advocacy Network (LAN) representative, Michael Pinkston and I, as your chapter president, ventured to our State Capitol to see how things are done in our legislative branch of government. Victor Pacheco joined us. It is an annual event hosted by the California Psychological Association to teach CPA members how to take care of our profession here in California. I learned that if we don’t, NO ONE ELSE will since CPA is the only organization that advocates for the practice of psychology in California. Of the over 20,000 psychologists in California, only 4000 of us are members of CPA. That means that 4000 of us are taking care of all the other 75 percent. While we were there at the Capitol, we learned lobbying skills. Then we lobbied for two bills in the legislature now:

1. AB 2086 to reinstate Clinical Neuropsychology as a Worker’s Compensation designation in

the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) process;

2. SB 1194 to extend the sunset and operation of the Board of Psychology until 2021.

AB 2086 - We are at risk of losing an important category – neuropsychology - in the Worker’s Compensation System. So we educated out legislators in our districts why it was important. On April 6, it passed its first Assembly policy committee, but it still has to go through both houses and then be signed by Governor Brown. SB 1194 - Without the passing of the sunset bill, we risk being patrolled by a board composed of non-psychologists. So we educated our legislators why we don’t want that to happen. (For more legislative bills that CPA is watching, go to the CPA website. There are a large number of them.)

At first, when we were lobbying, I was uncomfortable and not feeling so authentic. But as the legislator or member of his/her staff asked perceptive questions about mental health issues, I relaxed. What would have happened if information had come from an uninformed source? Each seemed genuinely interested in psychology as a profession and in each of us psychologists as individual constituents. There was an authentic Lobbyist inside me who wanted to protect our profession the way I wanted to protect my dog from becoming an undisciplined and possibly dangerous Rottweiler! I was beginning to understand that I was personally responsible for knowing how to communicate with our legislators just as I was personally responsible for communicating NO to an unruly dog and I was equally thankful I had not abandoned her to another owner in hopes that she would become all she could be in someone else’s hands. Legislators hear individuals, but usually not when they are alone. They hear individuals when the individual is part of a larger group, like our CPA. When you join CPA, you are not only an individual with a voice, you are also protecting:

your personal interests as they relate to psychology;

your patients and clients well-being;

your profession and livelihood.

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President’s Column continued…

I’ve been reading Charles Duhigg’s books: Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business and The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. I learned about this New York Times reporter and author and friend of Atul Gawande, author of The Checklist Manifesto, on the CPA website. Our inspiring CPA-CEO Jo Linder-Crow, PhD, mentioned him in an article. Duhigg’s Smarter, Faster Better is a quick read about the “easy goals we ignore...that separate the merely busy from the genuinely productive.” One chapter deals with how we “link small tasks to larger aspirations” to enhance productivity. Here’s an example: If you are always behind at work, because you arrive late, because you drop your kids off at school, just before the tardy bell, because they are rushing around frantically getting ready before they leave for school…,. Then, have them lay their clothes out the night before. It’s a small task that results in the ability for you to get to work earlier, before colleagues, so you can take care of tasks before the day gets rolling, so you are not always feeling behind all day. Making a small adjustment in the nightly routine can yield big returns at the office the next day just by knowing what environment you want to create. So with apologies to Duhigg, in an attempt to apply his concept to our chapter:

1. I believe that the small adjustment for each one of us is to:

join CPA; or

reach out to a non-CPA member and explain what and why CPA membership is

important.

2. The larger aspiration is that our specialized skill sets:

remain protected, vital and available to patients and clients, and

distinguish us from other mental health disciplines;

flourish as a specialized protected discipline called psychology,

and provide the best possible care to those who need us.

3. The enhanced productivity is that we are taking better care of ourselves, which results in

better patient and client care.

Are you going to join CPA and invest in and protect your future? Maybe even make it a habit? It might be as simple as this small adjustment and as powerful a return as a YeeelllP!

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New Member Introductions

Welcome to Other New RPA Members

Karen DeVaney, Psy.D. Melissa Mathis, M.S.

My name is Dylon Helene and I recently

joined a private practice in Santa Rosa. I

conduct neuropsychological evaluations as

well as offer individual and group therapy.

I have experience working with clients with

neurological impairments, gender

identity/trans issues, PTSD, mood and

anxiety disorders. I work with adolescent,

adult, and geriatric clients. I am also being

trained in EMDR and am excited to offer

that treatment to my clients as well. I love

neuropsychology and am delighted to have

the opportunity to follow my passion. I

look forward to meeting more members of

RPA during CE trainings and meet-ups!

Dylon Helene, Psy.D.

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RPA Calendar of Events

Continuing Education Event:

Thursday, April 21, 2016 - 6:30pm - Osake Restaurant, Santa Rosa

“Is it Normal Aging, or Something Else?” Nancy Hoffman, Ph.D.

Sign up now!

The next RPA CE presentation will be: “Is it normal aging, or something else?” a subject that either

we are dealing with in our patients, our parents, or even ourselves. The presenter will be Nancy

Hoffman, PsyD,, on Thursday April 21, at Osake restaurant. CEs (optional) are $15.

Arrive at 6:00 to network, sign in at 6:30 and the dinner and presentation start at 7:00 and end at 8:30.

Early registration (more than a week in advance of the presentation) cost is cost $30, late registration

is $38.

“Standard Dinner” is a bento box with Shumai: steamed shrimp dumplings prawn yakisoba: Sautéed

Shrimp & Vegetables With Japanese Thin Noodles; “Vegetarian” dinner is a bento box with Crispy

tofu w tempura sauce, seaweed (no flaked bonito for vegetarian); Steamed Vegetables With Tofu In

A Light Brown Sauce

Nancy Hoffman PsyD is a geriatric neuropsychologist. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in

neuropsychology at Kaiser Medical Center in San Francisco. She has an interest in behavioral

neurology with a focus on the diagnosis of the different types of dementia as well as their effect on

capacity. If you have any questions about April 21, please email Carol Weser back channel at

humanone@sonic.net.

Register on the RPA webpage: http://redwoodpsych.org/calendarDetail.aspx?eid=146

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RPA Ethics Committee Offers Consultation

Our Ethics Committee welcomes questions about ethical issues in your

practice. Ann Strack, Ph.D. is your consultant for May and June of 2016. Jeff

Kahn, Ph.D., will be available during the months of July and August to

consult with you about any ethical concerns you may have.

Ann Strack, Ph.D. (762-6216) – May/June

Jeff Kahn, Ph.D. (546-4349) – July/Aug.

Michael Pinkston, Ph.D. (575-7230) – Sept./Oct.

Juliet Dantin, Ph.D. (829-5355) – Nov./Dec.

RPA Calendar of Events continued...

SAVE THE DATE!

Spring Social:

Thursday, May 19, 2016

6:00-7:30pm

La Rosa Tequileria & Grille

500 4th

Street

Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Join your fellow RPA Members for an evening of fun!

Mingle, network, get to know one another!

Hors d’oeuvres provided, no-host bar. Members only.

PLEASE COME!

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Victor, Michael,

Katherine, and new RPA

member Melissa Mathis,

with colleagues from

across the state

They aren't extinct after

all!

Melissa Mathis

from Kelseyville,

Nancy Piotrowski, PhD

from Napa Solano

Chapter; and

Katherine.

Recent RPA Events

Members of RPA attended Lobby Day in

Sacramento on March 8, 2016.

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RPA Birding Event

The RPA Birding Event was hosted on a sunny Saturday in February at Shollenberger

Marsh. A large group of RPA members, friends, and families (dogs included!) took a

slow easy hike while being treated to the expertise of local birding experts, led by RPA

member and birder extraordinaire Jeff Martin, Ph.D. The walk commenced with a

discussion regarding identification and categorization in birds, and how this is similar to

and different from categorization of behavior, emotions, and people in Psychology.

Members and friends enjoyed one another's company while out in nature, all working

together to identify, learn about, and observe 41 bird species in about 2 hours!

Birding Event Guide Jeff Martin, Ph.D.

Recent RPA Events continued…

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Recent RPA Events

continued…

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Recent RPA Events continued…

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Announcements and Ads

Collaborating with referring professionals, Bob Casanova, Psy.D. is a nationally respected educational consultant who specializes in providing recommendations for students with special needs of an emotional, behavioral or psychological nature. Bob travels extensively throughout the year and has personally toured over two hundred schools and programs. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Bob credits his clinical training and experience in deepening his understanding of the student’s needs. Bob Casanova, Psy.D., (LMFT37137) 707-544-7000, bobcasanova.com ----------------------------------- Trauma-Focused Seeking Safety Group Forming Welcoming referrals for our Seeking Safety group. Seeking Safety is a highly effective, evidence-based group intervention for trauma survivors. The focus of Seeking Safety is on stabilization and symptom management. Group sessions directly address the effects of trauma, without going into the trauma narrative, and include topics such as coping with triggers, boundary setting, healthy relationships, self-nurturing, and more. The group is appropriate for motivated men, women, and gender variant clients looking to overcome trauma symptoms in a supportive group environment. Sil Machado, Ph.D. & Associates www.SilMachadoTherapy.com (707) 529-3021

NEW GIRLS’ GROUP: Beacon and Low Fee accepted Girls Group (11-14 years) Forming: Addressing the specific needs of young adolescent girl and their families Referrals also being accepted for individual/family treatment of children, adolescents, adults, and families. Medi-Cal/Beacon provider. Low-cost services available. Meg Tippy, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist, CA #27044, NY #014821 (707) 237-5209. -----------------------------------

High Performance Neurofeedback Welcoming child, adolescent, and adult referrals for HPN, a highly effective approach for symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, panic, OCD, AD/HD, depression, mTBI, emotional dysregulation, insomnia, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. HPN helps the brain adopt more flexible brainwave patterns, which leads to optimal nervous system functioning, and a reduction in symptom “volume.” Clients find relief quickly, often within the first two sessions. I am glad to collaborate with other primary therapists with clients struggling to engage in psychotherapy due to overwhelming symptoms. Sil Machado, Ph.D. (PSY 20503) www.SilMachadoTherapy.com (707) 529-3021

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

April 21, 2016

CE Event: Is it Normal Aging or Something Else?

May 19, 2016

Member Spring Social

Directions/address sent out in November

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We need volunteers to help with

the Holiday Party (set-up and clean-up teams). I f you are

i n t erest ed i n volun t eer i ng t o help wi t h t h i s year ’s

par t y , please con t act Peggy O’Toole, Ph .D., At

rpanewslet t er@redwoodpsych .com or any of t he RPA

of f i cers.

Submitting Ads and Announcements to the RPA Dialog: Items are free to members and cost non-members $40. Each item is limited to 100 words or less. Our next newsletter will be delivered in August. Deadline for submissions is July 31st. Send your ad in the body of an email (no attachments). Submissions will be confirmed with a return email. Please submit items to the Newsletter Editor: Meg Tippy, Psy.D., at DrMegTippy@gmail.com

Beautiful Furnished Therapy Office Available - Novato $170/day /192 ft2 • Rates starting at $170/day. • Two minutes from Hwy 101, San Marin Dr. exit. Terrific location for clients coming from Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Novato, San Rafael, Vacaville, Fairfax, Woodacre etc. • Five-office suite with waiting room. • New paint and carpet. • Large office can accommodate moderate sized families or groups. • Waiting room has call light system and screened small fridge and microwave area. • Beautiful, natural setting. • Rent includes all utilities, cleaning, Internet. • If interested, contact Andrea Pinkerton, PsyD, at 415-686-7364 or email andrearule@mac.com.

Bill McCausland, Ph.D.’s book: In the Mouth of the Wolf is available on Amazon.com. The story shows people in desperate search of love and oblivion in equal measure. The layered set of characters, each with his or her own personal questions, confronts their past as it bears on their present behavior if they are to survive. Three men in the novel have varying degrees of war trauma; their wives display different ways of absorbing the war experience upon the men’s arrival home. The book principally encompasses the impact on marital relationships and other human connections when soldiers return from war.

Announcements and Ads continued…