Society of Clinical Psychology

Building a Two-way Bridge between Practice and Research

Marvin R. Goldfried, PhD, ABPP

Stony Brook University

President, Society of Clinical Psychology

The Society of Clinical Psychology is firmly committed to identifying and promulgating treatments that work. Indeed, the Society was among the first organizations in mental health to compile a list of empirically supported treatments on the basis of supportive results from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). As scientific knowledge and research designs mature, and as researcher-practitioner collaborations increase, we have reached a point where it is desirable and feasible to extend the research methods used and the constructs investigated. A multiplicity of sophisticated research strategies, including but not limited to RCTs, now allows us to improve the effectiveness of psychological treatments.

1. research on psychotherapy and the designation of empirically supported therapies consider  treatment methods as well as the participants, their relationship, and contextual factors;
2. a wide variety of research methods are used as appropriate to the questions asked;  and
3. research increases our understanding both of the cross-cutting/common and unique principles on which effective treatments rest and enhance the optimal use of participants, interactional, cultural, and technical factors in effecting change.   

Distinguished Student Research Award in Clinical Psychology: Rebecca (Kate) Kathryn McHugh

Distinguished Student Practice Award in Clinical Psychology: Winslow Gerrish

Distinguished Student Service Award in Clinical Psychology: Emily Engle

Wanted: Clinicians’ Feedback on Treating Panic Disorder

(This announcement is from Dr. Marvin Goldfried. Please take the survey. It should take about 10 minutes.)

Once a drug has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) as a result of clinical trials, practitioners have the opportunity to offer feedback to the FDA on any shortcomings in the use of the drug in clinical practice. The Society of Clinical Psychology, Division 12 of the American Psychological Association, is in the process of establishing a mechanism whereby practicing psychotherapists can report their clinical experiences using empirically supported treatments (ESTs).

This is not only an opportunity for clinicians to share their experiences with other therapists, but also can offer information that can encourage researchers to investigate ways of overcoming these limitations. We are starting with the treatment of panic disorder, but will extend our efforts to the treatment of other problems at a later time.

 Mentorship Program

A new brochure has been developed to help clinicians reduce violence in the practice of psychology through the work of the Division 12 Section VII/APA Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance and the APA Practice Directorate. From the brochure (pdf download):

Few challenges facing psychology practitioners are more distressing than the possibility of patient violence toward the clinician. According to national surveys, roughly 1/3 of practicing psychologists have concerns about possible patient violence; and, 15% - 25% are at risk of being assaulted by a patient at some point in their careers. Most instances of patient assault have not resulted in serious harm or injury; however, the emotional distress on the clinician can be substantial, and it is usually far more disturbing than any physical injury.

Education and training in the evaluation and management of potentially violent patients is often minimal. Because of the complexity of such patients and the high intensity of the context in which they can present, it is helpful to be prepared with knowledge and some plans for dealing with this situation.

Please download a copy today. The .pdf file is formatted for double-sided printing. You may download a copy for onscreen viewing, as well.

We know we're behind the times. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn. There are as many social networking sites as there are schools of psychotherapy. We have decided to join just 2 of them: Facebook and Twitter. There's not a whole lot going on at either of those 2 accounts at this time, but go ahead and add us/follow us anyway so you can get the latest updates on the site and the Society's happenings.

We'd also love to hear from you about how you'd like to make the site better and features you'd like to add. Of course, the easiest way is to email us directly. You may also message us through either of those sites after you've added us.

I am happy to report that Hogrefe just released Richard McKeon's new book, Suicidal Behavior, as  the 14th volume in the Hogrefe/Division 12 series Advances in Psychotherapy: Evidence Based Practice.  
 
Some comments from early reviews:
 
“We are entering a “no nonsense” period of suicidological theorizing and practice, with a substantial emphasis on empirical roots. In these exciting times, Richard McKeon is an indispensable intellectual guide. I was thrilled to read his Suicidal Behavior which spells out, kurz und klar, an easily digestible point of view as to what suicide really is. Get this book!”
Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, Professor of Thanatology Emeritus UCLA and Founder of the American Association of Suicidology

“Books describing theory and research about suicide are plentiful, but guidebooks providing clinicians with specific, useful counsel on working with suicidal individuals are rare. Richard McKeon has written just such a volume. Suicidal Behavior is a scholarly yet practical manual for mental health service providers of all stripes. It is a remarkably clear and accessible volume, concise yet broad in scope and grounded in solid, current empirical evidence. It will be valued by clinicians at all levels of experience, from trainee to seasoned therapist.”
Thomas E. Ellis, PsyD, ABPP, Professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine and Associate Director of Psychology, The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX