Spring/Summer 2011

MBPA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By Fern Selzer, Ph.D.
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(831) 475-9091

As the new President of the Monterey Bay Psychological Association, I have been amazed to find an abundance of inspired members who are willing to dedicate significant time for activities within our organization and profession. My thanks to MBPA current and past board members who have welcomed and oriented me in my new role.

The activities of our organization have a breadth that is substantial: from disaster response to colleague support, from book club to formal continuing education courses, from the summer party to the social justice forum. Because of this breadth, the MBPA offers so many possible ways to be connected to your profession and your local colleagues, to get involved a little or to get involved a lot. Please check out our activities by looking at our website: http://www.mbpsych.org.

Since I have started participating on the MBPA Board, I have developed a new appreciation of the California Psychological Association. Although I have been a member of CPA for all my years as a professional psychologist in California, I have been somewhat of a grumbler about the cost and a questioner: what have you done for us lately? Now I have been able to see from close up what the CPA does. As the sole advocate in Sacramento for the profession of psychology in California, CPA organizes political participation and other activities which are critical to the future of the profession in our state and locally. Please support them with membership in CPA and with their outreach campaigns to our legislators. Cheryl Bowers, Ph.D., is our CPA representative and keeps us abreast of CPA’s activities as well as issues of advocacy that affect our profession in California.

As President, one of the areas in which I would like to support progress is in continuing to improve our use of new technologies on our website. I have perused the websites of the other California chapters and I believe our website quite measures up. Thanks to Junell Silver, Ph.D., and Jenny Kaupp, Ph.D., in overseeing this effort! Our “Find a Psychologist” website function is especially user friendly while still providing the needed information. Recently, the MBPA Information and Referral Service has decided to stop the referral service, and therefore our online search engine has become even more important to help health professionals or consumers in finding a psychologist who is suited to the individual’s needs.

Even though online searches have increased in popularity, the MBPA has decided to print a new directory, as we continue to receive requests for them from referral sources. Members current as of June 1, 2011 will be included in the directory.

We need and welcome new board members. So please let me know if you would like to participate at that level, as we have several openings. I also invite any questions, comments, suggestions, or offers of volunteerism. Please get in touch with me.

Fern Selzer, Ph.D.
President, MBPA

Spring/Summer 2011

Highlights from CPA Conference in San Diego

Submitted by Gary Shoemaker, Ph.D.

It has been a long time since I’ve attended a CPA convention. This one left me feeling energized about a number of topics, and with a sense of excitement about being in a field that is continually growing and focusing on important social and health issues. I wanted to share a few “nuggets” I bought home.

The theme of the conference, expressed in the opening panel talk led by CPA president Dr. Sally Hildebrandt, was about integrated primary health care. This teaming of medical and psychological providers is the future model for providing healthcare. The psychologist in the “home clinic” would be one of many specialists available to the primary care physician, to do brief assessments, treatment, and referral. The psychologist in this setting would probably be asked to conduct many assessments each day. The patient in home clinic is better served since she doesn’t have to go from place to place, but has the specialists come to her. Dr. Hildebrandt asked the audience of about 500 how they thought they would like working, at least part of the time, in this mode. Only about 50 raised their hands. When asked how many would not like it, about 50 raised their hands. Most, like me, were in the category of not having made up their minds.

Part of the panel focused on health care for the aging population. "The Tsunami of aging: a team sport" was the name of one of the presentations, and was a sub theme of the conference. Mort Schaevitz, a master lecturer and chair of the geriatric division of CPA, talked about the team of experts, including case manager, psychologist, lawyer, and primary care physician, needed to work with the diverse needs of this fast growing population.

Dr. James Bray, former APA president, was also on the panel, spoke about Obama’s healthcare directive to providers to use electronic medical records and how it will be a necessity for psychologists soon, as it is currently for physicians. I wondered how an individual private practitioner could afford to make this expensive and time consuming transition. Maybe some of our membership has experience to share about this. It is easier to imagine a group practice arranging to this electronic conversion and sharing the expense. It was emphasized that we psychologists are doctors, should always use the title of doctor in this integrated approach, to avoid being put in a secondary or less than role on the team.

In the opening session there was a report by Executive Director Jo Linder-Crow, who visited our chapter some years ago, about what CPA is doing. One newly formed task force focuses on issues of immigration and on offering assistance to this population. They have asked for members to provide assessments for immigrant families where a parent is facing deportation. I know that there is a need for this type of assessment in our community and that there is a shortage of providers available to do this.

Other presentations were on psycho immunology, neuropsychology of aging, veterans' mental health issues, and more. Presentations, I attended were excellent, and I believe the PowerPoints are available on line at the CPA website.

One last nugget for me was being reminded that one can get free CE’s from reading the CPA Journal. There are two credits for each edition.

Overall, it was really an enjoyable and informative conference.

Gary Shoemaker

Spring/Summer 2011

New Member Profile

Karen Grijalva, Ph.D.
(831) 621-1150 Ext. 200

Dr. Karen Grijalva is a psychological assistant registered with the California Board of Psychology, and has practiced psychotherapy for the past six years in Santa Cruz, CA. Her clinical experience and training is in the treatment of depression, anxiety and sexual abuse. In treating these issues, Dr. Grijalva uses the most up-to-date techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy, which have been shown to be quite effective. Patients treated with CBT report sustained remission even after the completion of their treatment. With empathy and compassion, Dr. Grijalva recognizes her patients’ strengths and unique needs, utilizing Internal Family Systems, or “parts” work to resolve inner trauma and conflict, mindfulness and non-violent communication concepts, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, to treat her patients.

Dr. Grijalva graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with high honors in the field of psychology, and earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto. She has practiced at Family Services Agency of the Central Coast for the past 6 years and, in addition, is now also serving the community as a psychological assistant of Dr. Katie Dashtban, PsyD at Medical Psychology Services, Inc. in Capitola, CA.  Her practice at Medical Psychology Services, Inc. is open to new patients. She can negotiate her fees based on a sliding scale. For more information, visit www.medicalpsychologyservice.com or call 831-621-1150 Ext. 200.

Contact:

Karen Grijalva, Ph.D.

Spring/Summer 2011

MBPA DISASTER RESPONSE COMMITTEE REPORT

Submitted by Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D.
(831) 420-1109
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In the last few months, the Disaster Services Committee and the integrated ARC team have responded to several community incidents. Some of our team members responded when a young couple were hospitalized and became comatose as a result of an explosion.

Due to the tsunami on 3/11/11, our team assisted those individuals who live on boats and many others who lost their boats in our harbor. Mental health services were requested and provided from our team of trained members.

I have been swamped with calls, questions and requests for materials regarding the tsunami, potassium iodide pills, and radiation concerns. On the day of the tsunami, I developed a tip sheet, “Coping with Tsunami Concerns,” and followed up by creating another on dealing with the “Threat of a Disaster.” These handouts have been sent to National ARC and other counties and venues. Our goal is to help maintain calm and use facts as an antidote to fear and rumors. As psychologists we are uniquely trained to provide these interventions for our clients and the community.

Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D.

Co-chair, Disaster Response Committee

Rick Allen, Ph.D.

Co-chair, Disaster Response Committee

831-429-1340

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Spring/Summer 2011

MBPA FORENSICS COMMITTEE CHAIR STEPS DOWN

Submitted by Jennifer Kaupp, Ph.D.

The MBPA Board wishes to extend a fond farewell to Dr. Myrna Glick, long time Forensics Chair. Myrna is a champion of individuals coping with psychiatric and learning problems, and has long fought for equal access, ethical treatment, and justice for them. We will miss her well-researched, thought-provoking, and timely articles that regularly graced these pages.

Spring/Summer 2011

MBPA INFORMATION AND REFERRAL COMMITTEE FAREWELL

Submitted by Jon Girvetz, Ph.D.
Past I&R Chair

The MBPA Information and Referral Service came to an end recently after years of service to the community. Past and present participants celebrated the end with a party at the home of Dr. Patricia Noel. The I&R, now a model of the past, has given way to the new ways of providing information and referrals via the MBPA web page. The phone number that remains in the yellow pages now refers people to the web page to find a therapist or seek answers to questions that they might have. As chair of that committee, I wish to thank all who have participated through time and especially those who have kept the watch throughout the years.  Special thanks go out to Drs. Blair Bashford, Pam Kangas, and Patricai Noel for their work at keeping the I&R afloat all these years. 

Spring/Summer 2011

MBPA Membership Renewal Notice

By Ann Bolger, Ph.D.
www.DrBolger.com
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Dear MBPA members,

The 2011 renewal process is coming to a close. If you would like to be included in the upcoming printed member directory, this is your last opportunity! Click here to download the 2011 renewal form [please include link to membership renewal form here]. Thank you for your continued support.

On another note, after four years as Membership Chair I will be leaving this position. It has been a wonderful opportunity to meet and deepen relationships with our members. I invite one of you to consider stepping into this role, which has been rewarding to me personally as well as professionally. It is a particularly great position if you are new to the community and getting your practice going.

Next, I will be pursuing the currently open President-Elect position. I hope to bring the knowledge and experience I have gained from my board participation at MBPA and the Santa Clara County Psychological Association (SCCPA) to help strengthen MBPA for our members, as well as for our community at large.

Best wishes to all of you,

Ann Bolger, Ph.D.

Membership Chair, MBPA

831-426-6195

Spring/Summer 2011

MBPA PUBLIC SERVICE/OUTREACH/EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D.
Chair, Public Service/Outreach/Education Committee
(831) 420-1109
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The Public Service/Outreach/Education Committee received a request for pro bono therapy. One of the eight members of this subcommittee was available and agreed to provide this vital service. If other MBPA members are interested in contributing their time on an occasional sliding scale or pro bono basis according to your specific availability and comfort level, please contact either Diane Bridgeman or Anita Whalen.

Our  MBPA committee members were disappointed when the poster board and tabling area for the Calciano event on March 11 was cancelled because of the tsunami alert. For the past ten years, this annual event has been an opportunity to recruit new members by answering questions and providing handouts.

Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D.

Spring/Summer 2011

TECHNOLOGY REPORT

Submitted by Junell Silver, Ph.D.
(831) 688-1645
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IMPORTANT, MUST-KNOW INFORMATION FOR MBPA COMMUNICATION

HOW TO ACCESS THE MBPA WEBSITE WHICH INCLUDES THE NEWSLETTER, PSYCHOLOGIST DIRECTORY, DATES OF IMPORTANCE, WORKSHOPS

Use your browser to get to the internet and then type in www.mbpsych.org. Once you are at the site, select "login help" (lower right side of page) for your username and password. This section also contains information about how to change/update your user profile. Members are responsible for maintaining their profile information. The help section is extensive in order to make the process easy. You must login to the Website to edit your profile.

HOW TO SEND EMAILS TO MBPA MEMBERS

Since MBPA members email addresses are voluntary, we request that you contact the President, Fern Selzer This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Technology Chair, Junell Silver This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , for approval of the email that would go out to the full membership. We do not want to bombard our members with emails. If the email is appropriate, we will have our webmaster send the notice. For some purposes (like evite.com) our webmaster, Charlie Kaupp, can provide a list of current email addresses.

However, contact information (addesses, phone numbers, and email addresses) of individual MBPA members can be obtained from our website, www.mbpsych.org. Once you are at the website, select "Directory" located just under the logo at the top of the webpage. Then you will be at the Member Directory page, where members are grouped by license and by county. Let's use finding Junell Silver as an example. Dr. Silver is a psychologist in Santa Cruz County. Select "Member Psychologist in Santa Cruz County." The next page will list names, title, and location in alphabetical order. Find and select "Junell Silver." You will arrive at Dr. Silver’s profile page. The first page contains contact information. If you click on email address, you can send an email directly from the webpage site to Dr. Silver.

Many of us create our own MBPA email address groups through our local computer mail services. For example, we collect the email addresses of the BOD and locate them in an address grouping. Just remember that the website data may change so it is your responsibility to keep address groupings current.

HOW TO USE THE LISTSERVER

Recently everyone received a notice that you are part of the new MBPA Listserv. The MBPA listserv is an e-mail forum to connect MBPA members with valuable resources including: networking; access to quick referrals; educational and research opportunities for professional psychologists; alerts related to advocacy and legislation for the profession; and job listings.

The listserv is the primary vehicle by which MPBA information is transmitted. In other words, if you should choose to opt-out, then you will no longer get important announcements. This is an important consideration since if you opt-out of receiving listserv emails, you won't hear about events, be able request referrals, or receive relevant MBPA information.

Charlie Kaupp has made using the Listserv really easy. Just one step actually.

1. Send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
2. You can reply to an existing post over email. Simply find the post you'd like to reply to in your email inbox and click the Reply button in your email program. Type your message into the body of the email, making sure you keep the subject line of the email intact so that your post is sent to the correct thread.
3. Instructions for how to unsubscribe to the listserv are at the end of each posting.

The resources (hardware, software, and technical assistance) for this effort are provided without charge by the Monterey Bay Psychological Association as a service to its members.

There are very few rules if you subscribed to this list/forum (see the CPA rules here).  Few restrictions, we have found, result in the greatest number of innovative contributions. However, two rules are critically important. The rules are:

Rule 1: Do not use the forum for illegal purposes, including but not limited to defamation, violation of intellectual property laws, violation of antitrust or unfair competition laws or violation of criminal laws.

Rule 2: Do not intentionally interfere with or disrupt other forum members, network services, or network equipment. This includes distribution of unsolicited advertisement or chain letters, propagation of computer worms and viruses, and use of the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the Forum.

If you break these rules then you will be unsubscribed.

Junell Silver, Ph.D.