Industry Assignment: Wake Up Call Cydni Gordon

Psychologist. Why? Been interested in psychology since my freshmen year of high school Certain events in my life have reinforced that this is something I am interested in Want to help people See a need in the industry for improvement (want to help lessen the stigma surrounding mental illness)

Dr. Loos- Who? Mary Loos- Professor VCU since 2002 Earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Columbia University Ended up completing her The University of Maryland (combined Masters/PH.D. Program) Worked on a big research NIH

Tips for staying sane? Be willing to set clear limits on your time Set strict limits on the conditions under which you can be reached Know yourself and your limits (respect those limits) Have a good support system around you (family), talk to people about feelings, do not hold it in.

Staying sane cont. Do good things for yourself Going to learn about the not so great qualities of humanity (accepting that) Consult colleagues

Changes in the field? Huge revolution in the numbers and types of medications available and being used The invention and use of Prozac and Paxil (were non existent before the late 90s) Noticed less of a stigma surrounding mental illness Public more aware of mental illness

Addressing the Global Aspects Did you ever notice a demographic change in your clients or colleagues since being a part of this field? Do you know if there is a difference in the way psychology is practiced in other cultures and countries? Have you ever had to modify the way you communicate, collaborate or teach to accommodate someone from another country or culture?

Her Responses? 1. 1.sees more older students as well as international students “Absolutely--Most cultures have their own ways of understanding the how the human mind works and what motivates people to behave the ways they do. Human emotions are universal, but their expression and how people understand them are different across cultures”

Responses cont. 3) 3) “Yes-- at times has had to alter teaching style to accommodate different expectations. When I working w/ patients with strong religious beliefs, has incorporated those values into her understanding of the person and how they may view their own healing.

What I did I learn? Wake up call More competitive than med school Going to have to deal with and hear things that are hard and will have to confront your own assumptions about the world GRE scores will be very important

Cont. Need all the experience I can (start now; volunteering etc.) Going to do a lot of research License is what matters How to start a private practice?

Impact of this interview? Reinforced and strengthened my interest in Psychology Very insightful Made me think retrospectively about my life and experiences thus far and how they have shaped me Gained motivation to work hard Realized that I have a long road ahead of me, need to start now.

4 pieces of advice Dr. Loos left me with? 1.Don’t do it for the money; do it because you love it 2.Realized that you are going to learn about the ugliest human qualities 3.Long road to earning you PH.D; 7-8 years before you can practice on your own (need a license) 4.Need good GRE’s and excellent grades and lots of practical experience

Image Links VCU Psych Department Faculty Page http:// now-return now-returnhttp:// now-return 7.