Professional Interview and Response

Professional Interview and Response

PSY/480

Professional Interview and Response

The field of psychology has varied and multifaceted professional careers to choose from, this is evident in the situations of the specialists that have been chosen for this assignment. The two professionals have worked in the field of psychology for many years. One has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and although about to retire to a warmer climate is still a practicing psychologist here in Indiana. She currently runs two private practices, one in Kokomo and another in Greentown, Indiana. The other professional works as a counselor at the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) where he divides his time between Kokomo and Marion, Indiana. Both of these professionals use a varied approach and modalities in their work although both state that helping others and making a difference in peoples’ lives is what made them choose the field they are in and that is what makes them continue to get up each morning. Of course, that is after their morning coffee. No work shall be done before coffee.

Clinical Focus, Modalities, and Techniques for Interview One

C.C. Michel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), works as a Clinical Therapist at FSSA, he received his education from Indiana University obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (1993) and continued his education at the Loyola University of Chicago where he obtained his Masters of Social Work (1995). Michel works with individuals ten years old and older. He said his youngest client is now 11, and his oldest is 92. Through the years, he has dealt with clients who have addiction problems, attention deficit / hyperactive disorder (ADHD), anger management, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and child abuse. He now specializes in domestic violence, child abuse, and men who suffer from sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Michel is restricted in how much he can do with his clients due to time restrictions placed upon him by the state of Indiana.

Interview One: C. C. Michel, LCSW

Do you have your own office; what type of setting do you counsel in? How long have you been practicing?

I work in a state-run facility that has designated offices for client therapy. I began working as a social worker the year after I graduated high school, and I moved up to my present status of a clinical therapist in 1995 after I received my master’s degree.

What area or areas do you specialize or focus on?

I now specialize in domestic violence, child abuse, and men who suffer from sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction.

What is the most common disorder you treat?

By far it is domestic abuse. Being a man has restrictions when dealing with the person(s) you care about and love. I try to instill that into the men I talk to about domestic abuse. Women also abuse and can be much more violent than men at times. I speak to them about their anger issues and what sets the events into action before any abuse, vocal or physical.

What other certifications, if any, do you have beyond your graduate degrees?

As a state social worker, I do have other certificates. I keep updated on being a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor (CDVC), a Certified Child Abuse Counselor (CCAC), and I teach domestic violence education, and I also support victim advocacy.

In what way do you approach treatment or therapy?

It depends on the person and the subject. I often use group therapy when dealing with domestic abuse. I want the men and women to see and hear what other men and women have to say about the abuse. I ask what starts the event, once the trigger is learned then it can be dealt with. I use various modes of techniques and as I said it depends on the person or persons. I like to do couple counseling when dealing with child abuse and domestic abuse. I use play therapy for children who have been abused, support groups for women who are going through or have gone through domestic abuse and are no longer with the abuser. I give them information on safety planning, and where to obtain continued support beyond the state provided facilities.

What are the most common and challenging ethical and legal issues you have?

The most common involve the courtroom and victim advocacy. I help children be with the right people who will take good care of them, and that is not easy. Parents are not always the best choice for care when it comes to children. It is not easy telling parents that their child is a sociopath and needs to be placed in an institution. It is also hard to be in court with a victim who has been raped and abused by her partner or husband and testifying to prove that a crime was committed.

Where do you think the field of psychology is going?

At this point, I am not sure, but I do believe that as long as there are people who care enough to listen and try to help those who need helping then psychology is doing what it was created to do.

Is there one aspect of your work that you enjoy more than the rest?

Yes, working with men who believe that because they have a sexual problem that life is over. I am speaking about ED. Men have committed suicide over their ED. I suppose that I like speaking with men about ED because it does not involve any abuse, no courtroom, and no crying children.

What advice can you give to a hopeful psychologist or therapist?

Get all the experience you can. Volunteer before beginning any graduate employment. Volunteering will help you determine the right career path for you.

Clinical Focus, Modalities, and Techniques for Interview Two

Dr. Mabel C. has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, which she obtained from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She says that helping people was ingrained in her from a very early age. She was the first in her family to get a high school education and the only one of her large family to go to college. She is very proud of that. Dr. Mabel has clients with which she counsels them about their marriage and also has individuals’ that require one-on-one therapy. During her 20 plus years as a psychologist, she has treated many of her patients throughout their life and life experiences. She uses traditional psychotherapy along with holistic and a family systems based therapy.

Interview Two: Dr. Mabel C

I share two practices with two other clinical psychologists here in Kokomo and with one over in Greentown. I have been practicing for 35 years and have enjoyed every aspect of my career.

  • Do you have your own office; what type of setting do you counsel in? How long have you been practicing?

I would say that I do not have a specialty anymore, at one time I only saw children and adolescents, now, however, and I see more cases of behavioral and cognitive problems.

  • What area or areas do you specialize or focus on?

The most common disorder that I see on a regular basis is older people with behavioral and cognitive problems. I have referred many to local neurologists to facilitate the client’s needs.

  • What is the most common disorder you treat?

I have several, and I am as proud of them as I am of my doctorate. I have a certificate from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), I have a certificate in applied suicide intervention skills training (ASIST), and continual training in cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT)

  • What other certifications, if any do you have, that is beyond your graduate degrees?

All people are different, and I use the type of therapy that is best suited to that person. I do a complete assessment and garner information from other doctors and the person’s pharmacist. It is important to learn what medications the patient is taking. Many times medications are the cause of misdiagnosis. In many clients, I use an evidence-based type of therapy. For the married couples, I rely on Gottman’s marital therapy along with acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). It depends on the couple. As I said before with the behavioral and cognitive patients I use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I use a direct and firm approach with most of my patients; there are some that require a softer approach.

  • In what way do you approach treatment or therapy?

Anything dealing with children. Children are precious and learn what they are taught. Behavior, of a child, begins at home. However, I digress, a patient’s confidentiality is of utmost importance, and especially so when dealing with children, adolescents, and young adults. Another involve boundaries. They are very easy to cross or violate and can spread into so many facets of a person’s practice.

  • What are the most common and challenging ethical and legal issues you have?

Conclusion

  • Where do you think the field of psychology is going?
  • I believe that psychology is growing every day and will soon be available to almost everyone who needs help with their problems online. The stigma of seeing a psychologist is slowly fading, and I hope that soon it will be gone forever.
  • Is there one aspect of your work that you enjoy more than the rest?
  • I enjoy the time I spend with patients. When they leave with a smile, and I know that he or she is now able to establish or reestablish relationships with those they care for and love it makes me happy. I genuinely care about my patients, and I enjoy helping them to make positive changes in their behavior and life.
  • What advice can you give to a hopeful psychologist or therapist?
  • Dr. Mabel says that those who wish to become a psychologist should find a psychologist for themselves. Having a psychologist to talk to can often reduce the weight that is felt between patient and psychologist. It also helps with understanding how to offer empathy and compassion for their own patients or clients. There are times when it becomes overwhelming to provide compassion to others when you have not had any given to you.

The individuals that were interviewed are passionate about their work and how they help others. They offer much to the field of psychology and to those who need help with anger management, anxiety, abuse, and sexual problems. The individual’s positive perspectives are a reminder of how much is contributed when individuals such as these care about others. While there are parts of what these two individuals use regarding the treatment used and how they deal with clients and patients. However, there are many differences in how and why these individuals provide treatment to people who need it.

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