Au Psy492 E Portfolio Template For Slide Share[2]

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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Melanie Hughes BA Psychology, 2011

Personal Statement

My career goal is to work with those individuals that suffer from a severe mental illness and substance abuse addiction. I want to gain more practical experience with specialized training in order to best serve those individuals who most need our support as a society. I have such a great amount of empathy and feel a strong need to help those individuals who struggle with daily living skills and to help people gain their lives back. I would like to apply to a program that is accessible and best suits my needs and interests. I will have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Argosy University.

As with many therapists, I have chosen this profession as a result of personal problems that began to take a toll on my own psychological health. One thing led to another, before I knew it I had gained thirty pounds, felt negative and unworthy, and was suffering such low self-esteem and lost my self-confidence which was affecting most aspects of my life. Since these issues began I rediscovered and reaffirmed my purpose in life in 2006. I managed to overcome my depression through exercise and had lost the majority of the weight. My self-esteem and confidence had returned and I returned to school at Argosy University. I came to realize that my experience of depression, defeat was actually a gift that opened a door to the future. As a hardworking, highly motivated and persistent individual, I am determined to use my strength and passion in the field of psychology, helping others to succeed and providing hope to those individuals in despair. I feel the need to help people in more profound ways.

I am especially interested in doing graduate work in the area of counseling and family therapy. I enjoy very much working with families, since I see the family support system as the primary foundation of mental health and well-being in society. I feel that my work experience has helped to prepare me to become increasingly effective at working with families and to develop an ongoing special interest in the area of family mental health.

Today, I work in a treatment facility for dual diagnosis clients, called Cornerstones. My title is substance abuse aide. I help therapists with case management issues. It helps me give back to the community. I feel that I am thus in a unique position to understand the conflicts within the hearts of troubled individuals. I comprehend, for instance, the importance of such issues as trust. I want to help people to cope with the hardships of life by encouraging optimal psychological health, learning how to cope with stress, anxiety, and all of their intricately related maladies. I have acquired a special interest in health psychology. I also want to help individuals to prevent the disease of alcohol by appropriately managing the stress that accompanies the multiple roles individuals face in our fast-paced society.

I would like to focus on prevention through research and clinical interventions designed to foster health and reduce the risk of alcoholism. I would seek to promote the development of a healthy mind in individuals as the foundation for a happy and successful life. I cannot wait to pursue a career in order to work closely with high-risk populations suffering from severe mental illness and addiction. As a woman who has stood up to the challenges of depression, I have learned to be strong, courageous and persistent in difficult circumstances.

I am very motivated and determined to succeed as a therapist of excellence. My personal and professional history has revealed to me the profound gift of empathy, compassion, and the sheer joy of clinical inquiry. I have become a master of time management who is free to face the rigors a graduate program. I plan to continue working full time until classes start and hope to obtain financial aid to help with my studies. As always, I believe in the positive effects of exercise on stress management and plan to continue to make this a part of my daily routine. Overall, I believe that I am well-prepared to embark on this new endeavor at this time in my life when I can make my most significant contribution to the field and to the lives of others. I look forward with a sense of excitement and hope to the professional growth that will take place as I pursue this degree at Capella University.

I feel strongly that I am a well-qualified candidate who has much to offer in terms of being able to reach out and assist individuals to help regain control of life. I feel I am called to be a mental health therapist and I look forward to helping them and their families to better understand the enormous opportunities that are available, how to make choices from the heart as well as the mind, connecting passions with capabilities and to thinking optimistically about alternatives choices in for their future. I thank you for consideration of my application.

Resume

Melanie R Hughes

9323 Victoria St.

Manassas, VA 20110

Work: 703-227-7105

Home: 703-577-4326

EDUCATION:

Argosy University, graduate candidate 2011

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology-Substance Abuse

Northern Virginia Community College, Virginia 1998-2009

AS-General Studies

OBJECTIVE:

Seeking an ideal job that offers a diverse experience in substance abuse or mental health counseling.

EXPERIENCE:

Cornerstones Treatment Center 02/06-Present

MH/MR/SAS AIDE, $36,000/ year

Fairfax County Alcohol and Drug Services

• Serves as administrative support for Cornerstones of Alcohol and Drug

• Assists with orientation of clients to the program and completing admission paperwork.

• Assists in transporting clients to various appointments.

• Assists in medication management for the clients.

• Reconciles monthly billing invoices and procurement card.

• Manages Cornerstones apartment.

• Informed and clarified for clients and their families the facility policies and resources.

• Works closely with DSS, CPS, Dual Diagnosis, self-referred, paroled and probation mandated populations.

• Maintains records, documentation, and monthly reports

• Assist clients in formulating survival skills to aid in transition from residential to independent living situations.

• Able to work independently and under stress conditions.

• Able to respond very calmly and professionally.

• Provide ongoing treatment information, support and education to the client and their families after discharge.

Resume (Cont.)

MH/MR/SAS AIDE, $34,000/year 05/05-02/06

Fairfax County Alcohol and Drug Services

• Serves as administrative support for A New Beginning and Fairfax Detox of Alcohol and Drug Services.

• Responsible for providing administrative and paraprofessional clinical support of Detox.

• Enters data and retrieval of information in the Community Service Board database system, SYNAPS.

• Preparation of monthly statistical reports.

• Assists with admission and orientation of clients to the program.

• Works closely with clinicians and administrative staff in other programs to ensure accuracy of data entry and to assist in correcting data entered.

Administrative Assistant II, $28,000/year 11/98-05/05

Fairfax County Park Authority, Park Operations Division, Fairfax, Virginia

• Answers and screens incoming telephone calls, routes calls to proper staff, answers general information questions, and takes detailed messages from callers.

• Provides administrative support throughout the entire division.

• Enters requests and data information in the Maintenance Management System for the Park Operations Division.

• Applies individual case management services to citizens.

• Assists in the preparation of annual maintenance reports.

• Assists County staff with payroll and maintains on-line time.

• Prepares forms and analyzes encroachments on park authority land.

• Prepares and utilizes mowing information and other mapping services using the Geographic Information System.

• General knowledge and skill in operating tabular and graphic display and output devices associated with geographic information systems and other land information systems.

Skills:

Proficient in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Geographical Information System, Maintenance Management System, SYNAPS, Power Point, Prism, E-mail, and Internet , sound decision-making skills; ability to establish trusting relationships with individuals: accurately keep records: positively relate with people from diverse backgrounds: strong communication skills; enthusiastic and positive; genuine desire to be of service to people. AED, CPR, and First Aid certified.

Languages:

Fluent in German

References:

Available upon request

REFLECTION

Reflection

Reflection

Argosy has fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine to finally graduate with a degree in psychology. Over the past couple of years my experience here has been pleasant. I have gained incredible knowledge in the field of psychology and learned better time management skills. I have also enhanced my critical thinking skills by being able to assess many psychological perspectives and theories. Each class has given me the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of topics. The professors have been an incredible asset to the learning environment by sharing much of their knowledge and professional experience with me.

My strengths have been show in my works of being able to effectively present psychological information, in writing and using software and style to the appropriate audience as seen on my SSAL. I have been able to exhibit and develop appropriate levels of conciseness and clarity in content, language use, grammar and APA formatting. I am also able to defend psychological concepts in my written work. One other strength that I find most interesting and have enjoyed throughout my path to graduation is Ethics. Ethics must come into play in all forms of psychology. One must be able to recognize subtle breaches in ethical practices and be responsible for our choices of behavior. These ethical considerations for most psychological research and practices should be a top priority. Diversity is also important. I feel I have learned to effectively engage in multiculturally-sensitive thought and action by recognizing forms of discrimination and prejudice.

My weaknesses are reflected in my I/O psychology presentations. I can demonstrate an understanding of how psychological principles apply at an organizational level but I am not able to articulate comprehensive explanations that incorporate those psychological principles. I could also use a little more work to develop adaptable strategies of facilitating dynamic interpersonal and organizational relationships.

The journey has been long and strenuous but well worth the work. I have enjoyed the online learning experience with the flexibility. I did not think that the day would be happen when I could say that I have obtained a bachelor of arts in psychology.

Ethics and Diversity AwarenessWork Sample

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

Research SkillsCommunication Skills: Oral and WrittenEthics and Diversity AwarenessFoundations of PsychologyApplied PsychologyInterpersonal Effectiveness**Include work samples and projects with a Title Page and organized accordingly to demonstrate each of the Program Outcomes above

PSYCHOLOGY

Critical Thinking Work Sample

Codependency is a behavior that is learned, it is when one is so absorbed in their current relationship (Argosy University, 2010). The intentions of a codependent person are good, but end up an unhealthy relationship for both persons (Argosy University, 2010). There are several characteristics for codependency. A codependent individual has poor communication skills (Argosy University, 2010). Honest communication is the key to a healthy relationship. In the movie when a man loves a woman, the wife played by Meg Ryan, does not communicate to her husband her true feelings. Instead she begins to hide and isolate her abuse of alcohol. Her husband also does not talk openly and honestly with her and allows the drinking to continue. Another characteristic is the need to control someone else (Argosy University, 2010). Andy Garcia who plays the husband in the movie is dependent on his wife being weak and helpless. This helps him have control over her and all the aspects in their life. He controls the household, his work, their marriage, and even the children. This also gives Andy the false hope that he can change Meg’s behavior. His decisions are based on what he feels she would want him to do, he becomes hurt and angry when she in return does not give him the love or the appreciation he so craves and desires. Andy Garcia has a tendency to do more than his share all the time, which displays another characteristic of codependency (Argosy University, 2010). He is putting so much time and effort into his marriage, life, job and children that he has lost his sense of self. The reason Andy does more than his share is because he feels the need and responsibility to take care of his wife. After his wife gets better after entering treatment, he has trouble adjusting to the change in her behavior and her willingness to be independent. He has played the role of being the responsible one for so long that the sudden change has made him feel uneasy. This can be very uncomfortable for someone that is co-dependent (Argosy University, 2010). He may begin to feel a sense of inadequacy, confusion, and frustration for his inability to help “solve” all of his wife’s problems (Argosy University, 2010).

These characteristics that Andy portrays in the movie are very detrimental to maintain a healthy relationship because in order to satisfy his personal needs, he would have to continue to enable his wife’s behavior. When an individual is codependent they rely on outside sources to get their needs met (Argosy University, 2010). He could have continued to ignore the problem, or minimize the impact her addiction has on the family (Argosy University, 2010). If he continues to communicate poorly, honest expressions of feelings will not be heard and therefore the relationship will still not work (Argosy University, 2010). His need to control her will also be detrimental to their relationship because it allows him to be the only one to make the decisions, without her voicing her opinions (Argosy University, 2010). If he controls her by allowing her behavior to continue then the family dynamic is in poor standing and the children will see this pattern of behavior as well. The children will also learn what they see and possibly revert to this behavior as adults. They may also become dependent or alcoholics. Having a sense of control gives Andy power, and makes him

Critical Thinking (cont.)

feel worthy (Argosy University, 2010). If he gives this “control” up he loses power, therefore loses his self-worth which may result in low self esteem (Argosy University, 2010). Since Andy also insists on doing more than his share, this gives him more self-worth. He is enabling his wife’s behavior and allowing her to continue her abuse of alcohol. This in turns creates an unhealthy family dynamic for which a healthy relationship would not happen. Healthy relationships are those that can understand what each person’s responsible for within the relationship (Argosy University, 2010). Codependent behavior within a substance abuse environment serves both the person that is using and the codependent (Argosy University, 2010). For example, in this movie, Meg can continue to drink and her husband does not have to acknowledge the drinking and helping her makes him feel better about himself. Eventually, this causes much pain to both the user and the codependent because it leads the abuser to continue to the behavior and the code dent to be unhappy because he is not being validated for helping (Argosy University, 2010). In the movie, Andy takes care of the children, household chores, bills, and other duties while his wife lies in bed. In a way he is supporting her behavior of laying in bed, not working or taking care of the children. He takes all the responsibility in order to keep the family “normal.” This clearly shows signs of enabling.

References:

Argosy University (2010). Substance abuse and the family. Retrieved on October 1, 2010, from: http://www.myeclassonline.com.

Research SkillsWork Sample

MethodsTwo Hundred seven men and women (age 18-45, 58% male, 59% women) with a diagnosis of depression were randomly assigned to a low or high dose (20/or 40min/day) aerobic exercise program, not combined with taking medications for (13+ 1.6 weeks). Subjects underwent comprehensive evaluations of depression using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores before and after treatment. Secondary outcome measures included aerobic capacity, life satisfaction, self-esteem and anxiety.

Study designAfter a completion of the baseline assessment, subjects will be randomly divided into two groups

(group A, n = 28; group B, n = 31) and assigned to a 13-week two-way crossover trial. In the first phase, group A starts an 8-week physical exercise program, and group B continues a usual daily routine and served as non-exercising controls. Subjects will then crossover to the alternate condition for an additional 4-week period if need be. The weekly attendance at the exercise regimen will be recorded, and the total number of sessions over the period was calculated. Throughout the length of two experimental periods, subjects will be instructed to maintain their usual level of physical activities (with the exception of the above-mentioned exercise period) and be requested to keep records of the daily activities.

Participants207 participants were volunteers ages 18-45 who met DSM-IV criteria for depression. Participants

also met the following criteria 1) not taking antidepressant medication, 2) not currently using other medications for diet or weight loss;3) no problems with alcohol or substance abuse 4) no medical constrictions to exercise 5) not currently in psychotherapy within the past year, 5) not already participating in a regular aerobic exercise program.

Participations need to be interviewed by a clinical psychologist using the DSM-IV. Subjects are to be considered to meet DSM-IV criteria for depression if they have the following symptoms, sleep disturbance, weight loss or change in appetite, anxiety, fatigue or loss of energy, thoughts of death, and feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.

Research Skills (Cont.)

Instruments:

The Beck Depression Inventory is a 21 item self-report questionnaire consisting of symptoms and attitudes relating to depression (Brill, 2010). The items are summed in a total score, higher numbers indicate greater depression with a range of 0-63. Surveys are to be administers, along with informed consent forms. The survey will consist of four sections of questions dealing with mood, symptoms of depression and demographic information. The exercise and diet section is compiled of 15 questions such as improved mood, self-esteem, and body image.

Exercise

Subjects in this group need to attend three supervised exercise sessions per week for 13 weeks. Each exercise session consists of a 5 minute warm-up period, and then followed by 20-45 minutes of walking/jogging, or an exercise of their choice. Heart rate will be monitored and recorded during all sessions.

For protection of the participants I will use an informed consent form, and have the basic elements listed. I will have a statement that the study involves research and the purpose of it. I will list the duration of the study, and the description of the procedures. A description of the benefits to the subject, and what is to be expected. I will also have a disclosure of appropriate alternatives of treatment, such as medications. I will have a statement of confidentially of records identifying each participant. I will offer an explanation of who to contact if an injury occurs, and where further information can be obtained. Last but not least a statement that participation is voluntary, and refusal to participant will involve no penalties or loss of benefits and they may discontinue at any given time (Argosy University Online, 2010).

This study will not use deception in the design. The debriefing will include all information of the research and then a signature page to include that they have read the instructions and fully understand in the information, and that they have been debriefed. The researcher and the participant will sign and date the form.

References

Argosy University. (2010). Module 5:Research Methods. Retrieved June 24, 2010, from http://myeclassonline.com.

Bartholomew, J. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2005; vol 37: pp 2032-2037. News release, University of Texas at Austin.

Brill, Patricia A.; Kenneth Cooper,. "Physical exercise and mental health. (Mental Illness and National Policy)." National Forum. 1993. Retrieved May 21, 2010 from accessmylibrary: http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-14175979/physical-exercise-and-mental.html

Hamer, M, Stamatakis, E, Steptoe, A (2009). Dose-response relationship between physical activity and mental health: the Scottish Health Survey. Br. J. Sports. Med. 43: 1111-1114

"Studies from University Hospital update current data on mental health prevention." Diabetes Week. 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2010 from accessmylibrary: http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-193611048/studies-university-hospital-update.html

Communication Skills: Oral and WrittenWork Sample

The damage that abused drugs cause to the developing fetus is very dangerous. The mother is putting her baby at risk for low birth weight, high blood pressure, withdrawal symptoms, and even death. Heavy drinking during early pregnancy greatly increases the risk of a cluster of birth defects known as fetal alcohol syndrome. This cluster includes a small skull, abnormal facial features, and heart defects, often accompanied by a delay in growth and mental retardation (Foley, 2007). Heavy drinking in later pregnancy may also impede growth. Cocaine and methamphetamine are powerful stimulants of the central nervous system (Foley, 2007). They suppress the mother’s appetite and exert other drastic forces on her body, causing the blood vessels to constrict, the heart to beat faster, and the blood pressure to soar (Foley, 2007). The baby may be born drug dependent and suffer withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and sucking difficulties (Foley, 2007). Heavy narcotics use increases the danger of premature birth with such accompanying problems for the infant as low birth weight, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar and bleeding within the head (Foley, 2007). . The babies of narcotics-dependent mothers are often born dependent themselves and suffer withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, vomiting and diarrhea, and joint stiffness (Foley, 2007). Marijuana used by pregnant women is inconclusive, because marijuana is often used with other drugs, such as tobacco and alcohol. Like them, it is associated with premature birth and low-birth weight babies (Foley, 2007).

Pregnant women that are incarcerated charged with illegal drug use would allow both mother and child to be safe. Mandated treatment would allow mothers to understand the nature of addiction, and the reasons why pregnant women become addicted provides a good foundation for developing policies that will in fact improve the health and lives of women and children (Dailard, & Nash, 2000).

They would receive education on how to raise a child and possibly get information on resources available to them in case they have no other supports. They can also learn to do all that they can to take responsibility for their drug use and life circumstances, making efforts, for example, to stop or reduce their drug use and to improve their own health for the sake of the pregnancy (Dailard, & Nash, 2000).

Protecting children and improving their health is a leading reason for the incarceration in the first place. Mothers would be allowed to make healthy changes in order to stop using and to raise healthy children. If we are successful in preventing exposure and these adverse effects, substantial cost savings may be realized, including health care, foster care, special education and incarceration costs. When abstinence is not possible, harm reduction assists a woman to take steps to reduce use and harm to herself and her fetus (Dailard, & Nash, 2000).

Communication Skills: Oral and Written (Cont.)

Problems associated with incarcerating women who use illegal drugs during pregnancy may have opposite results as well. The women may have a fear of losing custody of their child could possibly deter women from seeking the prenatal health care and drug treatment that can improve both their and their child’s health. There are also several misconceptions that drug use during pregnancy means a woman will neglect or abuse their child after birth. One single positive drug screen test would not be able to determine whether or not a person will be a good parent. It can not determine whether a mother uses drugs regularly, one time incident or uses drugs suffers any physical or emotion disability from addiction (Dailard, & Nash, 2000).

There are also several people that have used drugs that still remain fit to care for a child. They only become “unfit” when they fail to provide the proper care for their child. There is a chance too that if a mother gets tested it could be a false positive test and the evidence is wrong (Dailard, & Nash, 2000).

This demonstrates significant drawbacks of polices that treat a pregnant women’s drug use as evidence of neglect or abuse. This can cause lots of problems with a mother’s self-esteem and their ability to raise a child. Not to mention if the child gets taken out of the home this can cause problems for the child with abandonment issues and the mother could begin to use drugs more often and become and addict (Dailard, & Nash, 2000).

Problems and controversies associated with forcing healthcare professionals to report a patient who is effectively abusing her fetus, to police is that women may not tell the truth and then not receive the proper prenatal care for their child. They maybe in constant fear of going to jail and run. In turn this may allow them to continue their drug use more frequently and cause more harm to the fetus. This measure also may run contrary to the stated goal of protecting infant health because they deter pregnant women from seeking important health and social services. Many treatment programs have refused to accept pregnant women or have been unable to provide important services they need, such as prenatal care, parenting skills instruction, child care and transportation (Dailard, & Nash, 2000).

References: Dailard, C. & Nash, E. (2000, December). State Responses to substance abuse among pregnant

woman. The Guttmacher Report on Public Policy, 3(6), retrieved on September 11, 2010, from http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/tgr/03/6/gr030603.

Foley, M. (2007, May). Drug use during pregnancy. Retrieved On Saturday, September 13, 2010, from http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch259/ch259a.html

Foundations of PsychologyWork Sample

I personally do not believe there is one approach that therapist should use. I believe the therapy should be client orientated and the therapy should be based on what the client needs. If an integrative approach is needed then they could use a multiple of techniques in order to help the client. In order to pick which therapeutic approach to use the therapist will have to do a proper assessment on the client. You will have to evaluate and find out what the goals of the client are. Based on the goals of the client, the therapist would choose which approach to use. All the therapeutic relationships have one common factor and that is you want to build a therapeutic relationship with your client (Corey, G. 2009). For example, you would not want to use feminist therapy if a client is seeking help for anger management. I think in the first session you would want to find out what the client needs are and get to know your client before starting a therapy approach. Once the client leaves and you make plans for the next session you can begin to figure out which approach would be best. The goal of the therapist is to make small and set realistic goals for their clients (Argosy Online Lecture, 2009).

Personal characteristics of a successful counselor are honesty, sincerity, accepting, understanding, and quick thinking (Corey, G. 2009). Most counselors are generally caring in nature, genuine and our in the field to help client’s with needs. Being caring and genuine in nature will have a great influence on the relationship. Counselors also need to be themselves and not put on a façade to impress the client. You should also give much consideration to the match between yourself and the client. Therapists need to also evaluate their own beliefs and make sure they will put stereotypes and judgments aside, if they can not it would be best not to see the client. It is critical that one is able to relate to the client even if you do not like your client or have experienced the same problems (Corey, G. 2009).

Advantages of practicing within the framework of one specific theory are they all share a common factor and that is to promote change with the client. The hope is to build a therapeutic relationship with the client which is done by all the approaches. Another advantage is using one specific theory is easier for the therapist especially if they are knowledgeable and experiences in that particular theory. . Disadvantages of using one specific theory is that even though a client may have a certain need, not using other methods may not be effective for the client. Using one approach limits the client’s chances for change and trying something new.

Advantages of using integrated approaches are the therapist has more options to create change for the client. Taking what they know from the client and theories they promote positive changes using different methods. The therapist must receive constant feedback and input from the client in order to know how to handle the situation. You can use each theory productively to direct efforts in employing the client in the process of change (Corey, G. 2009). Disadvantages of integrated approaches in therapy can be challenging for the therapists. It causes much reading and thinking and counseling experience. If the therapist does not have much knowledge of a certain theory you can not formulate a true synthesis (Corey, G. 2009). It also requires much knowledge to know how to use a certain therapeutic intervention (Corey, G. 2009).

Foundations of Psychology (Cont.)

Common personal characteristics among successful therapists are honesty, empathy, caring, compassionate, helpful, respectful, and warm in nature. They also must have a sense of patience and also feel comfortable with your client. If you possess these qualities you have chosen the right career path. If you lack some of these qualities you might want to reconsider your career. Counselors should know themselves well and should also be very trustworthy in order to build a professional relationship with their clients.

The approaches I would use in therapy would depend on the need of my client. If a client needed help with depression, I would use cognitive behavioral therapy. I like to take on the role as a teacher or mentor. I would place focus on numerous cognitive, emotive, and behavioral technique. I would challenge and change faulty thinking. I would engage clients in Socratic dialogue, debating irrational beliefs, assigning homework assignments, gather data when a client makes assumptions, teaching new coping skills, changing one’s thinking patterns, and role playing (Corey, G. 2009). I would also have to take into consideration a client’s cultural background and consider how it contributes to their perceptions of their problems. Another approach I like is behavior therapy. The techniques used for this approach are reinforcement, shaping, modeling, eye movement, cognitive restructuring, and desensitization reprocessing (Corey, G. 2009). I really would want to be knowledgeable in more than one approach so I could use an integrated approach with my clients based on their needs. I also want to build a professional and therapeutic relationship with my clients.

References Argosy University. (2009, September). Theory and Practice of Counseling and

Psychotherapy. Module 7. Retrieved October 27, 2009, from http://myeclassonline.com.

Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th Ed). Thomson/Brooks/Cole:Belmont.

Applied PsychologyWork Sample

The scientist-practitioner model advocated by the SIOP is psychologists need to be trained that incorporates and integrates science and practice (Riggio, 2008). For example, a clinical therapist would use scientific methods and findings about practice techniques and skills while having the opportunities to conduct scientific research and clinical practice under supervision that are doing the exact same thing. Training would maintain research as well as the facility. Activities are generally integrated, with research under practice that is the subject of the research.

The point of an I/O psychologist is to conduct research in order to help us understand and increase knowledge of human work behavior and to then to improve work behavior, environment, and the conditions of an employee’s psychology (Riggio, 2008). The scientific objection is to study and understand all aspects of behavior at work (Riggio, 2008). The scientific model can be sued to integrate the study and understanding into the behavior at work. This is a good way to help where improvements are needed.

The case in which scientists and practitioners are distinct that could cause is problems is that the scientist and practitioner personality perspectives have never been measured directly. I/O psychologists need to be aware of recent developments in other fields. There is a multidisciplinary nature of the study of work, behavior, including management, business, personnel, and ergonomics (Riggio, 2008).

The scientist-practitioner model is demonstrated through the history of I/O psychology starting with Pre World War I by focusing on research and working in universities. In 1901 it was used in psychological aspects of advertising. This was the first time it was used in a business context (Argosy Online University, 2010). During the First World War I/O psychologists were used to develop selection tests for soldiers to put them in an appropriate position in the military. After the war they I/O psychologists began working for the government and in private industries (Argosy Online University, 2010). At this point the focus was only on selection and training instead of social influences and behavior. In 1924, the Hawthorne studies began the Hawthorne Effect. This revealed a need for sympathy and understanding in the workplace, existence of informal employee work groups, and to focus on increasing employee growth, development and satisfaction (Argosy University Online, 2010). World War II companies began hiring I/O psychologists in order to help reduce absenteeism, improve selection and training and measures. Both wars were catalyst of changing this field. After World War II, companies began using I/O psychologists to focus more on organizational behavior. It helped increase social dynamics, group behavior, and employee morale. There was also a huge increase in this field (Argosy University Online, 2010). The EEOC was created in order to have fairness in the workplace.

The value of I/O psychologists to organization and workers is substantial. They provide a lot of growth and effective management to organizations. They can contribute a lot to a multitude of settings such as academic, consulting, private sector, and public sector (Argosy University Online, 2010). The work with organizations in order to improve different problems with their organizations such as personality testing, cognitive ability of employees, physical abilities, training and development, attitudes of employees and their motivation (Argosy University Online, 2010). They can also focus on management issues, group and team behaviors, productivity, organization structure, downsizing, and diversity issues (Argosy University Online, 2010).

Applied Psychology (Cont.)

I/O psychologists need to be mindful of the APA ethics code. Some of the ethical issues that could arise for an I/O psychologist is crossing inappropriate boundaries. They also need to consider human rights issues. There is another form of a consent I/O psychologist must provide to an employer or employee, you have to be an active party to avoid confidentiality issues. The agreement is that there must be an informed consent. There also has to be efforts to prevent misuse of work. It is important that I/O psychologist only address the needs, expectations and rights of the employees and job applications from whom they collect the data and whether for applied research or consulting purposes. Sometimes they may maximize their privilege or unintentionally minimize the privacy issues raised by their work because of the testing and assessments.

References: Argosy University. (2010). Module 1:Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from

http://myeclassonline.comRiggio, R. E.(2008). Introduction to industrial/organizational psychology (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.

Interpersonal EffectivenessWork Sample

Cultural factors influence the counseling process and to be an ethical, counselors have to include multicultural issues to counseling practices (Argosy, 2011). Multicultural counseling clarifies the role of sociocultural forces in the origin, expression, and resolution of problems (Argosy, 2011). The ACA have specific guidelines to follow when it comes to multicultural counseling. It states B.1. Respecting Clients Rights, and B.1. a Multicultural/ Diversity “Counselors maintain awareness and sensitivity regarding cultural meanings of confidentiality and privacy. Counselors respect differing views toward disclosure of information. Counselors hold ongoing discussions with clients as to how, when, and with who analyze how the counselor in the case study violated the specific code “(ACA, 2005).

References:

American Counseling Association (2005). ACA code of ethics. Retrieved August 8, 2011, from PDF file.Argosy University (2011).

PSY430: Module 6: Module overview. Retrieved August 8, 2011 from myeclassonline.com.

My Future in Learning

My legacy as a life long learner is not over. I continue to strive to be the best that I can be and will continue to enter into the Master’s program. The future opens many doors after my time here at Argosy. I plan to continue to expand my knowledge base in the field of psychology and possibly continue on the career path I have started. I feel that daily there is always something new to learn and experience. My studies to do not end here they just begin to open new doors for the future. Graduating has been a dream of mine since I had finished high school. 14 years later, I am here to say that I have done it and be able to put my knowledge to good use. I hope to motivate others into receiving a college education and share my positive experience with as many as I can.

Learning is a lifelong process. Everyday is a new learning adventure. I hope to use what I have gained here at Argosy to become a Mental Health Therapist. I have not only learned psychology but have received hands on learning at my current position as a substance abuse aide. Psychology is a field that is developing daily and much research is still needed to work out all the questions. The future holds many possibilities and I can not wait to see what’s in store.

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