As clinicians we know that sometimes it’s good to look at things from another perspective; to be open to seeing things differently; and to understand that some things have more than one meaning.

There’s something I like, for example, about the “other” definition and interpretation of practice when applied to what we do--i.e., doing something over and over again with the goal of getting better at it. Practicing psychology. Rather than implying that we’re not good enough, I think it communicates our dedication to what we do. I think it highlights our acceptance of the need to continue learning and working towards being our best. I think it reflects how human we are and can be a natural connecting point for those who seek our services because they’ve given up or are disillusioned with not being perfect. Some have the misconception that practice doesn’t count; that it’s only a warm up to the real thing. Practicing psychologists know differently. We know that practice is real. We understand how things keep changing and how important it is to manage or adjust to those changes in ways that are best for us. Sometimes that adjustment is clear and easy, sometimes what needs to be done is ambiguous, and sometimes we fight it because we want a different change or no change at all. Sometimes in hindsight we see how we might have “adjusted” or managed better, but other times we see how opportunities emanated from resistance or from difficult adjustments. Practicing psychology is important to progress.

Practice is important to Division 42 no matter which definition you use. In one sense, we are partnering in practice with you to provide benefits to independent practitioners such as ways to enhance and grow business; with networking to stimulate new ideas and motivate action; with not just a voice but a strong force in legislation which affects your livelihood, your scope of work, and your patients/clients/consumers; and with tools and information to keep independent psychologists relevant and in the awareness of the public.

But as a division we also are practicing. We’re continuing to try to hone our skills, to evolve, to get better at what we do for you as a division. We’re not content with having arrived mindlessly at a goal or endpoint. We’ll keep trying new strategies and re-set goals so that we can be nimble for our members. Sometimes it’s hard to know what adjustments need to be made, and there’s disagreement over what needs to be changed and why, but we are evolving. Practice offers opportunities for Division 42 to be dynamic.

So far this year, Division 42 has been diligent about practice. We’ve entered into a partnership with the Y-USA and the APA Practice Directorate to highlight the numerous ways psychologists can help people in their communities at sites all over the US and work as consultants in the multitude of programs within local Y’s. We’ve been working on educational programs, tip sheets and manuals for our members on marketing, business aspects of practice and forming collaborative relationships with other health care professionals. We’ve stayed on top of current legislative issues affecting psychology and encouraged you to be active. We’re expanding the scope of the website to give you more benefits. We’re connecting members through Virtual Happy Hours. We’re communicating with you on a regular basis through my weekly 42/7 reports on the list so you’ll know what the Board, committees and task forces of the Division are discussing and developing. And we’ve given you each a direct Board contact person. The division takes practice and its membership seriously.

Part of successful practicing is being open to new ideas. The division has recently begun an Innovations Task Force which will not only serve as the “place” where members’ ideas will be considered and tested but also where new creative ideas will be germinated. Too many times we find ourselves in a reactive rather than proactive position which limits our effectiveness. The Board and EC are also reviewing and updating the mission and strategic plan of the Division which will serve as the basis for decision-making, especially with regard to our use of division funds. This process deserves time, a careful review of requests, and proper visioning of how we can best serve our members. I know that this is a matter of great importance and, among some, disagreement. Practice made perfect takes time, careful attention, an assessment of weaknesses, and systematic exercise.

Another important aspect of practice is to keep looking ahead and to keep performing. Acquiring proficiency doesn’t happen when we quit practicing. At a time when many in our profession are disillusioned, angry, fearful, and frustrated, looking ahead can be discouraging, but it is essential. Only after repeated practice, visioning, and feedback do we become expert. As the Division Board makes decisions about priorities, our focus will be on short and long term goals. We want your feedback to guide us. In which areas do you want Division 42 to continue practice? What do you think would be the best uses of division resources? What benefits do you appreciate the most?

We have a choice about how we define things, and we can give meaning to what’s important to us and to our profession. There are a lot of good things about practice—Division 42 is one of them. . . for real!!