When people asked me last year what was like to be president of our Division, I frequently answered: “I’m learning a lot”. Lessons learned may be a fitting theme for this column. Such knowledge is far from being universal. On the contrary, it may reflect my individual experiences. Nonetheless, allow me to share with you what last year has taught me.

Speciation

Psychologists may be living the worst and the best of times struggling with challenges and opportunities within independent practice. You are aware of the challenges. Perhaps the prospects seem more elusive. Professional speciation may be one of these opportunities. Speciation refers to an organismís adaptation to a new environment by modifying its biology (think of Galápagos animals). I find this biological concept potentially relevant to private practice. Psychotechnology allows practitioners to engage in speciation. Defined as the use of technology in psychological practice, psychotechnology ranges from virtual reality desensitization therapy, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Neuroimaging, to other evolving forms. Call it telehealth, virtual psychology, or by any other name, psychotechnology can be a liberating force. Take for instance, the experience of my friend, Lynne Hornyak. An independent practitioner who is a coach and a business consultant, Lynne is free to live abroad several months a year without interrupting her work. Besides freeing you, psychotechnology helps to keep you contemporary. When I work with adolescents and young adults who live in Cyberland, Iím frequently afraid of becoming obsolete. As an illustration, early career psychologists (ECP) entering independent practice often translate their preference for iPods, I messaging, chat rooms, blogs, and other Internet activities into using technology in their psychological practice. Likewise, many clients prefer to see their faces reflected in their practitionerís persona. In other words, clients may expect ìmirroringî from their psychologist. Thus, computer savvy clients may resonate more with a practitioner who is adept at technology. Overall, psychotechnology can help you to maintain a competitive edge and to become fluent in the language of younger generations.

Another form of speciation is the reformulation of our professional identity. For instance, several colleagues and friends taught me that we could expand the scientist/practitioner model to include entrepreneur into our identity. Thus, exploring ‘business’ opportunities can be translated into corporate psychological consulting. My own experience consulting with international agencies gave me the impetus for establishing a Presidential Task Force. Chaired by Tammy Martin-Causey, the Task Force on Expanding the Business of Practice was charged with identifying new avenues for professional psychology including innovative ways of delivering services. The Task Force members presented an exciting session: “Practicing Psychology in the 21 the Century” during the APA convention. The authors of an article published in “Psychotherapy Finances”(September 2006, Vol. 32, No. 9, Issue 389) highlighted this presentation as “the best of the business-oriented meetings we attended.” Tammy Martin-Causey’s report (see pages 40 of this issue of the Independent Practitioner) offers more details on the Task Force’s findings. In sum, I learned that even though getting out of my comfort zone is demanding, speciation is necessary in order to adapt to new realities.

Practice is Political: Prior to becoming president, I had recognized that independent practice is not confined to our offices. However, the year 2006 reaffirmed this perspective. Just like the personal is political, practice IS political. To operationalize this truism, the Division 42 Board appointed a Task Force on Advocacy. The goal was to mainstream and institutionalize advocacy through a permanent governance structure. Getting immersed in advocacy taught me that we have to go beyond being a ‘supporter’. We need to become active players in the political process. However, to accomplish this we don’t need to ‘speciate’ into political animals. Indeed, we ARE political beings. There is no doubt that my being based in Washington, DC informs my viewpoint. Still, I learned that it is critical that we participate in politics by engaging candidates who endorse our professional agenda. Moreover, we can socialize political candidates into becoming our allies. Furthermore, some of us can even run for public office.

Connection

You can feel lonely as a psychologist in independent practice. The need for collegial connection is vital to our self-care. A source of connection, Division 42 can help you to take care of your self. Our Cyber community is informative, passionate, challenging, and provocative. I guarantee you that our Internet list is never boring. The Division Publications and Communications Committee developed procedures and guidelines to maintain cyber etiquette. This protocol aimed to insure a meaningful and respectful connection. Gordon Herz, our Web editor, spearheaded this procedure. The result---a series of topics you can easily select (or delete) -- facilitates the exchange between registered members. Some of the recent discussions have been on clinical issues, ethics questions, third party reimbursements, marketing ideas, and other relevant topics. If you are not connected to our cyber community you miss Frank Froman’s ‘Ramblings’---musings on life, psychology and many other delightful things. Other cyber gems include Merla Arnold’s older adults interest group (DIV42OLDERADULTINTERESTGROUP@LISTS.APA.ORG). As an added value, our cyber connection can energize you. For example, Frank Froman floated the idea for a National Psychology Week on the list and numerous members enthusiastically echoed this proposal. Melba Vasquez, Division 42 Representative to APA Council, translated the clamor into a Council of Representatives agenda item. Unfortunately, the Practice Directorate informed the Board that lobbying for a National Psychology Week was not cost effective, and thus, we withdrew the proposal. Nonetheless, this movement generated so much vigor that we redirected the momentum into other Division activities. That is, several proponents of the National Psychology Week re-channeled their energy into other division activities. This process reminded me of the Latino saying: “No hay mal que por bien no venga” (A negative event can generate a positive outcome). If you are not convinced yet, consider the following. Our cyber community functions as an extended family. Internet messages celebrate members’ accomplishments, provide support for personal losses, offer resources for coping with personal challenges, and facilitate many more nurturing activities. I must confess, prior to becoming president, I did not belong to the Division 42 list. My lesson: get connected and join our Cyber community.

Gratitude

Last year APA celebrated its annual Convention in New Orleans. This meeting provided Division 42 an opportunity to “give psychology away” through a special reception. We expressed our thanks to those colleagues who volunteered their services to help victims of the 2005 Hurricanes. The reception was the product of Tammy Martin-Causey’s vision, Alan Entin’s creativity, and Jana Martin’s muse. During this event our convention chair, Anabel Bejarano related her experience volunteering in New Orleans. Her powerful testimony resonated in the hearts of many in the audience.

The spirit of gratitude sustains me as I transition into the role of past president. I would like to thank Jeff Barnett (past president) for his boundless help. I am grateful to Laura Barbanel (president) who provided sisterly support beyond her duties. My gratitude is extended to all members of the Board of Directors who have been part of the “village raising our division”. Together we accomplished a lot last year. You can see my complete annual report published on pages 37 of this publication. As I end my presidential year I would like to thank You for allowing me the privilege of serving our Division.

Paz,

Lillian