Larry King / Sarah Palin Interview

Positive Psychology

Traditionally, the field of Psychology has focused on the negative side of things. It is common for traditional psychologists to focus on what is wrong with you and NOT what is right with you. Traditional Psychology is based on the medical model and bound to discovering what you are doing wrong. However, there is a new field on the horizon that offers something new. Positive Psychology is a relatively new field that is focusing on your strengths. It is not what most critics have defined it to be. It is not a field that tells you to just smile and everything will be okay. It is actually a strengths based plan that focuses on what you are able to do and not what you are unable to do.

A true pioneer in this field is Martin P. Seligman from the University of Pennsylvania. Positive psychology is not a Pollyanna view of the world but rather a realistic assessment of what your abilities are and then developing a realistic plan and goals designed to move you forward in life. For some individuals this may not be possible and for these individuals traditional Psychology may be warranted. However, for the vast majority of those in need of some order in their life and motivation to progress forward positive psychology may be the way to go. Why go through life in stagnation when you can go through life flourishing, thriving and growing. Focusing on your strengths becomes contagious and can spread throughout your life compartments.

As with any change....it is challenging and always an uphill battle. However, giving up and allowing negativity to take control of your life is not fair to you or those close to you. You do deserve more and now there is a field that is based on the positive.

Cal. U. School Psych. Program

Pictured above are two of my previous professors from Cal. U. University. I thought this write up would shed some light on not only where I was educated but also where parents can go to find affordable testing options for their children. A great place to look for outside evaluations by qualified school psychologist is your local university. However, be sure to request a SCHOOL and/or EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST to do the testing as they are experts in diagnosing learning disabilities and other disorders related to your child's ability to learn new information in the school setting.

APA's True Colors

As the saying goes....when someone shows you their "true colors" believe them the first time. For those who may not understand where I am coming from here it has to do with the American Psychological Association's failed attempt at disallowing School Psychologists from calling themselves Psychologists. Fortunately, the National Association of School Psychologists fought this move by the APA and won. Nothing against clinical psychologists, but School Psychologists are specialists in the area of SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY! We are not trying to be clinical psychologists, although our skills overlap a School Psychologist is specifically trained to work with school age children as well as consult with teachers and administrators in a public school setting. In my opinion this attempt by the APA was a desperate move to find employment for some of "their own" by depriving School Psychologists the right to employment and by depriving students and school systems the specialized services that only a School Psychologist can provide at the expense of the APA's own self-serving interests. So as the saying goes....when someone or some organization shows you their true colors....be sure to believe them the first time.

Above you will see what is called the "Bell Shaped Curve". It may look intimidating but it is really quite easy to understand once you take it one step at a time. The curve is divided into 8 sections which simply tell what percentage of the population scores in that given range. If your son or daughter are being tested by a school psychologist all tests will provide a "score" whether it be an IQ score or an achievement score. It is easiest to ask for the percentile of that "score" If you follow the percentile category up to the bell shaped curve you will be able to identify where your child falls in relationship to the rest of the population. It is highly important to notice the "0" or "50%" marker in the middle of the curve. 68.26 % of individuals tested will fall on either side of the "0" or "50%" mark.