Interview+with+Kathleen+D.+Robinson

9.   ** What is the greatest sacrifice you have made in pursuing this career? Nothing yet. **  10.    ** What are the most stressful parts of your job? That’s a tie - Dealing with acutely suicidal and self destructive patients and dealing with the resistant parents of some of my clients. **  11.    ** What is the most enjoyable part of your job? Watching my clients grow and change for the better and my colleagues. **
 * 1.   **** What exactly is your job title? Licensed Psychologist  **
 * 2.   **** Do you have a boss, or are you your own boss? I am my own boss  **
 * 3.   **** If you were to hire a replacement for your position, what would the job description be? Wanted Licensed Psychologist for private practice setting. Applicants must have experience and expertise in providing individual and family psychotherapy to individuals struggling with issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, body image distortion, eating issues, and self injury. Applicants must be knowledgeable in psychodynamic, systems, developmental and cognitive behavioral theory and have specialized training in cognitive behavioral skills, Dialectical Behavioral Skills, exposure and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Applicant must be able to work a minimum of 24 hours per week, including at least 3 evenings each week. Applicant must also be available for emergencies 24/7 and be knowledgeable in emergency procedures.  **
 * 4.   **** What made you decide to go into psychology? I became interested in psychology as a result of my mother’s volunteer work. I started researching the juvenile delinquent population in high school and carried this interest into college.   **
 * 5.   **** Where did you go to school? Did you attend graduate school, where? I received my Bachelors of Arts from the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA. I received my Doctoral degree from the University of Denver.  **
 * 6.   **** Do you have any specialization in the area of psychology, such as couples or adolescent counseling ? I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults. My specialty areas include eating disorders, trauma, self injury and mood disorders.  **
 * 7.   **** If yes, what else in the way of education or training was required for that specialization ? I have attended several training seminars and have acquired specialized training and consultation from colleagues.   **
 * 8.   **** What were your expectations of your career before you started? That it would be fun, interesting, challenging and pay the bills.  **
 * 12.   **** If you could go back to college and choose a different major, a different career, what would it be? I can’t even imagine doing anything else.  **
 * 13.   **** What do you wish you would have known about this field prior to entering it? It is what I thought it would be.  **
 * 14.   **** Do you feel as though you are a more psychologically stable person because of your knowledge and experience? Yes.  **
 * 15.   **** How can I start my career while I am still in school? Read and volunteer.  **
 * 16.   **** Is a PhD required to be in psychology? If so, what aspects require it? No, I have a PsyD which is similar but different. You can also do therapy with a masters but no testing.  **
 * 17.   **** What can I do without a PhD? Be a research assistant or become a licensed therapist. In Colorado, you can do therapy without any education – just don’t call yourself a psychologist!  **
 * 18.   **** Do you feel as though this will be your career for the rest of your life? Why or why not (what else would you like to do)? Yes unless I become a bar tender.  **
 * 19.   **** How has your career and related fields been effected by the economy? It was negatively affected during the fall but not so much now. I hope my career is “depression” resistant.  **
 * 20.   **** If you could give only one piece of advice for me going forward, what would it be? Try to be in the best physically and emotionally stable state you can in college. Really find yourself.  **