Colleague Assistance and Self Care
All psychologists may be vulnerable to stress, distress, impairment and even improper professional behavior, in the right circumstances. The evidence shows that the personal differences between impaired psychologists and those who do not become impaired are moderate at best (Gabbard, 1991;Schoener, 1995). How to intervene with an impaired colleague and how to recognize personal areas of concern are two of several areas important to maintaining professional well-being. The Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance (ACCA) is working to educate professionals about these concerns and is continuing to develop materials and articles to advance self-care for psychologists.
Gabbard, G. O. (1991). Psychodynamics of sexual boundary violations. Psychiatric Annals, 21(11), 651-655.
Schoener, G. R. (1995). Assessment of professionals who have engaged in boundary violations. Psychiatric Annals, 25(2), 95-99.
Care and Self Care for Psychologists
The circumstances that foster professional impairment, and the typical progression to impairment, are the ones that could befall most psychologists. Read more to learn how to stay healthy as a psychologist.
Timely Issues in Professional Practice
In our professional work, we are often asked to intervene with individuals who are struggling with some of the same issues that we face (war in Iraq, terrorism, etc.). Successfully maintaining our roles as psychologists while also caring for our own needs can be challenging. Read more for useful information.
Are You Taking Good Care of Yourself?
by Practice Research and Policy Staff
At holiday time and throughout the year, psychologists are attentive to perceiving spikes in clients' stress levels. But are you as mindful when your own stress increases?
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Advancing Colleague Assistance in Professional Psychology
by APA's Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance with contributions from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
February 13, 2006 -- This monograph is intended to alert psychologists, state, provincial and territorial psychological associations (SPTAs) and licensing boards to the range of difficulties a psychologist might face and identify strategies to address concerns before they impair professional practice.
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