Bulletin of the Society for

43 The Family CelebratingTFP the Diversity of All Couples and Volume 26, No. 1 In This Issue:

Family Psychology in Action...... 4

Elections 2010: Candidate Statements...... 7

Announcements...... 14

Character Strengths and : On the Horizon in ...... 16

Challenges in Family : Diverse Families...... 19

Family Psychology Training in Action: Effects on Real Life...... 21

A Student’s Role in the Future of Family Psychology...... 21

The Family Psychology Specialty Council News ....23

Books...... 24

Toward the Transformation of Family-Based Preventative Intervention...... 29 Family Psychology in Action:

International Committee...... 32 Growing into the Next Member News...... 32 Century The Family Psychologist Staff 2010 Board of Directors Editor Culture President Vice-President for Public Deborah L. Cox, Ph.D., ABPP James Dobbins, Ph.D., ABPP John W. Thoburn, Ph.D. Interest & Diversity Family Psychology of Springfi eld Ellis Institute, School of Profes- Department of James Dobbins, Ph.D., ABPP 2053 S. Waverly Ave., Suite D sional Psychology Seattle Pacifi c University Ellis Institute, School of Profes- Springfi eld, MO 65804 Wright State University 3307 Third Avenue West sional Psychology Phone: 417-886-8262 9 N. Edwin C. Moses Seattle, WA 98119 Wright State University Fax: 417-886-8109 Dayton, OH 45402-6837 206-281-2908 9 N. Edwin C. Moses E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 937-775-4300 Fax: 206-281-2695 Dayton, OH 45402-6837 E-mail: james.dobbins@wright. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 937-775-4300 Assistant Editors edu E-mail: james.dobbins@wright. Brittany Barber President-Elect edu Department of Counseling and Education George Hong, Ph.D., ABPP Barbara H. Fiese, Ph.D. Division of Special Education and Vice-President for Science Marquette University Family Resiliency Center Counseling Erika Lawrence, Ph.D. [email protected] University of Illinois California State University, Department of Psychology Heidi Wheeler Doris Kelley Christopher Hall Los Angeles The University of Iowa Department of Psychology 904 West Nevada St. 5151 State University Drive 11 Seashore Hall E Azusa Pacifi c University Urbana, IL 61801 Los Angeles, CA 90032 Iowa City, IA 52242-1407 [email protected] Phone: 217-333-7772 Phone: (323) 343-4281 Phone: 319-335-2417 E-mail: bhfi [email protected] Fax: (323) 343-5605 Fax: 319-335-0191 Books [email protected] Students E-mail: erika-lawrence@uiowa. Farrah Hughes, Ph.D. edu Francis Marion University Kendra Jones Past President Center for Adolescent and Department of Psychology Thomas Sexton, Ph.D., ABPP APA Council Representatives P.O. Box 100547 Family Studies Director, Center for Adolescent & 1901 East Tenth St. Nadine Kaslow, Ph.D., ABPP Florence, SC 29501 Family Studies Indiana University Emory University School of E-mail: [email protected] Bloomington, IN 47405-1006 107 S. Indiana Ave. E-mail: [email protected] Medicine Bloomington, IN 47405-7000 Department of Psychiatry and Practice E-mail: [email protected] Behavioral Sciences Michael Conner, PsyD Division Services Micheline L. Meyers Grady Health 13D018 Bend Psychological Services Secretary APA Division Services 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive NE 965 N.E. Wiest Way, #2 Anthony Chambers, Ph.D., 750 First St., NE Atlanta, GA 30303 Bend, OR 97701 Bette D. Harris Center Washington, DC 20002-4242 Phone: 404-616-4757 Phone: 541-388-5660 618 Library Place Phone: 202-336-6197 Evanston, IL 60201 Fax: 202-218-3599 Susan H. McDaniel, Ph.D., ABPP Research (847) 733-4300 Steven R. H. Beach, Ph.D. E-mail: [email protected] 1665 Highland Avenue The current issue of The Family Rochester, NY 14618 Dept. of Psychology Treasurer Psychologist and an archive of Phone: 716-275-2783 University of Georgia Marianne Celano, Ph.D. past issues are available in Adobe Fax: 716-442-8319 Athens, GA 30602 Department of Psychiatry Acrobat on the Division 43 web E-mail: susanh2_mcdaniel@ Phone: 706-542-1173 Grady Memorial Hosp site: http://www.apa.org/divi- urmc.rochester.edu Fax: 706-542-8048 Box 26064 E-mail: [email protected] sions/div43/mag.html Atlanta , GA 30335 Student Representative Phone: 404-778-1536 Editorial Policy The Family Psychologist Kendra C. Jones, MA Fax: 404-616-2081 Clinical Psychology Graduate The Family Psychologist is a quarterly publication devoted to news E-mail: [email protected] Student and issues in the delivery of services to individuals and families. Articles Seattle Pacifi c University pertaining to family psychology and policy are invited. Vice-President for Education (206) 778-9137 Authors or publishers may send books for potential review directly to Barbara H. Fiese, PhD [email protected] the editor of The Reference Corner. Family Resiliency Center Unless otherwise stated, opinions expressed are those of the authors University of Illinois American Board of Couple and do not represent the offi cial position of Division 43. Doris Kelley Christopher Hall and Family Psychology 904 West Nevada St. (Ex-Offi cio) Advertising Rates Urbana, IL 61801 A. Rodney (“Rod”) Nurse, Ph.D., Full Page ...... $200 Phone: 217-333-7772 ABPP Half Page ...... $125 E-mail: bhfi [email protected] President, American Board of Quarter Page ...... $ 85 Couple and Family Psychology Eighth Page ...... $ 60 Vice-President for Practice Family Psychological Services Deborah Cox, PhD, ABPP Cntr. & Collaborative Divorce Please make checks payable to APA Division of Family Psychology (43). Family Psychology of Springfi eld Assoc. Send ad copy and checks to Division of Family Psychology, American 2053 S. Waverly Ave., Suite D P. O. 175, Orinda, CA 94563 Psychological Assn. Div.43, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002- Springfi eld, MO 65804 Phone: 925-254-3606 4242 Phone: 417-886-8262 Email: [email protected] Fax: 417-886-8109 Submission Deadlines E-mail: [email protected] Deadline Issue Pub.Date November 15 ...... Winter ...... January February 15 ...... Spring ...... April May 15 ...... Summer/Fall ...... August

2 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST Editor’s Note TABLE OF CONTENTS Deborah L. Cox, Ph.D., ABPP Volume 26 No. 1 D (ND) Spring 2010

Deborah L. Cox, Ph.D., Editor’s Note 3 ABPP

John Thoburn, Ph.D., President’s Address: Family Psychology 4 ABPP in Action

Elections 2010: Candidate Statements 7 elcome to the Spring 2010 issue of TFP. It’s Announcements 14 Wtime once more to read about the candidates for offi ces Ryan M. Niemiec, Psy.D. Practice: Character Strengths and Positive 16 on the Board of Directors of Psychology: On the Horizon in Family Therapy Division 43. Also in this issue, fi nd refl ections on the coming year’s work from our new Presi- Neil S. Grossman, Ph.D., Practice: Challenges in Family Forensic 19 dent, Dr. John Thoburn, and ABPP Psychology: Diverse Families exciting new developments in Family Psychology research and Kendra Jones Students: Family Psychology Training in 21 practice. If you have news you’d Action: Effects on Real Life like to share about your work - or if you have been recently Michele Harway, Ph.D., Specialty Council: The Family Psychology 23 recognized for outstanding ABPP Specialty Council News contributions to the discipline, please let us know. We’d like to Farrah Hughes, Ph.D., Books 24 share your updates in TFP. and Marina Dorian, Ph.D., Editor

Steven R. H. Beach, Toward the Transformation 29 Ph.D., George W. Howe, of Family-Based Preventative Ph.D., & Gene H. Brody, Intervention Ph.D.

Florence W. Kaslow, International Committee 32 Ph.D., ABPP, International Committee Chair Member News 32

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 3 President’s Address

John Thoburn Ph.D., ABPP

Family Psychology in Action

he Society for Family and Marriage, Fam- themselves as family psycholo- Psychology celebrated its ily, and Sex Therapy which had gists; (2) the achievement of T25th anniversary in 2009. convened in 1958. The Journal specialty status with the Ameri- This year is the fi rst of the next of Family Psychology made its can Psychological Association; twenty-fi ve years in the life of the debut in 1987. At the inception of (3) the development of a board Society, and coincidentally, the Division 43, Liddle (1987) defi ned specialty, couple and family psy- fi rst year of a new decade. So it family psychology as using a sys- chology, for certifi cation with the behooves us to take stock; to look temic perspective that broadens American Board of Professional back in order to get a clearer look psychology’s traditional emphasis Psychology; (4) the development of ahead. on the individual, with a primary a strong evidence based research The discipline of family ther- emphasis on marriage and the platform for treatment; (5) the apy swept through the mental family, but utilizing a systemic development of objective assess- health fi elds in the decades of view that included examining the ment tools and the development the seventies and eighties like nature and role of individuals in of psychologically-oriented treat- the redefi ning paradigm that primary relationship structures ment theories and protocols; and it was. It drew from a systemic and the social ecology of the fam- (6) the development of a strong and ecological epistemology ily. Further, Kaslow (1987, p. 88) fellows category in the division that overthrew the conventional noted that family psychology in- and a presence on Capitol Hill individualistically oriented epis- cludes basic and applied research, over the past decade and a half temologies that harkened back diagnostic testing and evalu- in the service of family oriented to the days of Freud and insisted ation of family dynamics, the legislation, especially with regard that human thought, behavior, co-evolution of individual family to family medicine. and feelings could only be under- members and the family as a unit Many of these achievements stood within the broader context throughout the lifecycle, as well occurred in the halcyon early of family, community, and society. as optimal and pathological func- days when there was a kind of The Society of Family Psychol- tioning. Her defi nition delineated revolutionary fervor funneled and ogy (Division 43) was created the differences between family amplifi ed through family therapy in 1984 to provide a home for therapy and family psychology. training institutes. But revolu- psychologists in family research, Specifi c achievements of Divi- tions, like adrenaline, can only family medicine, family therapy, sion 43 over the past 25 years be sustained so long. While there and family education. The divi- include, but are not limited to: are notable exceptions, in the sion was initially developed out (1) the development of a group of past decade or so, family therapy of its precursor, the Academy of practitioners who clearly defi ne training institutes have declined

4 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST in number and family psychology has sought to fi nd working with different populations in our research its way, by and large, through the traditional forms and treatment. There has been recently, a stronger of research, education, training, and service delivery emphasis on family psychology as epistemologically (i.e., the university system, traditional psychology based, rather than population based. Bray and Stan- venues for pre-doctoral and post-doctoral training, ton’s (2009) Handbook of Family Psychology included and the broader health care system). The Society several chapters discussing the importance of epis- has focused its attention on solidifying its gains and temology to the fi eld (Kaslow, Celano, & Stanton, carving an identity for itself through its work with 2009; Stanton, 2009). This focus has led to attempts marriage and family life. at new defi nitions for family psychology that high- Many miss the fervor of earlier days; member- light , context, and ecology in understanding ship in the Society while up in recent years is still treatment for individuals, couples, families, and nowhere near what it was in the mid-eighties and, communities (Ezzo, 2006; Stanton, 2010). while family psychology has been declared a bona Secondly, we need to diligently and single-mind- fi de specialty in psychology alongside clinical, edly pursue accreditation for family psychology counseling, and school, it is often treated as a sub- programs as well as pre-doctoral and post-doctoral specialty within those other specialty areas. The training programs. There are many obstacles. There truth, of course, is that we cannot go back to the are extant programs in clinical family psychology way things were; we must move on, and to do so we that at some point will need to apply for dual accred- must be clear about where we are now. The fi eld itation and students will need to indicate in their started in revolution, but has evolved, developed, APPIC materials that they are looking for family and matured – we must recognize and understand systems training. This is understandably scary for the evolution from the revolution and now take ac- programs and individuals, but it is absolutely neces- tion from that vantage point. sary for family psychology to be taken seriously as So, to use our crystal ball for the future we must a specialty. There are training programs that will crystallize our understanding of family psychology at this point in its evolution. I want to suggest four The truth of course is that we cannot go back to the areas of vital interest to family way things were; we must move on, and to do so, we psychology that currently hover on our horizon and some specifi c ways must be clear about where we are now. to begin to implement expression of those areas in the coming year. First, we need to agree that there has been too great need to strongly identify with family psychology and a focus in years past on family psychology being concomitantly offer challenging training in the fi eld. defi ned by population rather than epistemology. The Students will need to confi dently identify their de- feature that made family therapy so revolutionary sire to seek pre-doctoral and post-doctoral training was not that clinicians were seeing families, but that in family psychology so that they can competently psychology was conceptualized from a systemic and treat individuals, children, couples, and families ecological perspective. From that perspective it was from a systems perspective. deemed logical to treat couples and families as well Currently, the Family Psychology Specialty as individuals. The fi eld of psychology as a whole, Council (FPSC) which is comprised of representa- the American Psychological Association, and our tives from the Society for Family Psychology, The own membership need to focus our attention back to American Board of Couple and Family Psychology, the paradigm – how we think about how we think. and the American Academy of Couple and Family That’s not to say that population isn’t important, but Psychology, has convened a working group seeking it is epistemology that defi nes a specialty. Clinical to make application to the Committee on Accredita- is defi ned by the medical model, Counseling by the tion of APA. The FPSC has developed a Council of strengths and resources model, and Family should Doctoral Programs in Family Psychology comprised be defi ned by the systems model. Some who recog- of graduate doctoral training programs that have nize the signifi cance of epistemology have suggested an emphasis (fi ve or more courses) or specialty (ten that we change our name to Systems Psychology, or more courses) in family psychology. If you are but I think that is not necessary. The systems model aware of a program that meets these criteria, please drives us towards a family systems perspective, let me know – we would like to help your institution

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 5 become a member of the Council. areas of growth for psychology as a whole. There are Thirdly, we need to create a tremendous opportunities for family psychology to unifi ed voice between researchers, work within the healthcare system. Working with teachers, trainers, and practi- family medical practitioners is a natural place of tioners. The Society for Family interface; primary care physicians tend to think bio- Psychology is often perceived by psychosocially and sometimes systemically. Family practitioners as being primarily psychologists joining multidisciplinary teams appear interested in research, teaching, to be one of the venues for the future. Family psy- and training. My students and I chologists working in organizational psychology also went back through issues of the seems a natural fi t. A systems perspective can be Journal of Family Psychology, highly useful in increasing corporate functionality. and while the emphasis of articles So, family psychology is moving from revolution in the Journal is defi nitely on to evolution (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2009). In a research, there was in at least teleological sense, we are becoming what we actu- half of the articles a strong fo- ally already are, a fi eld defi ned by both a systems cus on practical application. The epistemology and a population; a unique perspective private practitioner part of me, on research, teaching, training, and practice with however, believes that we can do individuals, couples, families, communities, mul- more, especially for early career tidisciplinary teams, and organizations. I believe psychologists. The developing new the family systems model offers a unique voice that Division 43 website that Tom Sex- combines the best of other models (i.e., the pathology ton has been spearheading will be model with the strengths and resources model) and a place with many resources for will likely become the defi ning paradigm in the fi eld practitioners working in various of psychology in the decades to come. venues in the healthcare fi eld, including group and solo private References practice. We see researchers such Ezzo, F. (2006). Defi nition of family psychology. Personal com- as Erika Lawrence, who has munication. already made signifi cant contri- Goldenberg, H. & Goldenberg, I. (2009). The revolution and butions to the website, creating evolution of family therapy and family psychology. In J. H. content useful to practitioners. Bray & M. Stanton (Eds). The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of We see a mentoring program for family psychology. Blackwell: West Sussex, UK. early career psychologists pursu- Kaslow, F. (1988). Trends in family psychology. Journal of ing board certifi cation in couple Family Psychology, 1(1), 77-90. and family psychology. We see Kaslow, N. J., Celano, M. P., & Stanton, M. (2009). Training in networking options and continu- family psychology: A competencies-based approach. In J. H. ing education courses in family Bray & M. Stanton (Eds). The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of psychology on the website. We family psychology: West Sussex, UK. also see discussion forums where Liddle, H. (1987). Family psychology: Tasks of an emerging practitioners can help educate (and emerged) discipline. Journal of Family Psychology, 1 researchers and educators on (1), 5-22. trends in the fi eld. We’re hoping Stanton, M. (2009). The systemic epistemology of the specialty the website will be one avenue of family psychology. In J. H. Bray & M. Stanton (Eds). The among several that promote fruit- Wiley-Blackwell handbook of family psychology. Blackwell: ful interaction between family West Sussex, UK. psychology professionals. Stanton, M. (2010). Defi nition of family psychology. Personal Fourthly, family psychology communication. needs to develop stronger work- ing relationships in the healthcare world. The 2009 APA president’s summit within a summit identi- fi ed healthcare and organizational psychology as two of the major

6 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST Elections 2010

Candidate Statements

President-Elect: For many years, Division 43 has been a profes- sional home for those of us who bring a systemic perspective to our clinical practice, research, and Marianne Celano, Ph.D., ABPP training efforts. Family psychology now has strong I am honored to be nominated research and practice traditions, with burgeoning to run for President Elect of the developments in training and education. However, Society for Family Psychology. family psychology’s unique identity has been chal- Like other candidates, I have been lenged by the widespread penetration of family involved in the of the therapy and biopsychosocial conceptualizations in Society over many years, serving psychology practice, research, and training. Several as continuing education commit- leaders have raised the question of whether family tee chair (1999-2001), hospitality psychology has become a victim of its own suc- suite co-chair (2002), program co- cess. What unique product or service do we have to chair (2003), and treasurer (2007 offer clients, students, colleagues, and the public? – present). I have enjoyed working collaboratively Last year, Tom Sexton rejuvenated conversations with members of the Board on a variety of projects about the future of family psychology with the goal promoting family psychology. of crafting a modern identity for the profession Originally trained in clinical/community psychol- that recognizes the complexity of biopsychosocial ogy, I “fell into” family psychology after my clinical systems across the lifespan in culturally diverse and teaching efforts demonstrated that contexts. Our current President, John Thoburn, the systemic lens worked best for my patients and plans to continue these discussions to formulate an trainees. I recently attained board certifi cation by action agenda that will raise the visibility of fam- the American Board of Professional Psychology in ily psychology as a separate specialty rather than a couple and family psychology. In my position as As- subspecialty of clinical or . If sociate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & elected President, I will continue the process Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of of examining and refi ning our professional Medicine, I am actively engaged in clinical training, identity, particularly as it pertains to the practice, and research in family psychology. My re- related areas of training/education and mem- search has been in the areas of: (a) family processes bership services. associated with child maltreatment and pediatric If family psychology is to thrive as a specialty, asthma, and (b) family interventions for poorly con- it must engage and excite psychologists across the trolled pediatric asthma. My training efforts have spectrum of professional development. Graduate focused primarily on teaching culturally competent programs in family psychology should be accredited interventions for low-income children and families, by APA; therefore, I am supporting and assisting and articulating foundational and functional compe- the group led by Terry Patterson to prepare the tencies related to family psychology training. application to the Commission on Accreditation for

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 7 family psychology as a developed practice area in for innovation and dynamic connections, within and professional psychology doctoral programs. Family between groups: us and the outside world. psychology training at the internship and post- I believe this concept speaks to our most central doctoral fellowship level should be guided by the question as a Society. How do we survive and grow essential components of the foundational and func- as an institution? Can we infuse our own calm and tional competencies in professional psychology that well-defi ned presence in the larger systems we oc- are consistent with family psychology’s core ideas cupy? What if Family Psychology is a natural leader and practices. Continuing education (CE) in family among specialties? psychology should meet the needs of both student/ The last four years have been a collage of experi- early career and senior psychologists, researchers/ ences for me. Here with our Division 43 Board, I scholars, and practitioners. I believe that a focus on took part in conversations about who we are as fam- training and education in family psychology should ily psychologists and how we could better serve our be integrated with a renewed commitment to mem- peers. I gave thought to the research-practice dialec- bership services so that the Society can continue tic and pondered what felt like unnecessary division to recruit, retain, and inspire a new generation of between aspects of our work. With my colleagues, I family psychologists. These services may include: watched the undulations of our membership roster mentoring and leadership development opportuni- and wondered at the real of the Society for ties, CE and discussion forums through a web-based Family Psychology. Back home in Missouri, I made portal, and development of practice-based networks big changes. I quit my tenured academic job and for collaborative research. ramped up to full-time family psychology practice. I Greater clarity about our professional identity can put my research projects on hold and joined a fi ction lead to growth and excitement in family psychology writers group. I made friends who have nothing to research, practice, and training, stirring new gener- do with . I threw caution to the wind ations of family psychologists to action. A broad and and bought a really fi ne piano. These changes may diverse base of committed members will be needed look like some kind of professional derailment. But to continue family psychology’s role in bringing a frankly, I’m having fun now. And yes, I’m strug- systemic perspective to public policy development. A gling like most practitioners with the vicissitudes of strong Society will be able to take on the challenge billing and Medicare. Even so, I’m happy to get up in of applying family psychology ideas and practices to the morning. emerging frontiers in the fi eld, such as integrative These changes make me think in parallel process medicine. about Division 43. I wonder what would happen if we, the Society, studied the emotional process of our institution. Whose creative ideas would rise to the Deborah L. Cox, Ph.D., ABPP surface? Would we become sharper, more distinct as an entity? Would we notice interpersonal processes I am deeply honored to be that undermine our progress? Would we strengthen nominated for President of our bonds with each other, drawing peripheral Division 43. The late Edwin members closer? Would we move into a more self- Friedman writes in his book, A sustaining (albeit risky) existence? Failure of Nerve, about the prob- Something that became clear to me over the lem of leadership in this age of past four years, as I worked to promote practitioner rampant anxiety. According to interest, was a sense of disconnection experienced his premise, a leader (whether by many among us. Full time practitioners and full parent, therapist, or president), time academics alike often expressed the sentiment: needs to be keenly aware of the my way of working means little to the group as a emotional process of the institu- whole. Some said: I don’t feel connected to APA any- tion. Most modern systems try to avoid anxiety by more, or, it’s just not friendly anymore. I understood seeking safety and certainty – eschewing novelty and them but it surprised me that so many people felt as creativity. But when leaders become aware of this I did. My new friend Wes Crenshaw (2010), a mem- process, they can differentiate, infusing a calm and ber of Division 43, said it like this. well-defi ned presence into the system. This presence . . . we can’t expect kids to be more (fi ll in the comforts. It counters anxiety. It builds a platform blank) than are. Same with psychologists. I think we see a general breakdown of civility in our

8 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST world, and rather than imagine ourselves a force of would, in line with our division’s strategic plan, healing in that regard, we act out. promote the recognition of family psychology as a At one level, this problem seemed trivial and specialty in APA on the one hand, and would develop non-academic. I hesitated mentioning it. Why would future family psychologists on the other. we put more energy into connecting? Why would we For eighteen years, I have been practicing, su- listen to those among us who don’t speak of concrete pervising, and teaching family psychology; I am evidence but who work as artists in our discipline? therefore fully committed to its clinical practice, Wouldn’t that be a step backwards? Aren’t there education, and research. In the fi rst twelve years more pressing, more grown-up issues to address after my doctorate, I served as a family psycholo- now? gist and program director in both the and the I don’t think so. Friedman says that orga- children and family services departments of a large, nizations, like families, tend to look at mostly multicultural, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive technological or managerial solutions to problems. mental health center in Los Angles. I also served Yet, unless structural interventions come with as their training director for ten years. During my changes to the institution’s multigenerational emo- tenure at the mental health center, I maintained a tional processes, the group eventually regresses. I small private practice as well. Between 1994 and take this to mean that embracing the art along with 2004, I taught graduate courses in family psychol- the science of family psychology – the along ogy and therapy part-time in several educational with the data – the circles as well as the squares – institutions. I have, moreover, presented on various will make us more fully who we are. If elected to the topics in family psychology at the APA convention position of President, I would concentrate on improv- in the past ten years. In addition, I have provided ing the interpersonal connections within our Society and organized training at different levels of fam- by increasing opportunities for us to examine our ily psychology education. For instance, I have been process. How we relate to each other matters. How a founding member of the Consortium on Asian we attend to the diverse patterns, textures, and American Mental Health Training in Los Angeles, stories within our work matters. How we promote a which has been providing annual training confer- relational atmosphere matters. It matters, not just ences with APA approved Continuing Education as an interesting aside, but as the very foundation of Units (CEU) for licensed mental health professionals our existence as a professional organization. for sixteen years. I have specifi cally contributed to their APA-approved CEU process. References I am currently Associate Professor at Azusa Crenshaw, W. (2010). Personal communication. Pacifi c University (APU), where we offer an APA- Friedman, E. (2007). A failure of nerve: Leadership in the age of accredited Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology the quick fi x. New York: Seabury Books. with an emphasis in Family Psychology. Aside from teaching, I coordinated our Psy.D. students’ practica as their associate director of clinical training for VP for Education: four years. I have focused my research and schol- arly activities on immigrant mental health and on Stephen Cheung, Ph.D. integrating modern approaches with post-modern ones in treatment. My recent publica- I am honored to run for tions include a book chapter on solution-focused brief Vice President for Education of therapy in Bray and Stanton’s (2009) Handbook Division 43. I have been a fam- of family psychology, Asian American immigrant ily psychologist and an active mental health: Current status and future directions, Division 43 member for eighteen in Jean Lau Chin’s (2009) Diversity in mind and in years. Within the division, I action, and Strategic and Solution-focused couples have served in various capaci- therapy, in Michele Harway’s (2005) Handbook of ties, such as the hospitality suite . co-chair (2000), the conven- As membership chair in the past four years tion program co-chair (2001), (2006-2009), I have collaborated with several mem- a program proposal reviewer bership committee members, vice-presidents, and (2000-2010), and the membership chair (2006-2010). presidents to focus on recruiting, retaining, and serv- When elected as Vice President for Education, I ing division members. Although APA membership

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 9 numbers have continued to decline across all divi- family-based interventions as well as train doctoral sions over the past decade, division 43 members have psychology students and community-based practi- increased in the past three years (i.e., the calendar tioners in the implementation of an evidence-based year of 2007-2009), while I was membership chair. family therapy model for at-risk populations. I would When elected as Vice President for Education of bring to the position of Vice President for Education Division 43, I would bring my experience to further the knowledge I derive from my personal involve- enhance the quality of family psychology education. ment with practice, training and research. First, I would fi rmly support our division’s strategic In particular, I would bring my understanding of the plan of establishing family psychology as a specialty research-practice dialectic and my interest in the in APA. To operationalize my support, I would cre- study of educational strategies and innovative train- ate a Continuing Education (CE) committee in order ing techniques in family psychology. to provide online workshops with APA approved To carry out the mission of the Division, I would CEUs for our members. I would further support our focus my efforts on the following goals: efforts to start a division-owned journal in fam- (1) Continue to support the development of ily psychology to solidify our professional identity standards and guidelines for doctoral and as family psychologists. Second, in collaboration post-doctoral education in family psycholo- with the membership committee, I would launch a gy—I would create forums for division-wide fresh initiative in developing a mentoring program discussions as well as organize a task force re- for students at the APA convention. Third, I would sponsible for facilitating communication with facilitate communication and collaboration among credentialing organizations and for identifying different accreditation bodies, family psychology the core competencies of family psychology. programs, and APA offi ces, so as to establish clear (2) Foster psychology students and early career and sound competency standards for different levels psychologists’ interests in family psycholo- of family psychology education and training. Lastly, gy—I would create opportunities for diverse I would actively represent our division to other APA mentoring activities to take place in dif- divisions, such professional organizations as Nation- ferent venues, using different approaches. al Council on Schools and Programs of Professional I would also work closely with the student Psychology (NCSPPP), and the general public, in representatives of the division to support the order to promote the recognition of family psychol- development of a multi-faceted mentoring ogy as a specialty. program. (3) Increase the profession’s, as well as the general public’s, understanding of family psychology Corinne Datchi-Phillips, Ph.D. by providing web-based educational resources (e.g., materials for instruction, information I am honored to be a nominee about evidence-based practices that improve for the position of Vice President learning), and by actively representing the for Education of Division 43; and Society to the APA Education Directorate and I look forward to the possibility other professional and credentialing organiza- of carrying out the mission of the tions. Division by serving on the Board In the past two years, I have been very pleased to of Directors. If elected, I would hold the positions of Hospitality Suite Chair (APA continue to support the recogni- convention 2009) and Program Chair (APA conven- tion of family psychology as a tion 2010) for Division 43. I am excited about the specialty. I would also strive to prospect of serving the Division in a different ca- expand the practice, study, and in- pacity and of actively contributing to the increased fl uence of family psychology by promoting the view, visibility and infl uence of family psychology. within APA, that family psychology is a core compo- nent of the training of all psychologists at different stages of their careers. I am currently a faculty member at Indiana University-Bloomington where I hold a research associate position at the Center for Adolescent and Family Studies. I participate in research focusing on

10 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST VP for Public Interest & Diversity: intercultural family dynamics is the focus of my clinical practice and scholarship. Bringing in social Gonzalo Bacigalupe, Ed.D, MPH context in a collaborative fashion informs this clini- cal practice, teaching, and research. Thank you for the opportu- As editorial board member of the Journal of Mari- nity to run as Vice-President for tal & Family Therapy and the Journal Qualitative Diversity and Public Interest of Research in Psychology, and the Associate Editor the Family Psychology Division of Families, Systems, & Health, I am particularly (Div. 43)! I am a clinical psychol- interested in the development of scholarship that ogist and family therapist fi rst makes a difference in the work of clinicians work- trained in Chile who came to ing with ALL families. I have held several elected the United States to complete a governance related positions, in particular as former doctoral degree in family therapy member of the American Family Therapy Board and at the University of Massachu- also as part of the AAMFT governance. I am par- setts Amherst during one of the ticularly interested in contributing with my skills most exciting decades in the development of family in the use of social media and other technologies to therapy and systemic thinking. Soon after fi nish- continue strengthening and enhancing the Division’s ing my degree, I became part of the Latin American ability to communicate among its members and the diaspora. However, my graduate education did not public. end with that doctoral degree. A few years ago, while Why would I want to add a new service activity working as a faculty member, I completed a masters to my full academic and professional dossier? My of public health with a focus on family and commu- interdisciplinary experience and keen sensibility nity health degree at Harvard University. towards the invisibility of the immigrant experi- Since 1996, I have been a faculty member of the ence, the discourse of people of color, and the need Department of Counseling and at to challenge inequity within our own organizations the University of Massachusetts Boston. Presently, is core. Governance work is often slow but offers I am an Associate Professor and the Director of the the opportunity of learning while contributing. I Family Therapy Program. My work as family thera- bring an outside voice as someone who has not been py program director has also included the launching involved in Division 43; an other who also has had and coordination of an e-learning family therapy the privilege of accessing graduate education and is program that has already graduated two student privileged to be an educator of clinicians. It is my cohorts. I am also Adjunct Research Professor at responsibility to bring a piece of what continues to the Department of Family Medicine & Community be silent in our conversations, policies, and practices. Health, UMASS Medical School, and hold a faculty The Presidential Summit on the Future of Psy- appointment with the Psychotherapy Post-Degree chology Practice: Collaborating for Change, where I program at National University at Distance in Spain was a discussant, reaffi rmed the need to bring into (UNED). psychology the ideas that all members of this Divi- My research includes transnational families and sion take for granted: context defi nes everything. couples, political and family violence, refugees and My work at the intersection of psychology, family immigrants’ health and health disparities (chronic therapy, and public health is truly informed by con- pain, medication strategies and literacy, and asth- text. However, context is not just the family process ma). In 2004, I was a Senior Fulbright Research or even the close community that contains this fam- Fellow at the Autonomic University of Barcelona, ily. We need to pay attention to the meta-context: studying the experience of immigrant families the large inequities and disparities that continue to with the health care system. My work also included shape the fate of the families we work with (and our- consulting with faculty and students at AUB Master selves). Engaging the larger context through shaping Family Therapy Program. Beginning next academic public policies, embracing productively the evolving year, I will be carrying on research in the Basque digital technologies, understanding the demographic Country, Spain, with funding from the Ikerbasque shifts, and being able to have honest conversations Research Foundation in the areas of family health about inequity will be our challenge. It is in this and family therapy, immigrant and transnational spirit that I accept your nomination. --Thank you! families, and the impact of social technologies on families. The integration of transnational and

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 11 Treasurer: deplete its resources. Thank you for your consideration for this honor Steven Del Chiaro, Psy.D. and opportunity.

I am truly honored for the nomination for the position of Robert K. Welsh, Ph.D., ABPP Treasurer for the Society for Family Psychology. I have had The Society for Family Psy- the pleasure of being involved chology is a special community with Division 43 since 1999. I of professionals in the American have served for two years as the Psychological Association that is National Student Representative, uncommonly welcoming, diverse, assisted with the Hospital- and graced with generativity. I ity Suite at the San Francisco am honored to accept the nomi- Convention and served as the nation for Division 43 Treasurer Hospitality Suite Coordinator. and believe deeply in the mission I earned a PsyD in Counseling Psychology from and spirit of the division. the University of San Francisco and have been I am a relatively recent con- on the faculty of the Department of Psychology at vert to systems thinking following training and San Jose State University (SJSU) for the past six practice in a largely individually oriented psychol- years. During this time I have been selected twice ogy. Like many in the division, I found that linear to address the psychology students at the annual and mechanistic psychology could not adequately convocation and received the AS55 Award for Ser- address some of the problems of being human in a vice and Commitment as a faculty member. I advise society. provided a meth- and monitor the budget for the psychology coalition, odological framework for seeing the problems from which is comprised of the psychology club and Psi a different angle. Following this conversion I have Chi. I have recently accepted the position of As- structured my professional life around family psy- sociate Director of the Peer Mentor Program and chology. Even though I am board certifi ed in forensic MUSE, which are programs designed for student psychology, I consider family psychology my central retention. In addition to my work at SJSU, I serve as professional identity. the director for the undergraduate psychology pro- I am an Associate Professor and Chair of the gram at John F. Kennedy University at the Campbell Department of Graduate Psychology at Azusa Pacifi c Campus and am an Associate Professor. At this University. As part of my departmental responsi- branch campus I am responsible for the day-to-day bilities I serve as Program Director for the PsyD in operations of a psychology completion program. Clinical Psychology, which has a strong emphasis in These positions have helped me learn to balance dif- Family Psychology. I have been a member of Division ferent positions and work with diverse budgets and 43 for six years and since that time have become in- budgeting issues. volved in several Division-related opportunities. I am In addition to my work in academia, I am com- currently the doctoral program representative to the pleting the process to be licensed as a psychologist Family Psychology Specialty Council, and recently in the state of California (knock on wood) and coordinated the successful recertifi cation of Fam- work primarily with sheriff and correctional offi - ily Psychology as a specialty practice through the cers. In this setting, I have found my training and Commission on the Recognition of Specialties and experience in working with the Society for Family Profi ciencies in Professional Psychology (CRSPPP). I Psychology invaluable, as I work mostly with the of- am deeply interested in promoting systems thinking fi cers and their families. in professional psychology through teaching, train- If elected to this position I hope to continue the ing, and scholarship, and look forward to serving the standards set forth by past treasurers through Division in the role of Treasurer if elected. successful management of the divisions fi nances, keeping accurate records, and making timely re- ports. One way in which I would complete this is by working with division leaders to develop and adhere to a budget that would support the division, but not

12 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST Council Representative (2nd seat): Psychology emphasis at Antioch University, Santa Barbara. As a new program, we are in the process Michele Harway, Ph.D., ABPP of getting accreditation, which has provided me with another learning opportunity of APA. I have I am honored to be invited previously served as site visitor for other programs to run for election for Division seeking reaccreditation but have learned that get- 43’s second seat on the Council ting initial accreditation is no easy feat. I also learn of Representatives, and excited daily about the politics inside my multi-campus about the possibilities. university and the outside world. This has taught I joined Division 43 when my me a great deal about diplomacy and getting what I face was unlined and my hair its want for my constituents. In my other professional own natural color, in fact I grew responsibilities, I work with dissertation students at up as a professional while serv- the Fielding Graduate University and have a very ing as a “warrior” for the Family small private practice. My scholarship has focused Psychology cause. on interventions with families and couples (two ed- My term as President of the Society in 2000 ited books on those topics), domestic violence (three capped several years of effort on the part of many books) and gender (more books). In the distant past, to get our discipline recognized by the mainstream when I was a full-time researcher, I also published of APA. That was the year that, thanks to the two edited volumes on longitudinal research. I am leadership of Roberta Nutt, CRSPPP had fi nally now trying to pull together my disparate interests recognized Family Psychology as a specialty area. and am co-editing two books, one focused on engag- Prior to my presidential year, I was chair of various ing men in couples therapy, the other on the process divisional committees, served as membership chair, by which people navigate across multiple identities. was on the board as secretary and was selected as In my spare time, I hike, do yoga, meditate, and 1998 Family Psychologist of the Year. Since rotat- engage with my two grown children. ing off the Society’s board, I have served as chair of Those who have served with me on boards and the Family Psychology Specialty Council (FPSC; the task groups know that I am a hard worker: I like group bringing together the various entities repre- to challenge myself and others. I am dedicated to senting Family Psychology—namely the Society, the systems views of the world and believe that Family Couple and Family ABPP board, and the Academy). Psychology has much to offer the larger discipline The FPSC has been successful in getting several of Psychology. If elected as Council Representative, of our members in leadership positions on APA’s I am hopeful that I can make a difference in getting Council of Specialties, in collaboratively preparing the Family Psychology message out to the rest of our the document which led to the successful renewal fi eld. of our status as a specialty within CRSPPP, and we are now working on getting Family Psychology Margaret Heldring, Ph.D. recognized as an emerging practice area which can be accredited by APA’s Commission on Accredita- I am delighted to be a candi- tion (CoA). The latter effort is being coordinated by date for our second seat on APA’s Terry Patterson. Council of Representatives and Also, since leaving the board, I have earned the I ask for your vote. First of all, diploma in Couple and Family Psychology (ABCFP) congratulations to the members and have been serving as Treasurer to the ABCFP of the Society for gaining back Board. In addition to becoming wise to the APA al- our second seat. This is a tre- phabet soup, I have learned a great deal about APA mendous acknowledgement of as an organization and I am now eager to navigate the vital place family psychology’s voice must have that admittedly most political of entities within in shaping APA policy. APA—the Council of Representatives. I know that I would bring three important perspectives to this I have good role models and mentors in Florence legislative body. One, I am a past president of our Kaslow and Susan McDaniel, both of whom have Society (2008) and have a thirty year history in held or still hold the Council Rep position. teaching and practicing family systems both as a Outside of APA, I am Chair of the Doctoral clinical faculty member in the Department of Family Program in Clinical Psychology with a Family Medicine at the University of Washington and as an

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 13 independent practitioner who practices collaborative the health and mental health impacts of that event, care. I am excited by the renewed energy of our So- served as co-chair of former fi rst lady Rosalynn ciety, our growing diversity, and our quest to refi ne Carter’s Report Card on Family Caregivers Project, our identity. I love our breadth- from outstanding and continue to speak and write about psychology, researchers and teachers to practitioners and those especially family psychology, and public policy. engaged directly in the public interest. As a recent My third potential asset for the Society is my leader in our society, my primary efforts have been broad and deep knowledge of APA. I have chaired to strengthen the link between family psychology or co chaired two presidential initiatives, served as and public policy and to promote integrated health chair of the Board for the Advancement of Psycholo- care, principally in family medicine. gy in the Public Interest, served as president of two My second potential contribution fl ows from my divisions, and as chair of the Committee of State background in public policy. I served as a staff mem- Leaders. APA is soon to introduce its fi rst ever ber in the U.S. Senate and was the lead staffer for strategic plan and it will be helpful to have strong, two successful legislative efforts. One was the New- experienced voices on behalf of family psychology as borns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act of 1996 the plan is further developed and funds are allo- that provided mothers and babies a safe haven of cated for implementation. time in the hospital following childbirth. The sec- I view the role of council representative as a ond was an amendment (Domenici-Wellstone) that trusted one. There is duty to represent the sin- assured mental health parity in the Child Health In- gular strengths of systems thinking and a family surance Program (CHIP) at the time of its original focus, particularly to serve as communications and passage. Both have clear family agendas. I served advocacy link between the Society, the rest of psy- as director of health policy for a 2000 presidential chology, and the larger environments that impact campaign, founded and directed a national nonprofi t our work and which we may, in turn, impact as a that led a key national post 9/11 study investigating means to promote a healthier society for all.

Announcements

Applications are invited for members to be recognized for Please join Outstanding Contributions or Performance 203 Others in the Field of Family Psychology

and You will need to provide the following:

• Completed APA Fellow application Become a • Your updated vita • A statement of your accomplishments Family • Support letters from three Fellows (two of whom are Div. 43 Fellows) Psychology Deadlines for application, updated vita, and statement of accomplishments: • Anytime for fellows of other divisions who are not fellows of Fellow! Division 43 & • December 10, 2010 for new fellows

For assistance: Please contact G. Andrew H. Benjamin, J.D., Ph.D., ABPP Fellows Chair for Division 43, [email protected], (206)328-840

14 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST American Board of Professional Psychology Summer Workshop

hese workshops, the fi rst examinations as well as for those to attend one or both of these ABPP has ever sponsored, who are already board certifi ed and to encourage others to do so. Tfeature topics of interests and who want to be updated on All workshops are expected to be to those in all specialties. They current developments in their “state of the art.” are intended for those interested own or another specialty. Please in acquiring additional knowledge note the offerings in Couple and Florence Kaslow, Ph.D., ABPP in preparation for their ABPP Family Psychology. We urge you

American Board of Professional Psychology Summer Workshop Series 5 days of workshops Up to 35 CE Credits available July 6 – 10, 2010 Hilton Hotel & Executive Towers Portland, Oregon ______Tuesday July 6

HALF Day Morning Workshops HALF Day Afternoon Workshops 3.5 CE credits each 3.5 CE credits each 08:30 – 12:00 1:30 – 5:00

Ethical Considerations in a Multicultural World The Ethics of Self Care: Burn out Prevention for Psychologists Melba J T Vasquez, PhD, ABPP Melba J T Vasquez, PhD, ABPP

Key Trends in Couple and Family Psychology: Ethical Issues and Challenges in Couples & Family Psychology: Theory Update, Contemporaneous Issues and From What is Confidential to Dealing with Affairs & Other Intimate Clinical Populations. Matters. Florence Kaslow, Ph.D., ABPP Florence Kaslow, Ph.D., ABPP

FULL day workshop 7 CE Credits each 08:30 – 5:00

Integrating into Clinical Practice: Current Trends Morgan T. Sammons, Ph.D., ABPP

______

Wednesday July 7

FULL day workshop 7 CE Credits each 08:30 – 5:00

Neurobehavioral syndromes in older adults: What psychologists should know. John A. Lucas, PhD, ABPP

Hypnosis for Pain Control David R. Patterson, Ph.D., ABPP

Current Ethical Conflicts in Psychology Donald N. Bersoff, Ph.D., J.D., ABPP

______SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 15 Practice

Ryan M. Niemiec, Psy.D. Education Director, VIA Institute on Character [email protected] www.viacharacter.org

Character Strengths and Positive

Psychology: On the Horizon in Michael Conner, Family Therapy Psy.D.

I was fi rst introduced to the fi eld of positive psychology at the Evolution of Psycho- therapy Conference in 2005 during a series of talks presented by , Ph.D. Over the next fi ve years I immersed myself in the literature, attended training, and began to apply the principles of positive psychology to my life, practice, and work with families. I am very pleased to bring this article and resource to the fi eld of family psychology and family therapy. Michael Conner, Psy.D.

ositive psychology is the sci- justice, temperance, and tran- argue for a family-centered entifi c study of what is best scendence–and 24 corresponding positive psychology that focuses Pand strongest in individu- strengths of character (Peterson on problem-prevention and is als, families, and society. The best & Seligman, 2004). Figure 1 out- strengths-based, the latter of positive psychology is that which lines what is commonly referred which builds on the family’s exist- integrates with, complements, or to as the “6 and 24,” referring to ing competencies and promotes improves traditional psychology. the six virtues and 24 strengths. the family’s toward Positive psychology has exploded These have been determined to be growth. This approach empha- in the last decade with hundreds universal across cultures, nations, sizes “collaborating with” rather of scholarly articles, dozens of and belief systems, and readily than “treating” families. The research groups around the world, found in some of the most remote idea of working with strengths is hundreds of university courses, areas on the planet (Biswas- not a new concept to most fam- and hundreds of millions in grant Diener, 2006). The VIA Survey ily therapists, however, working dollars devoted to its pursuits. a free measurement instrument with a system of strengths and Perhaps the biggest initiative designed to assess the 24 charac- a validated assessment tool in a to emerge from this burgeoning ter strengths has been taken by more systematic way brings a new science is the rigorous VIA Clas- well over a million people and has dimension to most practices. sifi cation of character strengths been used in over 150 scientifi c While character strength appli- and virtues that arose from years articles. Many practitioners fi nd cations are a more recent area of of historical analysis and study that working with a client’s char- study, here are a few examples of by 55 scientists. The result was a acter strengths is one of the most applications for the family thera- comprehensive typology of six vir- exciting areas in the fi eld. pist to consider. tues–wisdom, courage, humanity, Sheridan and Burt (2009) First, consider your general

16 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST approach. Keeping a general system Shelly Gable has noted that the in mind for working with character “Encourage each family character strengths involved in strengths is a good idea. Character member to learn one this process are love, social intel- strengths practice has three over- ligence, and self-regulation. arching steps – aware, explore, and another’s signature Look to exemplars in movies. apply (Niemiec, 2009). The therapist strengths. These are Turning to movies for role models fi rst helps the individual, family, or of healthy families, good commu- group become more aware of their those strengths that are nication, or character strength existing character strengths, and the core of who that portrayals can add a new perspec- follows this with questions help- tive for learning and growing ing the client explore when they individual is. . .” together (see Niemiec & Wedding, used strengths at the best of times 2008). A recent fi lm displaying and the worst of times and how they might tap into several healthy family decisions and interactions is strengths to create a best possible future. Explora- The Blind Side (2009). Movies engender opportuni- tion is followed by the application of an action plan ties for families to talk about important life issues, or goal targeted to improve a particular strength. witness healthy and unhealthy communication pat- Encourage each family member to learn one terns, exhibit what is possible, and show exemplars another’s signature strengths. These are those of courage, wisdom, and hope in action. strengths that are the core of who that individual To recommend the VIA Survey to clients or to is, are readily identifi ed by other family members, take it yourself go to www.viasurvey.org. and feel natural and energizing when expressed. One family member might have signature strengths References of curiosity, creativity, kindness, and perseverance, Biswas-Diener, R. (2006). From the equator to the North Pole: while another might be characteristically grateful, A study of character strengths. Journal of Happiness Stud- hopeful, prudent, and loving. Each family member ies, 7, 293–310. should memorize the strengths of one another. (A validated survey, the VIA Youth Survey, is available Gable, S. L., Reis, H. T., Impett, E. A., & Asher, E. R. (2004). for kids ages 10-17). What do you do when things go right? The intrapersonal Set up mutual validation systems. Knowing one and interpersonal benefi ts of sharing positive events. Jour- another’s signature strengths is not enough; fami- nal of Personality and , 87(2), 228-245. lies should regularly look for character strengths in any situation and then verbally label the strengths Linley, A. (2008). Average to A+: Realizing strengths in as they see them (e.g., “You were a real team-player yourself and others. Coventry, UK: CAPP Press. today, Bobby,” “Mom, I want to thank you for being so forgiving to me over the last few weeks,” or “Su- Niemiec, R. M. (2009). Ok, now what? Taking action. Article san, it is clear that you are very fair in how you treat available at: www.viacharacter.org/AwareExploreApply/ your classmates.”) This process is naturally referred tabid/304/Default.aspx#More to as strengths spotting (Linley, 2008). The family therapist can then help the family set up reminder Niemiec, R. M., & Wedding, D. (2008). Positive psychology at the systems and plans for implementing and maintain- movies: Using fi lms to build virtues and character strengths. ing these processes. Cambridge, MA: Hogrefe. Teach active-constructive responding. Family members should be reminded that research shows it Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths is benefi cial to talk about positive events that oc- and virtues: A handbook and classifi cation. New York: Ox- cur, as this brings additional positive emotion and ford University Press. well-being to the speaker beyond the event itself; moreover, the benefi ts enhance further if the fam- Sheridan, S. M., & Burt, J. D. (2009). Family-centered positive ily member who is the listener is active, engaged, psychology. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Oxford and positive in their response (Gable et al., 2004). handbook of positive psychology (pp. 551-559). New York: Family therapists can helps families practice active- Oxford University Press. constructive responding in role-plays and should encourage family members to seek one another out when good things occur to them. Researcher

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 17 Classifi cation of 6 Virtues and 24 Strengths (1)

Wisdom and knowledge Cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of knowledge • Creativity: Thinking of novel and productive ways to do things • Curiosity: Taking an interest in all of ongoing experience • Open-mindedness: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides • Love of learning: Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge • Perspective: Being able to provide wise counsel to others Courage Emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external or internal • Authenticity: Speaking the truth and presenting oneself in a genuine way • Bravery: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, diffi culty, or pain • Persistence: Finishing what one starts • Zest: Approaching life with excitement and energy Humanity Interpersonal strengths that involve “tending and befriending” others • Kindness: Doing favors and good deeds for others • Love: Valuing close relations with others • Social : Being aware of the motives and feelings of self and others Justice Civic strengths that underlie healthy community life • Fairness: Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice • Leadership: Organizing group activities and seeing that they happen • Teamwork: Working well as member of a group or team Temperance Strengths that protect against excess • Forgiveness: Forgiving those who have done wrong • Modesty: Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves • Prudence: Being careful about one’s choices; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted • Self-regulation: Regulating what one feels and does Transcendence Strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning • Appreciation of beauty and excellence: Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life • Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen • Hope: Expecting the best and working to achieve it • Humor: Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people • Religiousness: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of life

(1) Peterson, C. & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classifi cation. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

18 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST Practice: Forensics Neil S. Grossman, Ph.D., ABPP and Barbara F. Okun, Ph.D.

Challenges in Family Forensic Psychology: Diverse Families

n recent decades, there has been a signifi cant to access the child she had cared shift in the nature and composition of families. for nor the child to access the IThese include, but are not limited to, interfaith psychological parent. This woman and interracial families, domestic and international had neglected to obtain legal adoptive families, gay and lesbian families with second parent adoption that was biological and adoptive children, families using available in her state and did not reproductive technology, egg/sperm donors and sur- have the resources to obtain legal rogates, single parents by choice, and cohabiting counsel. Her therapist at the time parents. had not suggested a second parent Traditional theories and approaches may not be adoption. Another case involved relevant to many of these families. While all families a heterosexual couple who gave have shared psychological , the newer birth to children and also raised varieties of families bring a unique array of issues the children from the husband’s and challenges to individual and family treatment. prior marriage. When the wife It is incumbent on us to be aware of some of the separated and started a relation- family and legal systems issues that can affect treat- ship with another woman, all the ment. Current laws and legal precedence have not children continued to live with the yet adapted to today’s realities. Existing laws inad- father. The mother had the legal equately address them. For example, there are few right to visitation with her bio- laws, if any, to defi ne much less protect the rights logical children but not the other of egg and sperm donors, surrogates, children who children for whom she had been want to contact a surrogate, sperm or egg donors, the psychological parent. This gay and lesbian parents and their children includ- situation became more complex ing issues regarding separation or divorce of gay and because of the father’s negative lesbian couples, immigrant families where parent(s) feelings toward her, for leaving are deported, and so forth. the marriage and entering into a One recent case involved an unmarried lesbian lesbian relationship about which couple where one of the partners gave birth to a he did not want the children to child. The non-biological mother assumed the prima- know. ry parenting role for fi ve years. When the biological It is critical that family foren- parent decided abruptly to end the relationship, the sic psychologists, who work with non-biological parent no longer had the legal right diverse families, become aware of

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 19 the emotional and legal issues donors or surrogates. In the that these families face and of “We need to help our midst of divorce counseling, private and public sector law- a mother announced that she yers who specialize in these clients with diverse families was going to tell their 10 year areas. For example, there are protect their rights and their old daughter that her father many legal considerations to was not her “real” father and consider when people are decid- relationships and particularly that the mother would obtain ing whether to use a known or sole custody. After much legal unknown egg or sperm donor or the rights and relationships wrangling, this father obtained surrogate. Should the surrogate of their children.” joint custody but the daughter be the egg donor? Do the donors was traumatized by the sudden or surrogate want to be contact- announcement of news she did ed in the future? Under what circumstances? If they not understand. are known to the parents, what types of agreements Although co-parenting agreements may not be have been signed with regard to psychological rela- legally enforceable, they can be useful in the event tionships, fi nances, decision-making? What are the of dissolution of the parents’ relationship because pros and cons of each option? Can a surrogate or egg they are a record of the couple’s intention to parent or sperm donor request custody of young children together. Many states which do not allow second if both parents are deceased? The issues in a case parent adoption accept other legal safeguards, such involving the treatment of a woman who had been as wills and powers of attorney for the non-biological a surrogate parent illustrate the complexities that parent. It is important for all non-married couples to may develop. The surrogate parent had developed have legal power of attorney, living wills, health care a close relationship with the couple and their chil- proxies for each other and for the children. Clients dren during the surrogate’s pregnancy. She felt very need to be educated about obtaining domestic part- angry and betrayed when the couple for whom she ner benefi ts, how to be able to legally make medical carried the child reneged on the verbal agreement decisions for each other when needed, knowing how to send pictures and stay in contact. This woman to take care of each other’s fi nances if and when one wanted to pursue legal action. The therapist needed partner is incapacitated, and how to leave property to help her understand the limits of her relationship to each other. with this couple and the extent of her attachment to There are different legal approaches that are the child she bore for them. It is important for fam- used in various jurisdictions to determine paren- ily forensic psychologists to work collaboratively with tal rights and obligations of the parties involved in family lawyers to clarify legal rights and responsi- third party-assisted reproduction. In one state, for bilities but, more importantly, to provide effective example, genetic parents were granted custody of interdisciplinary services. Therapists do not give le- a mistaken implantation into another woman; in gal advice or interpret legal documents but they can another state, under the same circumstances, the suggest and help patients to obtain these services. courts decided upon joint custody for the carrier and Family psychologists need to help our clients the genetic donors. Family psychologists and family with diverse families protect their rights and their forensic psychologists should be aware of the general relationships and particularly the rights and rela- issues and the specifi c laws and precedents in the tionships of their children. Without appropriate legal jurisdictions in which they practice. documents, couples run the risk of being shut out of each other’s lives and the lives of children they co-parent in times of medical, fi nancial or personal crises. In cases where extended family disapproves, there could be custodial and legal confl ict during illness or in the case of death. Careful planning can prevent later legal disputes. In addition to second parent adoption, all par- ents should legally establish guardianship and wills as soon as possible. This is particularly signifi cant for gay and lesbian couples, but it can also be so for heterosexual and/or married couples who use

20 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST Students: Kendra Jones, Student Representative

Family Psychology Training in Action: Effects on Real Life

As I am nearing the end of my third year in my doctoral program, I am just beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. What this means is that my concern over fi nal ex- ams, statistics projects, dissertation proposals, and other academic endeavors is beginning to be edged out by my preoccupation about internships, post-docs, and early career devel- opment. More specifi cally, I am currently focused on how to cram in as much training as possible in the next several years in order to best serve my career development.

Sure, I have been wisely advised that training and although popular thought is that pre-doctoral education continue throughout one’s career and that clinical training should be broad and general, and I need not be concerned about obsessively obtaining further specialization (i.e., family therapy training) as much clinical training as possible before I gradu- should be obtained during a post-doctoral fellow- ate. This does not mean, however, that, along with ship, post-doc positions are also, limited in number, my fellow graduate students interested in family not to mention restrictive in terms of location,the psychology, I do not strive for optimal training expe- geographical restrictions of most family post-docs riences in family psychology. (i.e., there are not many family post-docs on the As has been noted, family psychology is not sim- west coast). ply defi ned by population, but by epistemology. In Because of the limited number of family psychol- my last column I mentioned embodying this episte- ogy training opportunities in relation to other more mology by independently building systems thinking general training opportunities, pursuing a career in into graduate course work, regardless of the type of family psychology ironically puts a strain on ac- training program we are in. However, for those of us tual family life. Many graduate students interested interested in working with families, operating under in family psychology are also at varying stages of a systems epistemology does not necessarily equal their personal family development. For example, adequate training for the populations with which we my husband and I, like most other married gradu- hope to work. Unfortunately, receiving training in ate students, are trying to balance a dual-career working with families and couples is not as simple as partnership. While we have conceded to the possi- it is for other populations. Internship and practicum bility of my taking an out-of-state internship while sites specializing in couple and family work have sig- he remains at his current job, an additional year nifi cantly decreased in recent years. Furthermore, (or more) of out-of-state post-doc training is simply not feasible. Further, our decision on when to have SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 21 children is almost solely based on family psychology, but this is easier said than done. the precariousness of my train- As mentioned in my last column, establishing fam- ing locations over the next several ily psychology as a specialty alongside clinical and years. We are not alone in this counseling, a joint effort currently being undertaken dilemma; among students I have by Division 43 and other family psychology specialty recently spoken with, some are organizations, may help increase training opportuni- trying to calculate how far into ties. In the meantime, we will need to continue to a pregnancy maintaining a long- take our training into our own hands. The cover sto- distance relationship would be ry in a recent American Psychological Association of tolerable, some are geographically Graduate Students (APAGS) publication (Novotney, restricting their training opportu- 2010) discussed the self-directing of post-doctoral nities because they are not able to training, including fi nding mentors in one’s area of leave their families, and some are interest to supervise clinical training. Combined wary to move to an area where with continuing education training and workshops, raising a family or even meeting fi nding a local family psychology mentor may be one someone with whom to raise a solution in obtaining training in family psychology family would not be ideal. for students who are unable to relocate for a post-doc Although graduate study of position because of their own family commitments. any kind undoubtedly is an added Further, continued affi liation with APA and Divi- stressor for personal family life sion 43 during the transition to early careers offers (if based on nothing more than an opportunity for continued resources and training. sheer time commitment), there is, For example, Division 43 is currently restructuring as I mentioned, a special concern its website to include online continuing education and other training op- portunities. Students “How are we supposed to balance family psychology trying to balance work training with actual family life, then?” and family life may greatly benefi t from current and for psychology graduate stu- upcoming resources offered by the D ivision. Most dents seeking family psychology importantly, striving to maintain a balance between training. Workplaces across the professional development and family life is essential country are beginning to be more for preserving personal, mental, and family health family-conscious, many emphasiz- during graduate training and early career. This may, ing work-life balance and even of course, necessitate choosing a less than perfect offering extended maternity and training site in order to be with one’s family. Despite paternity leave, fl exible hours, and the current state of training, balancing family and child-care services. However, due professional life is a cause ultimately supported by to the competitiveness of graduate the heart of family psychology. training as a whole as well as the added constraint of minimal avail- Reference: ability of family therapy training Novotney, A. (2010). Grow your own postdoc. gradPSYCH, 8, sites, this fl exibility is harder to 26-28. come by, if not nearly impossible, for pre- and post-doctoral training in family psychology. Which is, as previously stated, unfortunately ironic. How are we supposed to bal- ance family psychology training with actual family life, then? A partial answer may be increas- ing the number of internship and post-doc training opportunities in

22 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST Specialty Council

Michele Harway, Ph.D., ABPP

The Family Psychology Specialty Council News

he Family Psychology Rod Nurse, Tom Sexton, Mark work in a doctoral program with Specialty Council (FPSC), Stanton, Melton Strozier, John a Family Psychology emphasis or Twhich I chair, is an um- Thoburn, Bill Watson, Bob Welsh, track or are affi liated with an in- brella organization which brings and I. ternship or postdoctoral training together the various family If the application is success- site with such an emphasis. We psychology groups to work to- ful, then Family Psychology will will be holding conversation hours wards common goals. We have be the fi rst specialty of those at the San Diego Convention for representatives from the Society approved by CRSPPP (The interested parties. (Division 43) as well as from the Council for the Recognition of American Board of Couple and Specialties and Profi ciencies in Family Psychology (of ABPP) and Professional Psychology) to be the Academy of Couple and Fam- added to the traditional areas of ily Psychology. Our members Clinical, Counseling, School, and also include representatives from I/O. Because this is an entirely doctoral programs and intern- new process, it is not yet clear if ships and postdocs in Family (when the application is approved Psychology. In turn we send a by CoA) programs would apply to representative to APA’s Council of be dually accredited in one of the Specialties and its current presi- traditional areas in addition to dent is our own Mark Stanton. Family Psychology. Stay tuned. The FPSC is currently working Meanwhile, it is already old on submitting an application to news, but last year FPSC submit- the Commission on Accrediation ted an application to CRSPPP for (CoA) of APA to include Family renewal of Family Psychology’s Psychology as one of the specialty status as a specialty and it was areas under which programs approved. Bob Welsh led that can be accredited. This hercu- effort along with a large com- lean task is being coordinated mittee of Division 43 members by Terry Patterson who is ably and members of affi liated Family assisted by a group comprised of Psychology groups. Marianne Celano, James Dobbins, Please be in touch with me Frank Ezzo, Susan McDaniel, ([email protected]) if you

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 23 Books

Farrah Hughes, Ph.D., and Marina Dorian, Ph.D., Editor

The Reference Corner

would like to introduce myself as the new editor A Farewell from Farrah: of the Reference Corner. I, Marina Dorian, am an I wanted to take this opportunity to thank ev- Iassistant professor at Alliant International Uni- eryone who has contributed to the Reference Corner versity, California School of Professional Psychology column over the last four years. I have sincerely en- in San Diego and chair of events for The Center for joyed communicating with so many talented family Integrative Psychology. I look forward to provid- psychologists, who have contributed to our profes- ing you with valuable reviews of current books in sion both through their books and through their our fi eld and greatly thank Farrah for her guidance book reviews. I also have greatly appreciated the op- through our transition. portunity to work with Mark Stanton and Deborah This issue of The Reference Corner includes re- Cox, TFP Editors, who have helped me to improve views of four books addressing a variety of clinical my clinical and journalistic acumen. Finally, I am perspectives in working with families. The reader grateful to Marina Dorian, who is now taking the will certainly fi nd something of interest among these reins of the Reference Corner. I know that I am leav- volumes, which consist of up-to-date information ing this column in more than capable hands, and I about spiritual resources (Spiritual resources in the look forward to the future of the Reference Corner family, child focused family therapy (The child’s voice and TFP! in family therapy: A systemic perspective), approaches Yours, Farrah Hughes for working with children based on attachment theo- ry (Attachment-focused parenting: Effective strategies to care for children), and an in-depth look at fairness Hughes, D. A. (2009). At- in couple relationships (Try to see it my way). tachment-focused parenting: If you are interested in serving as a reviewer for Effective strategies to care for The Reference Corner, please email me your areas of children. New York: Norton. interest. Contributors retain a complimentary copy (216 pp). ISBN-13 978-0-393- of the book. If you are the author or editor of a new 70555-3. $29.95 (hc). or upcoming book in family psychology that seems appropriate to review in this column, please send a Reviewed by Camilo Ortiz and Sarah copy to me to be considered for review as closely as Ardire possible to the publication date. Send books and gal- leys to: Marina Dorian, PhD, The Reference Corner Daniel Hughes has leveraged his considerable Column Editor, Alliant International University, experience as a clinical psychologist and psycho- California School of Professional Psychology, 10455 therapist working with abused children to produce Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA 92131; E-mail: Attachment-Focused Parenting. In this approxi- [email protected]. mately 200-page book, Dr. Hughes outlines, in an easy-to-read manner, what attachment is and how parents can interact with children in physically and misbehavior that sometimes cannot be prevented, emotionally close ways to create a secure attachment such as physical aggression. The struggle seems or to repair an insecure one. Throughout the book to result from a diffi culty in explaining how the there are a number of helpful vignettes of conversa- book’s strategies fi t within a social learning frame- tions between parents and their children, providing work, where parenting strategies are thought of as scripts that parents might use to encourage more reinforcers or punishers. At times, Hughes seems nurturing interactions with their children. This to suggest that attachment parenting strategies written dialogue is useful, since parents might have can easily coexist with fi rm and consistent disci- diffi culty translating the concepts of attachment into pline strategies, while, at other times, the author practical strategies. Throughout the book, Hughes seems to reject the usefulness of punishment. For encourages parents to try to understand children’s example, Hughes suggests strategies that many behaviors from the child’s perspective. We view this parent-training experts would consider verbose and method as a particular strength of the book, as par- reinforcing of misbehavior, such as staying close to ents can behave ineffectively when they incorrectly a child when they are angry. The tension between attribute negative motives to children’s behavior. these two approaches is best summed up by Hughes Hughes walks the reader through an approach of when he states “Connection—not correction—is curiosity and humor when dealing with a child—an repeatedly able to guide a child in a positive manner approach that seems effective at diffusing confl icts without sacrifi cing his autonomy and individuality” before they start. Other particularly useful discus- (p. 6). The result is that while many of the strategies sions involve the importance of routines, how to help offered in the book are wonderful examples of nur- children process negative , how to avoid turing parenting, parents may be confused about the invalidating a child’s feelings, the importance of appropriateness of many evidence-based parenting criticizing a child’s behavior and not the child herself, techniques, such as time-out. and how to handle an emotionally dysregulated child. Another potential weakness of the book is the au- Hughes opens the book by laying the ground- thor’s take on the resilience of children. Throughout work of attachment; he defi nes the term and other the book, Hughes gives the impression that children related concepts, such as attunement and refl ective are quite fragile and that following the strategies in functioning. Chapter Two discusses providing a the book will help avoid causing damage to a child’s safe, stable, and predictable environment for chil- attachment, suggesting at one point that excitement dren in order to ease transitions, allay fears, and may not be a positive experience for some children. manage traumas. Chapters Three and Four explore The focus seems to be on “preparing the path for the importance of understanding the child’s inner the child” as opposed to “preparing the child for world and, additionally, of parents knowing their the path.” Because of this stance, the book might own internal dynamics. Chapter Five reviews basic be more useful for parents of adopted or abused tools, such as playfulness and empathy, which create children, those who are more likely to have compro- the foundation for a positive parent-child relation- mised attachment histories. ship. Chapters Six, Seven, and Eight are centered While the author states that this book is appro- on communication, the importance of dialogue, and priate for therapists as well as parents, the reading relating emotionally. Hughes discusses how to reach level and complexity of ideas seem more appropriate children at their developmental level and understand for those with professional education and training. the emotions behind their reactions. Chapter Nine Even some of the vignettes, which are generally addresses rifts in the relationship and ways to repair helpful, attempt to demonstrate too many ideas them, including being sensitive to stressors and ac- simultaneously. We think that this book would best knowledging parenting errors. And fi nally, Hughes be used by clinicians working with parents of ad- concludes with identifying attachment resistance opted or abused children. It clearly is not targeted and ways to reduce resistance by providing a safe at researchers, as there is little mention of scientifi c and consistent physical and emotional environment. fi ndings. The approach taken in this book is in contrast In sum, we applaud the book’s focus on prevent- to that taken in most parenting books, which are ing problems before they escalate, and we think the typically guided by social learning theory. While focus on the attachment relationship between parent the book offers many useful suggestions for avoid- and child is a nice addition to the popular parenting ing escalating confl icts, the author struggles a literature. This book is likely to be helpful for par- bit with explaining how parents should deal with ents who have a child with an insecure attachment

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 25 and for therapists who work with these parents. We interventions described are grounded in psychody- think this book is best used in combination with an namic theory, other than the discussion of setting evidence-based parent-training intervention, since, limits and the use videoing the family interactions, in our opinion, a secure attachment is encouraged by which hinge on behavioral theory. This reader would having consistent rules as well as a loving and sensi- have preferred a description of other techniques tive relationship with a parent. including those grounded in cognitive-behavioral theory and those encouraging the development of Camilo Ortiz, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of a family systems approach to emotional expres- clinical psychology at Long Island University, C. W. sion. For example, a discussion of core family beliefs Post campus. He conducts research on parent-train- and monitoring not only behavior, but also thought ing interventions for disruptive behavior problems in patterns as a family unit may provide at-home young children. Sarah Ardire, Psy.D., recently com- interventions for families in crisis. Many of the pleted the doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Long techniques mentioned, although valuable, will be Island University. Her background includes work familiar to the experienced clinician. One stand-out with parent-training groups and research on emo- technique in this section is the author’s description tional intelligence in children. of videoing family interactions and using the videos in family therapy. In this technique, families are able to view their interactions and refl ect on emo- tional, motivational, and cognitive processing. This Gammer, C. (2009). The child’s innovative approach is left for last, but is well ex- voice in family therapy: A sys- plained and captivates the fi rst section of the book. temic perspective. New York, All of the techniques are described in simple us- NY: W.W. Norton & Company, able language, with relevant vignettes and realistic Inc. (329 pp). ISBN 978-0-393- examples, beginning the book with a readable intro- 70541-6. $32.00 (hc). duction to the next section on therapy roadmaps. The second section, “Putting it All Together,” Reviewed by A. Lea Pritchard-Boone, contains three chapters assisting clinicians with Ph.D. therapy planning, initial interviewing techniques, and on-going therapeutic fl ow. The author describes Theorists, researchers, and clinicians struggle a therapy plan with three distinct phases, begin- navigating and magnifying the inner world of the ning with goal development, progressing to family child. The book The Child’s Voice in Family Therapy: relationships, and lastly, working on the marital A Systemic Perspective, provides a practical guide unit. The author wisely addresses how to accom- for practitioners to tune in, to translate, and to modate different types of families, specifi cally project the child’s voice and its core message to all single-parent families and blended families, into those in the family system. Few books have tackled the proposed model. The author takes the reader this complex therapeutic dilemma in a how-to for- through a sample fi rst session, providing specifi c mat. The author separates the book into three main interview questions, recommended directions, and parts, providing an overview of techniques, therapy ending with goal development for the family. There roadmaps, and special populations/themes. Current is an overview of the traditional family therapy theories and research fi ndings are integrated into session involving joining the family and concluding the clinical techniques and briefl y mentioned, but with session summaries. The author advocates for are not discussed in depth. Instead, the goal of the emphasizing the child’s perspective early in the ini- book is to be a manual of clinical practice for work- tial session in hopes of creating a therapy culture of ing with children in family therapy. An author with equality amongst members. The author recommends impressive experience meets this goal in a usable, a “loose structure” to on-going sessions, leav- readable, and tightly edited text. ing fl exibility in the application of the techniques After a brief introductory chapter, the author to accomplish the family-derived goals. On-going opens the book with the fi rst section, “Techniques,” session descriptions incorporate session fl ow, thera- which is a compilation of therapy activities. The peutic technique, and systems theory to provide the author describes the use of role-playing, metaphor reader with a practical theoretical framework for exploration, examining family past, and video- implementing the treatment. This section would be supported intervention to name a few. Many of the particularly benefi cial for the beginning therapist,

26 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST the clinician new to family therapy or family sys- for the child within the broader systemic approach, tems theory, or the seasoned practitioner hoping to but was left disappointed. There are several capti- more fully incorporate the child’s perspective into vating chapters that give the book a unique place on family therapy interventions. your bookshelf. The innovative discussion of the use True to its title, section three, “Special Themes,” of video equipment and the discussion of sibling re- is the catch-all section of the book that delivers lationships are must-reads and valuable to any new specifi c information on working with sibling rela- or experienced practitioner. In conclusion, this book tionships and children with hyperactive behavior. meets its goal to integrate a child-centered approach The author addresses childhood attention defi cit to family therapy. Often in family therapy the child hyperactivity disorder, by summarizing etiology, fades into the background or is the identifi ed pa- interventions, relaxation techniques, and self- tient. This book assists clinicians with preventing monitoring skills. There is little in the description these pitfalls and provides clinicians with a substan- of the intervention that differs from major theorists tially detailed look at family systems therapy and a in behavioral therapy and widely used approaches to new direction in its therapeutic approach. ADHD, other than to suggest interventions be done with the entire family present in session. The gem of A. Lea Pritchard-Boone, Ph.D. is a Clinical this special themes section is the sibling relationship Psychologist in private practice in South Carolina. chapter. It is an in-depth look at the dynamics of Her established practice focuses on the treatment of the sibling relationship and how best to address this children, adolescents, and families. Dr. Pritchard- unique relationship in a family therapy. The author Boone’s research interests include attribution styles in not only discusses specifi c techniques and question children, suicidality, and pediatric chronic illnesses. sets, but takes the reader to a new depth in under- standing sibling relationships. The information and knowledge in this chapter could be its own stand- alone text and will be revisited by this reader often. Unfortunately this section of the book leaves the Walsh, F. (2009). Spiritual re- reader wanting more. There is no other discussion sources in family therapy (2nd of specifi c childhood disorders with the exception of ed.). New York, NY: Guilford ADHD. Trauma, grieving, divorce/marital distress, ISBN: 978-1-60623-022-0 (412 and physical/mental disabilities are not discussed, pp). $45.00 (hc). but would be paramount to developing a treatment strategy in family therapy. Given that these issues Reviewed by Mari L. Clements and are more the rule than the exception, some dedica- Niveen N. Soliman tion to these family issues would have bolstered the utility of the text. Therapists devote insuffi cient A Child’s Voice in Family Therapy: A Systemic attention to spirituality and religion, despite their Perspective is a text that strives to integrate child impact on individual and family functioning. In psychotherapy interventions and family systems Spiritual Resources in Family Therapy, Walsh (1999) theory. The book’s goal is to meet the needs of the assembled chapters to assist therapists addressing practitioner in assisting children in voicing their religious or spiritual issues. In the second edition, perspective in the context of traditional family ther- Walsh (2009) edited a text that provides greater apy sessions. The techniques discussed are largely emphasis on spirituality, rising trends of multifaith psychodynamic and the book would be bolstered households, and blending of religious traditions. by integration of other theoretical perspectives. Walsh defi nes spirituality as “a dimension of human Although the author touches on other theoretical ori- experience involving personal transcendent beliefs entations briefl y (namely, behavioral interventions) and practices, within or outside formal religion, other theoretical perspectives are wholly ignored. through family and cultural heritage, and in con- The discussion of conducting sessions is thorough nection with nature and humanity” (p. 5). Religion, and a good how-to for beginning therapists, but may defi ned as “an organized, institutionalized belief be less useful to the more seasoned clinician. The system, set of practices, and faith community” (p. 5), promise of a systemic approach captures family sys- is de-emphasized. The book has three sections: (a) tems, but neglects larger social systems. This reader overview of the relations between faith and family was eager to learn of how the author would advocate and suggestions for integrating spirituality in family

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 27 therapy, (b) spiritual resources of families, and (c) families are included, and therapists are encour- therapeutic practices in work with couples, families, aged to develop their own meditation practices. and refugees. Hargrave, Froeschle, and Castillo link forgive- In the overview, Walsh argues for integrating ness to Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim spirituality in therapy. She notes that, although reli- teachings, while integrating power and justice. gion and spirituality are separable, both have strong Hargrave and colleagues note distortions of re- bi-directional ties to culture and ethnicity. She ligious teachings that can keep religious clients claims that spirituality is as important to under- in abusive relationships and provide examples stand and assess as are culture and ethnicity. Walsh to counter these distortions. Elliott refl ects on also acknowledges the reluctance of clients and how therapists impose assumptions about clients’ therapists to address spiritual issues, noting that beliefs in unrecognized and unhelpful ways. She this reluctance may stem from a sense that these argues that some false assumptions are rooted in issues are inappropriate for therapy. Finally, Walsh psychology (i.e., “I know what God is like for you, highlights the increasing religious diversity of North because your image of God is a refl ection of your American culture. early attachment fi gures” [p. 330]). Roberts pro- In Spiritual Resources of Families, Walsh surveys vides therapist exercises in spirituality. She offers how different religions treat death, highlighting tasks including a spirituality sentence completion the tensions engendered by western insistence on exercise, a refl ection on rituals task, and a role closure, by different rituals and beliefs in multifaith play. families, and by the experienced confl ict between a In conclusion, this volume emphasizes the im- loving God and seemingly senseless loss. Walsh out- portance of spirituality in working with families. lines spiritual assessment in adaptation to death and It stresses commonalities across religious tradi- acknowledges the centrality of compassion, forgive- tions and de-emphasizes the particularities, thus ness, and reconciliation in major religions. Wolin, inviting therapists into spiritual dialogue with along with Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and their clients. This inclusive stance toward spiritu- Jewish contributors, addresses religious perspectives ality, although arguably the greatest strength of on resilience. This chapter serves as an excellent, the book, is also its weakness. Providing com- albeit uneven, introduction to different faiths and mon ground for beginning the conversation with to their rituals. Aponte addresses spirituality in clients is important; however, additional work the lives of poor families as a source of hope and is necessary to understand each client’s specifi c worth, noting the importance of clients’ religious beliefs. As Doherty noted, religion and spirituality language and centering therapy on clients’ agency. are not neutral, and religious clients may be of- He challenges therapists to recognize the spirituali- fended by a one-size-fi ts-all version of spirituality. ties embedded in therapeutic orientations and to As Elliott might argue, therapists could do more attend to their own spirituality. Boyd-Franklin and harm than good by assuming that this sort of Lockwood address spirituality in African American spirituality captures religious clients’ experiences families. They note the importance and heterogene- and commitments. For instance, Barrett’s view of ity of religious experience for African Americans and prayer as “an opportunity to go inside ourselves . emphasize the Black church family as a support for . . and call upon our own desire and resources to at-risk families. create change” (p. 274) could be offensive to those In Spirituality and Therapy, Doherty describes who view prayer as communication with God. By spiritual, moral, and clinical languages as overlap- focusing on spirituality, Spiritual Resources in ping, with shared (e.g., healing) and specifi c terms Family Therapy provides an excellent starting (e.g., God’s will). He suggests that therapists use point for therapists, but additional exploration is shared terms to (a) enter spiritual discussions, (b) needed to understand the spirituality of clients, help clients deeply engage their spirituality, and whether they are religious humanists, fundamen- (c) help families resolve spiritual confl icts. Doherty talist Christians, or adherents to other religions. provides examples of therapist engagement with spirituality. Imber-Black notes the power of spiritual Mari L. Clements, PhD, is chair of the De- rituals. Using poignant case material, she illus- partment of Clinical Psychology in the School trates how rituals help families cope with loss. Gale of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. suggests taking meditation to a deeper, relational Niveen N. Soliman is a doctoral candidate in the level. Scripted mindfulness exercises for couples and Department of Clinical Psychology in the School

28 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. The reviewers would like to thank Andrea Bailey, Aman- Eratum da Cassil, Becky DeWaay, Terry Hong, Kelly Jones, “We would like to make our readers aware of an issue regarding Christina Kabiri, Lisa Liu, Lydia Mariam, Brady a previously published book review in The Reference Corner Miller, Jessica Plumley, Martha Wang, Stephen column of “The Family Psychologist.” After the release of the Simpson, and Matthew Williams for their insightful review of “Counseling Military Families” by Lynn Hall in the comments on chapters of the book. Their thinking Winter 2009/2010 issue, we became aware of a problem with enriched our perspective. inadequately cited research within the book. We have been informed that Routledge will be including an erratum and corrected citations and references in forthcoming editions of the book.” Research

Steven R. H. Beach, Ph.D.1, George W. Howe, Ph.D.2, & Gene H. Brody, Ph.D.1 1University of Georgia, 2George Washington University

Toward the Transformation of Family-Based Preventative Intervention: Can we begin to use information about genetic, environmental, and epigenetic processes?

ne source of excitement in research on epigenetic processes is already not1iceable in many family-based prevention efforts has been areas of psychology (see Champagne & Mashoodh, Oincreasing interest in the possibility of 2009; Kim-Cohen & Gold, 2009) and its advance into genetically informed prevention programs. Al- the area of family-based prevention is already on the ready, family researchers are joining with others horizon. to become involved in interdisciplinary activity to Obviously, there will be many intermediate steps examine Gene by Environment interaction (GxE) along the way to transforming prevention programs effects with a particular focus on the role of family – but in the long-term, prospects for genetically environments. Indeed, family environments may informed prevention seem good. At a minimum, be particularly fruitful for the examination of GxE we should expect a new generation of prevention effects (e.g. Beach, et al., in press). The reason to programming focused on early childhood and fam- begin attending to gene-environment transactions ily processes that have been identifi ed as critical now is that the explosion of data regarding genetic for inclusion in prevention programs either because and epigenetic effects on physical and mental health 1) they exert main effects even in the presence seems likely to continue throughout one’s lifetime, of genetic risk factors, 2) they interact with high ultimately helping to fundamentally transform base-rate genotypes and serve as risk or protective preventative intervention programming by draw- factors, or 3) they are part of the developmental ing upon an increasingly detailed understanding of pathway linking genes to outcomes due to passive, GxE interactions, G-E correlations, and E-G effects active or evocative G-E correlations (See Rutter, (environmentally induced changes in regulatory Moffi tt & Caspi, 2006). In each case, we hope that elements of the epigenome). The change in perspec- a deeper understanding of gene – environment tive brought about by consideration of genetic and links will have the effect of advancing family-based

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 29 prevention program development by increasing G-E Effects. their effi ciency, effi cacy, and effectiveness. For those G-E correlations, particularly those refl ecting interested in this new frontier for family-based connections with family environment also provide prevention research, we briefl y highlight a few key important, albeit indirect, information about poten- constructs and some potentially relevant reading. tial targets of environmental modifi cation (Reiss et In particular, we discuss GxE, G-E, and E-G effects al., 2000). As the causal, developmental, contextual and we introduce the “microtrials” approach (Howe, chain of events leading from genotype to outcome is Beach, & Brody, under review) that we believe will elaborated, G-E correlations will often prove to be become an essential part of the transformation of embedded in larger G-E-outcome chains in which the fi eld. risk for negative outcomes is transmitted through the environment. When this happens, whether GxE Effects. because of passive, active, or evocative G-E cor- GxE effects are present when an environmental relation effects, the goal of prevention researchers effect is present more or less strongly or not at all will be to elaborate the chain of events and identify for those with one genotype as compared to another ways to infl uence the magnitude of the G-E cor- (or conversely when a genetic effect is present less relation, typically by directly intervening on the strongly or not at all for those in different environ- family-environment component. Again, addressing mental contexts). When family-based GxE effects active, evocative, or passive G-E correlations may can be identifi ed and replicated, they represent sometimes prove most appropriate when conducted “low-hanging fruit” for the construction of new in the form of personalized or adaptive formats that preventative interventions, adaptive designs, or consider the individual in deciding whether to add variations on existing approaches to prevention. The particular components to the prevention program. presence of a GxE effect when the environmental variable is a potentially malleable family process E-G Effects. suggests that family-based prevention efforts may be Environmental risks may profoundly infl uence able to infl uence the relationship between genotype development through inducing permanent or semi- and an outcome of interest, (e.g. Bakermans- permanent changes in regulatory elements of the Kranenburg, et., 2008; Brody, et al., 2009; Dick, et genome, as when specifi c genes are “turned off” al., 2007). When family environments exert main permanently after exposure to severe stress during effects, fi nding ways to increase the likelihood of the critical periods of development (Kaffman & Meaney, more favorable family environment and/or decreas- 2007). For example, it appears that early maltreat- ing the likelihood of the less favorable environment ment within a family environment may be important is a relatively obvious goal for prevention – and is in producing long-term epigenetic change (Beach et consistent with existing practice. We expect that al., 2009; Gunner and Quevedo 2007). This may op- many family effects will fall into this category, with erate in conjunction with GxE interactions, as when certain family characteristics providing benefi cial genetically mediated sensitivity to the environment effects across most or all individuals regardless of is heightened following such changes. Prevention genotype. As GxE effects are better characterized programs targeting early environmental risks hold across risk alleles, however, some will emerge only great promise for short circuiting this process. In under relatively “specifi c circumstances.” That is, addition, prevention programs for those already they may be relevant only to individuals with one or exposed to such early risks may need to emphasize a small set of risk alleles. These less common inter- specifi c compensatory pathways that can bypass actions may be extremely important for those who these effects. are affected – but may be better addressed through personalized modules or adaptive prevention designs Microtrials that target specifi c processes based on genotype. By Once we identify and replicate a GxE effect, we combining both “common” and “specifi c-options” are immediately confronted with the likelihood that into family-based prevention programs, it may be the mechanisms that increase or protect against possible to construct increasingly powerful interven- risk for a disorder may vary by genotype in complex tions that are cost-effective as well as increasingly ways. If this is the case, studying the way in which effi cacious. gene-environment combinations shape specifi c risk and protective mechanisms for those with different genotypes will be essential in teasing out the most

30 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST promising implications for adaptive or personalized prevention design. , 80, 645-661. intervention. It is to formulate procedures for effec- Champagne, F. A., & Mashoodh, R. (2009). Genes in Context tively studying this complexity that we proposed the Gene–Environment Interplay and the Origins of Individual micro-trial approach (Howe et al., under review). In Differences in Behavior. Current Directions in Psychological the micro-trial approach, randomized experiments Science, 18, 127-132. testing the effects of relatively brief and focused Dick, D. M., Viken, R, Purcell, S., Kaprio, J., Pulkkinen, L., & environmental manipulations in genetically homoge- Rose, R. J. (2007). Parental monitoring moderates the im- neous groups provide additional information about portance of genetic and environmental infl uences on the ability of a particular personalized approach to adolescent smoking. Journal of , 116, suppress a specifi c risk mechanism or enhance a 213-218. specifi c protective mechanism in a particular genetic Gunnar M, Quevedo K. (2007). The Nuerobiology of Stress and context. Microtrials will become an essential supple- Development. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 145-173. ment to large-scale prevention trials as we move to Howe, G. W., Beach, S. R. H., & Brody, G. H. (under review). a new generation of effi cacious, personalized ap- Microtrial Methods for Translating Gene-Environment proaches to family-based prevention. Dynamics into Preventive Interventions. Prevention Sci- ence. Conclusion. Kaffman, A, Meaney MJ. (2007). Neurodevelopmental sequelae This is a very good time to begin to consider of postnatal maternal care in rodents: Clinical and research the implications of GxE, G-E, and E-G effects for implications of molecular insights. Journal of Child Psy- family-based prevention efforts. There is growing chology and Psychiatry, 48, 224-244. of the potential for the genomics revo- Kim-Cohen, J., & Gold, A. L. (2009). Measured Gene–Environ- lution to spill over into the realm of family-based ment Interactions and Mechanisms Promoting Resilient prevention, but perhaps less appreciation for the Development. Current Directions in Psychological Science, important role that family-based prevention can play 18 (3), 138-142. in advancing the study of genetics and epigenetic Reiss, D., Neiderhiser, J., Hetherington, E. M., & Plomin, R. processes. We expect that the collaboration of fami- (2000). The relationship code: Deciphering genetic and social ly-based researchers with molecular geneticists will patterns in adolescent development. Cambridge, MA: Har- lead to an increase in the perceived importance of vard University Press. family environment – and by extension family-based Rutter, M., Moffi tt, T. E., Caspi, A. (2006). Gene–environment prevention efforts. interplay and psychopathology: multiple varieties but real effects. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(3/4), 226–261. References Bakermans-Kranenburg, J. M., Van Ijzendoorn, M. H., Pijlman, F. T. A., Mesman, J., & Juffer, F. (2008). Experimental evi- dence for differential susceptibility: dopamine D4 receptor polymorphism (DRD4 VNTR) moderates intervention ef- fects on toddlers’ externalizing behavior in a randomized controlled trial. , 44, 293-300. Beach, S. R. H., Brody, G. H., Packer, H., Wernett, P., & Philib- ert, R. A. (in press). Child Maltreatment Moderates the Association of MAOA with Symptoms of Depression and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Journal of Family Psychol- ogy. Beach SRH, Brody GH, Todorov AA, Gunter TD, Philibert RA. (2009). Methylation at SLC6A4 Is Linked to Family History of Child Abuse: An Examination of the Iowa Adoptee Sample. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neu- ropsychiatric Genetics. Published Online: 8 Sep 2009. Brody, G. H., Beach, S. R. H., Philibert, R. A., Chen, Y., & Murry, V. M. (2009). Prevention effects moderate the asso- ciation of 5-HTTLPR and youth risk behavior initiation: Gene × environment hypotheses tested via a randomized

SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST 31 DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY NONPROFIT AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSN. DIV. 43 ORGANIZATION 750 First Street, NE US Postage Washington, DC 20002-4242 PAID Bloomington IN Permit No. XXXXX

International Committee Convention on psychologists who have served in Report the Peace Corps. There will be some discussions on graduate student study abroad programs also. The International Committee is open to new Florence W. Kaslow, Ph.D., ABPP, International members who are willing to be actively involved. It Committee Chair is a stimulating committee on which to serve.

he International Com- mittee has worked Tclosely with past Presi- dent Tom Sexton and President Member News John Thoburn on the Interna- tional Committee Program for 2009 and 2010. We are expect- ing two guests from abroad to Dr. Louise Evans, Diplomate of the American be on a panel at APA in San Board of Professional Psychology, is the recipient Diego. Dr. Warrick Phipps from of the Corann Okorodudu International Women’s South Africa and Dr. Kjell Hanssen from Sweden. Advocacy Award of 2009, awarded by the Society Both are academicians, researchers, and clinicians for the Psychology of Women (Division 35) at the in their own countries and have contributed to the American Psychological Association’s annual growing body of international literature in the fi eld convention. Dr. Evans is a member of Division 43 of family psychology. I will chair the program and and a Fellow Tom Sexton will be the discussant. of APA and Divisions 12, 13, 29, 35, and 52. My chapter on International Family Psychology was published in the Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of TFP is Going Green Family Psychology edited by James Bray and Mark In the coming months, we will distribute more Stanton (2009). You can peruse that for a global issues of your TFP in electronic form. Plan to re- kaleidoscopic overview. ceive one paper copy and two electronic copies per The APA Committee on International Rela- year. So please take time to contact APA Member tions in Psychology, on which I am now serving Services and update your member profi le with a my second year, is extremely active. There will be current e-mail address. Let’s keep in touch. a major emphasis in its programming at the APA

32 SPRING 2010 / THE FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST