I’m sure you are familiar with the words, “thesis” and “dissertation.” Prior to my PhD program I thought I was too—but then, mid-way through my PhD program, I quickly figured out how much I DIDN’T know. Why? Because that’s when the infamous dissertation suddenly became a very large, very ominous part of my life. Until [...]

I’m putting my ego aside in hopes that this blog will help others who may find themselves feeling the same way I was feeling years ago. For lack of a better word, I was scared. Back in 2000 I was an undergraduate student longing to be a Psychologist. Human behavior and the brain fascinated me [...]

While my blogs typically focus on military-related topics, ACA has invited me to write on another area of relevance to many ACA members: research and dissertation development. So while I will continue to write on military-related topics, my blogs will also include a peek into the life of a doctoral student’s final year and a [...]

Let’s play a quick game. Choose the two terms that do not belong in this list: Military Behavioral Health Officer. Psychiatric Nurse. Licensed Professional Counselor. Psychiatrist. Licensed Masters-level Social Worker. Clinical Psychologist. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. If you guessed, “Licensed Professional Counselor” and “Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist” you are correct. Why? Fact is, [...]

A potentially difficult and complex part of being a Reservist or National Guardsmen in the military is transitioning between the “military culture” and the “civilian culture.” For this group of Service Members, transitioning can be confusing and even frustrating as they move from the “military life” back to the “civilian life” and then back again. [...]

Political posturing? An actual intent to cease military paychecks? Empty threats? It doesn’t matter—it feels disrespectful any way it’s painted to me, a 2-time Veteran. I’m writing this as “Breaking News” is on regarding whether or not government officials will decide to basically spit in the face of myself and other Veterans and their Families [...]

This past weekend was the ACA Conference in New Orleans, so between Bourbon Street outings, hurricanes with friends at Pat O’Briens, and taking notes from Judith Beck I managed to squeeze in my first-ever conference presentation. My friend/classmate/fellow ACA member Otiz Porter and I co-presented our education session entitled, “It’s Not All Guns and PTSD: [...]

Even though I’d been a member for years, last year was the first time I attended an ACA conference. I had been so “busy” I hadn’t even thought about attending until my friend Brittne asked if I wanted to go with her to Pittsburgh. I’m so glad she asked, because going to that conference positively [...]