Dr. Evelyn Jagpat
In this article we continue to examine common problems encountered by candidates during their Psychology Oral Exam. In my work with candidates I helped to prepare for the Oral Exam, I found that some very common pitfalls include, not having a positive attitude, being too concise and brief in response to questions and not knowing how to appropriately respond to multiple levels of critical issues. Let us take a closer look at each of these. (more…)
Evelyn Jagpat Psy.D.
Now that the sun has radiantly possessed the Texas sky once more and Spring is officially on, you may suddenly feel a burst of fresh new energy and enthusiasm. What better time to use this momentum to set a plan into action to proactively start studying for your Texas Psychology Oral Exam. Being proactive means just that. It means actively taking charge and taking the challenge on. But just how does one get started doing this? Many often ask me, “Just how do I get started studying for my Orals? What is the best approach?” (more…)
By Dr. Evelyn Jagpat
If the day of your Psychology Oral Exam is approaching and you find you are nervous, don’t be shocked. Nerves are par for the course. It is quite natural for anyone in your situation to experience nerves, especially as the big day approaches. Instead of denying your experience, or wishing it will simply go away naturally, you will find it is better to choose to manage it proactively instead. Here are some pointers which will help you calm your Psychology Oral Exam nerves (more…)
By Dr. Evelyn Jagpat
Evelyn Jagpat O’Halloran, Psy.D.
While this is an exciting time, preparing for and taking the Psychology Oral Exam may also evoke anxiety and fears. This is very natural. However, it can distract you from fully focusing on your goals and diminish your energy, motivation and concentration. Therefore, before I share more study strategies, the first task at hand is to minimize anxiety and put things in perspective. In accomplishing this, the best and most powerful tool in your arsenal is maintaining a positive attitude. So, just how do you do this? (more…)
by Evelyn Jagpat O’Halloran, Psy.D.
In psychology, as in any profession or business, the key rule of entrepreneurship is to always stay informed about the laws and rules which regulate your professional practice. This is especially important in professions and industries, regulated by licensing boards and state laws.
Monitoring legislation & bills up for review is always a good idea.
Admittedly, it can be very difficult to budget the time to actually stay informed, given the multiple demands of professional and personal life and relationships. Additionally, Texas laws and rules are always under review and subject to change. What I have personally found helpful is joining a professional organization which actively follows issues related to the professional practice of psychology and provides avenues to keep members informed.
For example, in Texas, TPA (Texas Psychological Association) serves such a function. It not only keeps members up to date regionally, but also provides information on the national front. Further, it serves an advocacy function for all psychologists throughout Texas and actively lobbies to protect the rights and professional practice of psychologists. It is also noteworthy to mention that TPA is a great source for fulfilling TSBEP professional development credits and for getting discounts on professional services.
It is also useful to regularly monitor the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists’ website, where you can download the most recent version of Act and Rules of the Board. You can also read about new developments and requirements. However, not all of the changes to State Law and the Board Rules will be listed here. Many are not. For monitoring house and senate bills which impact the laws which govern the practice of psychology, a great resource is LegiScan.com.
The long and winding road….
Putting Things in Perspective
November 30, 2013
Evelyn Jagpat O’Halloran, Psy.D.
After the whirl-wind of graduate school, practicums, moving (for some across the country), internship, dissertation, post-doctoral training, demanding case loads, for many having to survive on little income, the EPPP and of course the many other events, changes and challenges of life, one can simply feel a bit exhausted. If you are like most of the high achievers in our profession, you have likely not slowed down or invested much time in good self-care. Therefore, for many, this final hurdle on the path to becoming a fully licensed psychologist may feel like having to cross the Great Wall of China hungry, weary and without shoes! (more…)
