Background:
Psy.D. Wright Institute, 2002 (Dissertation Title: Seeing Words Where There are None: Over- Attribution of Lexicality in Thought-Disordered Schizophrenic Patients as a Function of Defect in Semantics Matching)
B.A. Economics, French and International Relations, University of Wisconsin (Madison), 1988
Background

Amy was born in the Chicago area and raised primarily in the Midwest. Her mother is a dental hygienist, and her father is a retired corporate executive. Amy likes to spend time with her family and dogs, read fiction, experience culinary adventure, cook and hike.

Q: Describe your current work.
A: I am a psychologist for the State of Wisconsin. I work at a secure treatment facility that treats high-risk sex offenders who are committed for treatment under state mental health law. I co-facilitate cognitive behavioral therapy groups, see individual patients, do program development for psychopathic offenders and conduct a program outcome evaluation. I love my work, and it’s very challenging. The cognitive behavioral treatment program is focused on helping our patients to lower their risk of sexual offense recidivism. I enjoy working in this forensic setting because I am committed to improving our communities and addressing domestic violence and sexual abuse. It’s exciting because this work is about developing psychological treatment that ultimately prevents violence and sexual abuse.

Q: How did you decide to become a psychologist?
A: I became a psychologist based on my interest in helping people identify existentially what’s important in their lives, and I became interested in how therapy can guide people through their process of change.

Q: Why did you select the Wright Institute?
A: When I was applying for graduate school, I wanted to become an effective clinician and was (still am) interested in applying these skills to improve our communities. The Wright focuses on developing clinical skills, and the program is based on a socially aware philosophy, which provides an excellent foundation. The Wright student body seemed quite diverse, and the centerpiece of training was the Case Conference, which sounded like a good thing because I thought it would help me to develop as a clinician. I remember that at the interview, I felt comfortable to express my ideas candidly, and I was able to discuss my reasons for pursuing a doctorate. I felt that my ideas and background would be treated in a respectful manner in the training program at the Wright. The faculty at the Wright really nurtures the students’ development as clinicians. In other words, the Wright doesn’t use a cookie cutter approach to training. Everyone is treated as a unique individual with something valuable to offer others in the program.

Q: What was your APA internship?
A: I was thrilled with my internship because it was a great training experience. I worked in inpatient and outpatient treatment at the county mental health center in Milwaukee. I also completed a forensic rotation where I evaluated people for competency to stand trial and for "not guilty by reason of insanity" determinations. The forensic rotation sparked my interest in forensic psychology. It was great because Milwaukee County relies on psychologists as the attending doctors on the units, so as a psychology intern, I really was part of the multidisciplinary team. In addition, my internship supervisors were very supportive mentors. On one occasion, I worked through a crisis with a suicidal patient after regular outpatient hours. My supervisor and I stayed late to work with her. When the crisis passed, my supervisor talked with me to give me pointers and review how the session went.

Q: Describe your best experience at the Wright.
A: One of the best things was the multicultural awareness class because it provided me with an opportunity to examine the impact of culture on practice and thus, become a culturally competent practitioner. I think the class made me a better clinician and a better person. The Wright provided me with clinical grounding in the dynamic principles of treatment and the importance of paying attention to process in the clinical encounter. From that solid foundation, I’ve been able to branch out and acquire new skills, still knowing my basic style.

Q: What should potential students know about the Wright?
A: The Wright provides the right setting and support to give you many opportunities for excellent learning experiences. Students’ opinions and knowledge are valued resources at the Wright. In my Case Conference, I worked with people who were already highly skilled clinicians, and learned so much from them. It was a rich experience.