Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Since 2013, VCPA’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) have provided member-run venues for collegial support, networking, the sharing of resources and information, and the pleasure of being together. Each SIG has a Facilitator who coordinates time and location, and helps organize the meetings. SIG meetings are announced via the VCPA listserv.
Current SIGs focus on professional and business development, education, current events, socializing and fun. SIGs do not engage in case consultation.
Any member can start a SIG – contact the SIG Coordinator, Yasmin Attar, Ph.D., at [email protected] with your ideas and questions.
West County Business Practices. Facilitator = Susan Ashley, Ph.D.
This group focuses on the business aspects of growing and maintaining a private practice in psychology. Each meeting, participants share their practice building experiences that have worked well (or not so well). Topics have included: working smarter not harder, ethical advertising and marketing, business referrals, working with managed care, business confidence, tech, and boundaries. There is the option to set your own business practice goal and report back to the group the following month.
Meetings are held on the last Friday of each month, from 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Location Varies.
Please contact Susan Ashley, Ph.D., [email protected].
East County Business Practices. Facilitator = Shiro Torquato, Ph.D.
The East County Business Practices SIG focuses on the business aspects of psychology, with different topics each month, amidst much collegial support.
We meet on the 3rd Friday of the month, 12-1:30 pm in the Westlake Village area, with the site varying. Please RSVP to: Shiro Torquato, Ph.D., at [email protected] or 805-527-4146.
Shrinks on the Links. Co-Facilitators = Fred Norris, Ph.D. and Tim Brady, Psy.D.
We welcome anyone who is interested in joining us for a good time on the "links". This is a quarterly gathering of psychologists interested in playing golf, camaraderie and fun times.
If you are interested and would like to be included, please contact Fred Norris, Ph.D., 805-495-4747, or Tim Brady, Psy.D., 805-509-0563.
Shrinks Who Think/Euthymic Hour. Facilitator = Susan Ashley, Ph.D.
We get together on an irregular basis for Happy Hour at various locations throughout the county. A chance to decompress and enjoy yourself with colleagues. Check under the Events tab to see if a get-together is planned soon. If you have ideas for a place and time, please contact Dr. Ashley at [email protected].
Rorshach Study Group. Facilitator = Beverly Januszewski, Ph.D.
We are a group of psychologists with intermediate-level experience scoring the Rorschach with the RPAS scoring system. We work through scoring and interpretation challenges, and we review relevant articles. VCPA Members with some familiarity with the RPAS are welcome. Inquire about location. Please RSVP two days prior to: Beverly Januszewski at [email protected].
Forensics. Facilitator = Susan Ashley, Ph.D.
Forensic SIG is for psychologists practicing or interested in developing skills in forensic psychology. We discuss issues related to criminal, civil and family law cases. Topics often include ethical dilemmas, psychological testing, depositions, court room testimony, working with attorneys and the court system, amongst others. Contact Susan Ashley at [email protected].
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Facilitator = Jesse Bashem, Ph.D.
This Special Interest Group (SIG) is dedicated to advancing the diversity initiatives of VCPA by promoting a social justice perspective to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are psychologists who embrace our role as global citizens and active agents of change. The Division focuses on clinical issues relevant to culture including racial/ethnic diversity, LGBTQ community, gender, religion, HIV/AIDS, disabilities, and social issues. Our primary aim is to decrease the gap in mental health disparities in Ventura County by increasing psychologists’ cultural competence.
Mindful Activism
This SIG meets the second Thursday of the month at 2pm. They are a leaderful and democratic group that takes turns leading mindfulness, and supporting one another’s activism in community.
Political Action
Stay Tuned
Would you like to facilitate a Special Interest Group? Other questions about SIG’s? Contact the SIG Coordinator, Yasmin Attar, Ph.D. at [email protected].
