Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

VCPA’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) were formed in January 2013 out of a desire to have venues where VCPA members can find collegial support, share resources and information, network, and generally promote our mutual well-being. Due to liability issues, SIG’s do not engage in case consultation. Each SIG has a Group Facilitator who helps determine the content, frequency, and location of their group. We have 5 active and 3 newly forming SIG’s, and are always open to suggestions for additional groups.

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 at Austen's Restaurant in the Pierpont Inn, 550 Sanjon Rd., Ventura, CA 93001. Please contact Susan Ashley, Ph.D., 818-266-0430.

East County Business Practices Facilitator = Shiro Torquato, Ph.D.

The East County Business Practicees 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/Euthymics 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.  We typically meet at the Spanish Hills Country Club (No Denim Allowed!).  Please RSVP two days prior, to: Beverly Januszewski at [email protected].

 

Forensics. Facilitator Susan Ashley, Ph.D. 

Brand new group!  Psychologists with expertise or interest in forensics are forming an exploratory meeting to be held at Spanish Hills Country Club on Feb. 24th from 12:30 to 2:00.  Contact Susan Ashley at [email protected].

 

Political Action   Stay Tuned

 

Mindfulness  Stay Tuned

 

Would you like to Facilitate a Special Interest Group? Other questions about SIG’s? Contact the SIG Coordinator, Katherine Hamilton, Ph.D. at [email protected].

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