President’s Column 

Eric Sauer, Ph.D.

 

Sixty-two directors just returned home from our annual meeting in New Orleans (March 10th – 12th).  By all accounts it was a very successful meeting – thanks to our wonderful program committee!  Our speakers touched on various topics related to our conference theme: “Resiliency in Tough Times.” In fact, many directors highlighted creative ways their clinics are managing to survive and even thrive in difficult seas.  The conference theme also matched our executive committees’ thoughts about having this years’ meeting in New Orleans – a place where the devastating impacts of hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill still lingered.  We figured that “NOLA” could really use our business and tourism dollars – and they got them!

          

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Lambert, described his current research program, which focuses on reducing treatment failures and non-responders through the use of statistical methods and computer applications.  His presentation was enlightening and particularly relevant as many of us are already using his outcome measure (the OQ 45.2) to monitor treatment outcomes. The newest twist to this system is the implementation of clinical support tools (CSTs) that can be utilized when trainees’ clients are red flagged (a signal that they are not on track and not likely to benefit from therapy).  These CSTs can alert clinicians to problems with social support, working alliance, client motivation, and adverse life events. For example, did you know it is important to be “glad to see” your clients?

 

Looking forward, I am pleased to report APTC now has 175 active members.  We are currently searching APA-accredited clinical, counseling and school psychology programs to track down each and every clinic director in the United States.  With this information, we will personally invite directors to become members of our esteemed group.  As we grow, however, we will be continuously mindful of not losing the deep level of collegiality and support that our members have grown accustom to experiencing over the years.   The location of our 2012 meeting will be coming out soon – we are looking westward next year as our last few meetings have been near the east coast.  

          

In closing, I want to thank all of you who decided to make the trip to New Orleans.  It was certainly a wonderful time of learning and connection.

 

Until our paths cross again,

Eric

 

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Eric relaxing in Napa.