Beyond the Concepts: Applying Psychology to Life

Welcome to Episode 6 of Beyond the Concept: Applying Psychology to Life! In this final episode for my class, I reflect on the evolution of clinical psychology—from the asylum movement to community-based care—and examine the lasting impact of managed care policies on mental health treatment.

I discuss how deinstitutionalization reshaped mental health care, the challenges of therapy session limits, and the ethical complexities of integrating faith in therapy. While spirituality can be a source of healing, it can also reinforce harmful power dynamics when misinterpreted.

As I prepare for a career in law and advocacy, I explore critical questions:

• How can we improve mental health access while ensuring quality care?

• What role should insurance companies play in determining therapy needs?
• How can faith and therapy coexist ethically in clinical practice?

Join me for this final class episode as I explore the intersection of mental health policy, accessibility, and ethics in clinical psychology.

Key Topics Covered:

• The transformation of mental health care from asylums to community-based services
• The impact of the Community Mental Health Centers Act of 1963
• How managed care policies limit access to mental health treatment
• Research on therapy session limits and patient outcomes
• Faith as both a protective factor and a potential barrier in therapy
• Ethical considerations when integrating spirituality into clinical practice
• How these issues relate to mental health advocacy and policy reform

Resources Mentioned:

• Baker, D., & Benjamin, L. (2014). From Séance to Science: A History of the Profession of Psychology in America (Second edition). University of Akron Press.
• De Geest, R. M., & Meganck, R. (2019). How Do Time Limits Affect Our Psychotherapies? Psychologica Belgica, 59(1), 206–226.
• Hansen, N. B., Lambert, M. J., & Forman, E. M. (2002). The Psychotherapy Dose-Response Effect and Its Implications for Treatment Delivery Services. Clinical Psychology (New York, N.Y.), 9(3), 329–343.
• Koenig, H. G., Hyman, S. M., & Mitterauer, B. J. (2012). Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications. ISRN Psychiatry, 2012(2012), 1–33.
• Lawson, R. B., Anderson, E. D., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2017). A History of Psychology: Globalization, Ideas, and Applications (2nd ed.). Routledge.
• Simonet, D. (2005). Patient Satisfaction Under Managed Care. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 18(6), 424–440.
• Stoltzfus, K. (2020, August 30). Clinical psychology and faith [Video]. YouTube.

Connect with Me:

• Email: [email protected]

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! I’d love to hear your thoughts—what changes do you think are most needed in mental health policy today? Let’s continue the conversation about accessibility, managed care, and faith in therapy.

As always—stay inspired, stay informed, and keep learning.

Until next time, take care!

Welcome to Episode 5 of Beyond the Concept: Applying Psychology to Life! In this episode, I explore how Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment connects to Russian psychology and the ongoing debate between free will and determinism.

Dostoyevsky masterfully dives into the psychological turmoil of his protagonist, Raskolnikov, capturing the complex mix of reasoning, fear, and guilt that follows his crime. His novel explores not only the inner workings of a criminal’s mind but also larger questions of morality, justice, and the forces that shape human behavior.

But how does this novel connect to psychology? While Dostoyevsky examined individual consciousness, Soviet psychology, under Lenin and Stalin, rejected the study of free will, focusing instead on external social conditions as the primary force behind human behavior. By enforcing dialectical materialism as the only acceptable psychological framework, Soviet leaders dismissed introspection, emotions, and personal responsibility—something Dostoyevsky would have fiercely challenged.

As I prepare for a career in law and advocacy, this episode raises critical questions:

• How does psychology shape our legal system?
• Are we punishing individuals for circumstances beyond their control?
• How do we balance accountability with rehabilitation?

Dostoyevsky’s insights remain as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. Join me as I explore the intersection of literature, psychology, and justice in this thought-provoking discussion.

Key Topics Covered:

• Psychological realism in Crime and Punishment
• Raskolnikov’s mental state—guilt, paranoia, and philosophical justifications
• Soviet psychology and the rejection of free will
• How Marxist ideology shaped the study of human behavior
• The balance between external influences and personal responsibility
• How Dostoyevsky’s work informs modern psychology and criminal justice
• Connections to my advocacy work in trauma- and abuse-informed legal systems

Resources Mentioned:

• Beveridge, A. (2009). "Is everyone mad?" The depiction of mental disturbance in the work of Dostoyevsky. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15(1), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.108.005496
• Dostoyevsky, F. (1866/2009). Crime and Punishment (C. Garnett, Trans.). The Floating Press. (Original work published 1866)
• Lawson, R. B., Anderson, E. D., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2017). A history of psychology: Globalization, ideas, and applications (2nd ed.). Routledge.
• Uwasomba, C. (2011). A socio-psychological exploration of Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Ife Psychologia, 19(1), 280–297. https://doi.org/10.4314/ifep.v19i1.64603

Connect with Me:

• Email: [email protected]

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! I’d love to hear your thoughts—how do you think psychology should influence our legal system? Let’s continue the conversation about free will, accountability, and justice.

Until next time—stay inspired, stay informed, and keep learning!

Welcome to the fourth episode of Beyond the Concept: Applying Psychology to Life! This episode explores the critical role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in psychology, policy, and mental health care. The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes DEI as vital for scientific accuracy and ensuring psychology benefits all communities—not just those historically prioritized.

As a domestic violence survivor and mother of a transgender son, I’ve experienced how bias in legal and mental health systems leads to harmful and uninformed decisions. Recently, I testified in favor of Oregon Senate Bill 710, advocating for trauma- and abuse-informed education for judges and court staff. Without DEI in policy, psychology, and healthcare, we risk further marginalizing survivors, trans youth, and other vulnerable groups.

Join me as I examine the historical impact of bias in psychology, discuss why DEI matters now more than ever, and share my advocacy work for systemic change.

Key Topics Covered:

• Psychology's history of excluding marginalized communities
• How bias in research and clinical practice harms survivors, trans individuals, and people of color
• DEI’s role in fair, informed decision-making in mental health and legal systems
• My testimony for SB 710 and the need for trauma- and abuse-informed judicial education
• The impact of eliminating DEI programs for survivors and trans youth

Resources Mentioned:

• Agathocleous, A., Conway, K., & Moore, R. (2024, July 2). Trump on DEI and anti-discrimination law: Rolling back the clock on racial justice. American Civil Liberties Union.
• APA. (2021, April 8). Equity, diversity, and inclusion framework.
• APA. (2022, January). Mental health disparities: People with disabilities.
• APA. (2015, December). Guidelines for psychological practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people.
• APA. (2024, July 8). Transgender people, gender identity, and gender expression.
• Jones, L. (2025, February 7). Testimony in support of SB 710. Oregon State Legislature.
• Lawson, R. B., Anderson, E. D., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2017). A history of psychology: Globalization, ideas, and applications (2nd ed.). Routledge.
• Oregon State Legislature. (2025). Senate Bill 710 Overview.
• White House. (2025, January 22). Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump protects civil rights and merit-based opportunity by ending illegal DEI.

Additional Resources on Trauma- and Abuse-Informed Policy Reform

• National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
• The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Policy & Advocacy

Connect with Me:

• Email: [email protected]

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and leave a review! How has systemic bias or DEI (or the lack of it) affected your experiences?

Let’s keep this conversation going—because what we do next matters.

Until next time—stay inspired, stay informed, and keep learning!

Welcome to the third episode of Beyond the Concept: Applying Psychology to Life! In this episode, I explore the powerful insights of British psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott and his influential concept of the Good Enough Mother. This idea challenges the pressure to be a perfect parent and highlights the importance of presence, emotional responsiveness, and creating a secure environment for a child’s healthy development.

As a solo mother and a survivor of domestic violence, this concept deeply resonated with me. Winnicott’s work reassures us that being good enough is not only sufficient but essential for emotional and psychological well-being. I discuss how this applies to parenting, healing from trauma, and even therapy, where the idea of a holding environment offers survivors a space to process, rebuild, and grow.

Join me as I explore Winnicott’s contributions to psychology, reflect on my own experiences, and discuss how his ideas continue to shape modern trauma recovery and parenting approaches.

Key Topics Covered:

• D.W. Winnicott’s background and contributions to psychology
• The “Good Enough Mother” and its impact on child development
• How this concept applies to domestic violence survivors and parenting
• The “holding environment” in trauma recovery and therapy
• Personal reflections on presence over perfection in parenting and healing

Resources Mentioned:

• Lawson, R. B., Anderson, E. D., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2017). A history of psychology: Globalization, ideas, and applications (2nd ed.). Routledge.
• Winnicott, D. W. (1964). The child, the family, and the outside world. Pelican Books.
• Winnicott, D. W. (1965). The maturational processes and the facilitating environment: Studies in the theory of emotional development. Hogarth Press.

Connect with Me:

• Email: [email protected]

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! I’d love to hear your thoughts—how has Winnicott’s concept of the Good Enough Mother resonated with you? Stay tuned for more episodes exploring the fascinating world of psychology and its real-life applications.

Until next time—stay inspired, stay informed, and keep learning!

Welcome to the second episode of Beyond the Concept: Applying Psychology to Life!

In this episode, I explore the thought-provoking ideas of B.F. Skinner and his vision for shaping society through behavioral conditioning. I reflect on how his work connects with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s powerful Inaugural Prayer Service sermon, which called for unity and dignity in a time of deep division.

Join me as I discuss how these concepts apply to my personal life, particularly as a mother of a transgender child, and how they inspire my advocacy work. I’ll also reference insights from my textbook, A History of Psychology: Globalization, Ideas, and Applications by Lawson and colleagues (2017), to further explore Skinner’s impact on psychology and society.

Key Topics Covered:

• B.F. Skinner’s theories on operant conditioning and social engineering
• Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon and its call for unity and dignity
• Connections between behavioral reinforcement and social cohesion
• Personal reflections on parenting and advocacy work
• Applications of psychological principles to real-life challenges

Resources Mentioned:

• Budde, M. E. (2025, January 22). A service of prayer for the nation homily. Episcopal Diocese of Washington. https://edow.org/2025/01/22/a-service-of-prayer-for-the-nation-homily/
• Delprato, D. J., & Midgley, B. D. (1992). Some fundamentals of B. F. Skinner's behaviorism.
• Lawson, R. B., Anderson, E. D., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2017). A history of psychology: Globalization, ideas, and applications (2nd ed.). Routledge.
• Skinner, B. F. (1948). Walden Two. Macmillan.
• Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. Knopf.

Connect with Me:

• Email: [email protected]

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Stay tuned for more insights as we continue exploring the fascinating world of psychology and its real-life applications.

Until next time—stay inspired, stay informed, and keep learning!

Welcome to the first episode of Beyond the Concepts: Applying Psychology to Life!

In this episode, I explore the fascinating connection between the Salem witch trials and ergot poisoning, a theory proposed by psychologist Linnda Caporael (1976).

Join me as I reflect on how this historical event relates to modern-day mental health misdiagnoses and the broader implications for psychology and society. I’ll also discuss insights from my textbook, A History of Psychology: Globalization, Ideas, and Applications by Lawson and colleagues (2017), and explore how paradigms shape our understanding of the world.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Salem witch trials and the theory of ergot poisoning
• Connections to modern mental health misdiagnoses
• The “New History of Psychology” and marginalized voices
• Paradigms and how dominant ideas shape perceptions
• My personal reflections and future aspirations in advocacy

Resources Mentioned:

• Caporael, L. (1976). Ergotism: The Satan loosed in Salem? Science, 192(4234), 21-26.
• Lawson, R. B., Anderson, E. D., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2017). A history of psychology: Globalization, ideas, and applications (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Connect with Me:

• Email: [email protected]

Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Stay tuned for more insights as we continue exploring the fascinating world of psychology and its real-life applications.

Until next time—stay inspired, stay informed, and keep learning!