Ashland Thompson and Alicia MacDougall were invited by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis (American Board of Professional Psychology) to speak at the 2019 annual meeting of the Board of Directors.
Ashland and Alicia spoke of their experiences as students with diverse backgrounds who have professional and clinical interests in psychodynamic psychology and psychoanalysis. The Board was particularly interested in their testimony as ABPP is now encouraging Early Career Professionals to begin the application process while in graduate school. The Specialty Board in Psychoanalysis is dedicated to creating a more diverse and inclusive membership. Ashland and Alicia, through their contributions, have now furthered that welcome development. They spoke of the financial realities of graduate students in clinical psychology, as well as their dedication to issues of social justice and working with diverse populations that necessitate a broadening of clinical and professional activities for psychodynamic psychologists.
Alicia has also accepted an appointment for a three-year term as Student Representative Board Member, Psychoanalytic Specialty Council, Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology. Ashland has also accepted an appointment for a three-year term as Early Career Professional Board Member, Psychoanalytic Specialty Council, Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology. These are the first appointments of their kind in the history of the COSPP.
Additionally, Ashland has been accepted as a Candidate in Psychoanalytic Training at the Psychoanalytic Institute of the Carolinas.
