Sarah S. Shia, PhD, ABPP
A. I work at the St. Louis VA Medical Center as a half-time clinician in the Mental Health Clinic and half-time as the Local Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Coordinator for the facility. The latter position involves training and consultation responsibilities. In my clinical work, I provide individual and group therapy, primarily using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
A. I work with veterans who have multiple trauma histories, including childhood abuse, sexual assault, and military or combat-related traumatic experiences. These cases are challenging, interesting, and rewarding, particularly when outcomes include meaningful therapeutic and functional improvements.
A. It made sense in my coordinator role to obtain specialty certification to enhance credibility and professional standing. Additionally, the VA system provides a step increase in salary for psychology staff members who hold American Board of Professional Psychology certification.
A. I had wondered whether the review and critique of my psychotherapy sessions would be harsh, given the importance of fidelity in a CBT approach. This was not the case; the panel interview was collegial and enjoyable.
A. I realized—given that it had been some time since my work was examined in this way—that my therapeutic approach and fidelity to an evidence-based model should be as consistent as if every session were being recorded for ABPP certification. I also reinforced the idea that truly adopting an evidence-based practice requires consistent daily commitment and determination. Simply having the ability to deliver these treatments does not necessarily translate into the consistent application required for true proficiency.
A. Start by completing the initial paperwork while brushing up on techniques, identifying potential cases to present, and consistently practicing these treatments if you are not already doing so.
Stephen Terracciano, PhD, ABPP
Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology
Q. What is your practice like?
A. Currently, I maintain a full-time clinical practice, providing individual, couples, and group psychotherapy for adults across the lifespan. I enjoy teaching emotion- and behavior-regulation skills to those affected by a range of mood and anxiety disorders. Special areas of focus include Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for the prevention of depressive recurrence, and service to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
Q. What is the most interesting / challenging / fulfilling aspect of your work as a psychologist?
A. The most fulfilling aspect of my work as a psychologist is helping individuals overcome habits that constrain their lives and develop new ways of relating to their emotions so they can access the best that life has to offer. It is deeply satisfying to witness and support another person’s movement from suffering toward ease and wellness. Even more rewarding is helping people move into a thriving state, where self-imposed limits are lifted and a fuller range of self-expression and engagement with life becomes possible.
The most interesting part of my work is discovering, in partnership with clients, how to make these changes possible for each individual. Clients often require me to adapt and grow if I am to serve their unique needs and style of engagement effectively. The personal and professional growth this work calls forth is one of the most challenging, yet most enriching, aspects of my practice.
Q. What motivated you to seek board certification in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology?
A. My motivation to seek board certification was multifaceted. As a psychologist trained in the scientist-practitioner model, I am committed to achieving excellence within my scope of practice. Attaining credentials that clearly demonstrate my qualifications in behavioral and cognitive psychology became increasingly important.
Individuals often ask whether I am a qualified behavioral and cognitive psychologist. Explaining my doctoral training in a CBT-oriented Clinical and School Psychology program, along with my general New York State psychologist license, has not always fully conveyed my specialty experience. I identify as a behavioral and cognitive psychologist, and I wanted that recognition to come from the most distinguished and well-respected specialty credentialing organization in psychology: ABPP.
Q. Now that you are board certified, looking back, what was your greatest misconception about the process?
A. My only misconception was self-imposed. I thought the process would require in-depth studying, something akin to a “CBT Psych GRE.” Perhaps I developed that impression because I began the process several years after completing my doctoral training. However, after attending the “Preparing for Board Certification” meeting at the ABCT conference, that misconception quickly disappeared.
The ABPP board members outlined the process clearly, and I realized I already possessed the specialized knowledge and clinical skills required for certification. In addition, the ABPP board and committee members were highly supportive throughout the process. There were no surprises. From credentials review to practice sample to oral examination, each phase unfolded exactly as described. The collegial environment and support of others alleviated my concerns and made the process more enjoyable.
Q. What did you learn about yourself and your practice during the board certification process?
A. The board certification process helped solidify my professional identity as a behavioral and cognitive psychologist. It moved my understanding of my daily work from a largely private and cerebral process to one that I could articulate clearly in writing and in conversation with others. This process fostered clarity about my development as a specialist in behavioral and cognitive psychology and helped identify current needs and emerging opportunities for continued professional growth.
Q. What advice would you give to a candidate for board certification in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology?
A. Take one step at a time. Each phase requires a different kind of effort, and each successive phase builds on the one before it. Forge connections with ABPP members and the oral examination committee. They want to help and are willing to answer any questions you may have.