Change is Good
by Barbara Kapetanakes, PsyD. on 08/25/14
I have had my practice for
over 15 years now; more than 10 of those years I've been in full-time practice
as opposed to working as a school psychologist by day and seeing patients in my
office at night. It's easy to get into a routine in any career, and for
some professions and jobs, a routine is fine. But when navigating human
behavior, emotions, and relationships as well as societal changes, medical laws
and guidelines, educational regulations and the like, a routine can become the
death of a career.
I'd like to think I've taken on new challenges enough in my practice to both
provide people with what they need and also to keep myself interested, engaged,
and invested in the work I do. From studying neuropsychology and
psychopharmacology to keeping up with the world at large, I try to stay on top
of things without getting caught up in fads and trends that will be gone in no
time. My newest challenge is divorce mediation--something I've done
somewhat informally for my entire career. How many times have I asked
someone in my office, "Are you really going to bring your
spouse to court over a set of drapes? (or dining room set, used car, lawn
mower, or other item not worth an hour of an attorney's time)?" How
many parenting plans and visitations schedules have I helped develop? How
many divorce lawyers have I collaborated with, me holding their client's hand
and dealing with the storm of emotions while they work on the nuts and bolts of
the divorce process? The answer is MANY.
I'm excited as I take on this challenge in a more formal way, writing up
agreements, going over financials, and being part of the entire mediation
process rather than just an auxiliary. We must never stagnate, so onwards
and upwards.