Beyond the mere and obvious intention of generating greater web traffic and improved search engine optimization, the purpose of creating a weekly newsletter here is to provide psychoeducational content that is a) easily accessible b) easily digestible and c) goes beyond the limits of what can be addressed in even a lengthy set of psychotherapy sessions. The idea that information can be of benefit to managing mental health is certainly not novel. There is lengthy research linking level of health literacy to health outcomes, and most (if not all) effective psychotherapies contain an educational component.
The question is then, 'What do men need to know about the mind in order to maximize mental health outcomes?' Pulling from my experience in providing psychotherapy, it seemed to me a daunting question that would likely not have an answer in a single newsletter. I opted for 4 types of weekly newsletter, each circulating monthly on a rotating basis and each digging deeper into those facets of psychoeducation that are most relevant to and most often occur in my practice. That includes providing a background of fundamental psychological science, exploring cultural and literary sources for mental health education, reviewing specific clinical psychology research and addressing client questions as they arise.
Psych 101
In reviewing session notes and therapy protocols I found that although a good deal of psychoeducation was intervention- or disorder-specific, such as education about the cognitive model of depression or endocrine function in male sexual behaviour, still more was based in fundamental psychological science, such as how classical conditioning works and how to apply it to managing situational stressors. The Psych 101 newsletter will attempt to provide a concise and clear summary of core principles of the field of psychology with an eye on practical application.
Bibliotherapy
Long before psychology was considered a science, insights and lessons into how we experience our world and how we can live our lives in a better way were contained in literature. Psychotherapy often makes use of literary material to express concepts in a way that is as enjoyable as it is illuminating. Clients are often asked to read a book to compare their own experiences. The Bibliotherapy (from the Greek βιβλίο or 'biblío', for 'book') newsletter section will present short summaries and key points from the literary sources often recommended.
Updates in clinical psychology research
Psychology is an evolving science, and clinical psychology is the application of psychological research to issues of human health and well-being. This section intends to showcase novel contributions in clinical psychology research by combing through and highlighting relevant new publications in the literature.
Q and A
Yes, I take requests. A Q&A newsletter will address frequently asked questions and requests from readers and clients.