When completing my doctoral degree at Walden University, school administrators and professors emphasized the importance of using what I learned to effect positive social change in my community. Within the context of my research I was required to outline my plans to make a difference in my community, in my profession, and in the world. The experience at Walden University reminded me of what I’d been taught as a child….to whom much is given, much is required. This means we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, etc., it is expected that we use it help others.

True to what I promised family and friends who have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey….true to what I promised Walden University….I use me research, Assessing the Competency of Bachelor-Level Behavioral Health Professionals: Implications for Training or Supervision? My research looks at bachelor-level qualified mental health professionals and compares their competency to serve clients with the competency of masters-level and doctoral-level clinicians. The results showed that masters-level clinicians sometimes do not feel any more competent to treat clients than bachelor-level qualified professionals. Towards establishing a more competent behavioral health workforce, I am committed to educating, training, and supervising new clinicians, so that people who are hurting can get the help they need. Additionally, I speak to people experiencing a mental health disorder, about what to expect from a treatment provider. Hence, educating and training laypersons, qualified professionals, and clinicians on psychotherapy or supportive counseling; and providing education about mental illness is what I do ‘in and for’ the community, to facilitate change and growth.

Secondly, I have a passion for marriage and family. My husband and I provide pre-marital counseling using a spiritual curriculum, outside of the practice. I do not currently offer couples therapy. I am in training/learning to provide marriage therapy from a clinical perspective. However, I have been providing family therapy with family regarding issues related to the whole family or at least the child(ren), for the last 15 years. I believe the ole’ adage that family is the foundation of society. Hence, I teach families the skills needed to live happy, healthy lives.

I hope that as you work on your issues, you will reach back and grab someone’s hands and make a difference in their life; a difference in your community, a difference in your profession; or, a difference in the world.

Dr. Paula S. Newman, Owner/Licensed Professional