News and Events
Autumn 2022
2022 has brought some exciting new opportunities to use my voice outside of the therapy room. I have been part of a group of Rochester-area therapists working to establish a local chapter of ACBS (Association for Contextual Behavioral Science), called ROC-ACT, which we hope will bring training opportunities and education about mindfulness-based approaches to mental health treatment.
I was also an invited guest on author Julie Scipioni's (website) podcast, "How the Light Gets In" to discuss trauma, trauma recovery, and being human.
At the end of this podcast is a preview of my book, "The Human Porcupine: A Psychologist's Tale of Armor and Underbelly". This book has been long in the making and is still-in-the-finalizing, with an anticipated publication date of Spring 2023. Please stay tuned for details and in the meantime, take a listen to my chat with Julie.
I was also an invited guest on author Julie Scipioni's (website) podcast, "How the Light Gets In" to discuss trauma, trauma recovery, and being human.
At the end of this podcast is a preview of my book, "The Human Porcupine: A Psychologist's Tale of Armor and Underbelly". This book has been long in the making and is still-in-the-finalizing, with an anticipated publication date of Spring 2023. Please stay tuned for details and in the meantime, take a listen to my chat with Julie.
Spring 2021
There is so much that could be said about the months since March 2020. We have a light at the end of the tunnel with the emergence of spring and the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. For over a year, we have been flexing the muscles of resilience -- of tolerating uncertainty and doing the best we can in the face of so much we can't control.
I am so proud of and grateful for the resilience and adaptability of my clients over this year. We made the adjustment to telehealth, grieving what changed, not knowing how the weeks or months might progress, missing each other in person, and also continuing to work on it -- to talk it through, to make space for feelings, to grapple with anxieties, and to tune back in to values and strengths and our shared humanity. I had the unexpected opportunity to see people's homes, offices, car interiors, and building stairwells (yep, you made it work!), and to meet a few pets, kids, and spouses along the way. Some of you saw my home office helpers in the form of a cat tail (or an entire cat, in the case of Jasper).
Society is now navigating what it looks like to re-emerge into public spaces together. There are ongoing debates about herd immunity, mask usage after vaccination, and new virus variants. Within the therapy profession, I must also consider confidentiality if contact tracing is still in place, the continued need for (and implications of) health questionnaires at the start of session, and what kinds of protocols (e.g., cleaning/sanitation in between appointments, shared waiting room space, air purification systems) to have in place so that we can sit together, face to face, safely and responsibly.
I am so proud of and grateful for the resilience and adaptability of my clients over this year. We made the adjustment to telehealth, grieving what changed, not knowing how the weeks or months might progress, missing each other in person, and also continuing to work on it -- to talk it through, to make space for feelings, to grapple with anxieties, and to tune back in to values and strengths and our shared humanity. I had the unexpected opportunity to see people's homes, offices, car interiors, and building stairwells (yep, you made it work!), and to meet a few pets, kids, and spouses along the way. Some of you saw my home office helpers in the form of a cat tail (or an entire cat, in the case of Jasper).
Society is now navigating what it looks like to re-emerge into public spaces together. There are ongoing debates about herd immunity, mask usage after vaccination, and new virus variants. Within the therapy profession, I must also consider confidentiality if contact tracing is still in place, the continued need for (and implications of) health questionnaires at the start of session, and what kinds of protocols (e.g., cleaning/sanitation in between appointments, shared waiting room space, air purification systems) to have in place so that we can sit together, face to face, safely and responsibly.
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All that said, the regulations are now less all-or-none; in-person sessions may be possible again as we move into the summer. I am roughly anticipating a part-time opening (i.e., 1-2 days per week) of the office in June. This is subject to shift if COVID cases increase or if governing or professional agencies advise differently.
One thing that has not and will not change is my commitment to your safety (physical, mental, and emotional) and well-being. We will remain in this together. Even as the office opens up to in-person sessions, I will welcome questions, concerns, and individual needs or preferences (i.e., meeting virtually if that works better or is more comfortable for you). In the meantime, I'll keep the pillows fluffed and the office ready for our return. |
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Summer 2020
I am excited to announce the publication of I'm Fine, an important book for anyone connected with the college education system, with the professional fields of psychology and social work, and for anyone who has had their life affected by the struggles of mental illness.
Emily Kumpf, the author, is a graduate of the University of Rochester ('19) and continuing her work in the fields of suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. She carefully and thoughtfully provides research and interviews with important people in the field, as well as candidly shares about her own experiences. It is an inspiring and empowering book, written in Emily's clear and engaging voice.
It is my honor and privilege to have been asked to write the foreword of her book. The aims of I'm Fine, as stated by the author and to which I can attest, are to "decrease stigma, break stereotypes, provide psychoeducation, and increase conversations around mental health".
I invite you to take a look and learn more here:
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Fine-Student-Perspective-Campuses-ebook/dp/B08F9HJRDF/ .
Emily Kumpf, the author, is a graduate of the University of Rochester ('19) and continuing her work in the fields of suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. She carefully and thoughtfully provides research and interviews with important people in the field, as well as candidly shares about her own experiences. It is an inspiring and empowering book, written in Emily's clear and engaging voice.
It is my honor and privilege to have been asked to write the foreword of her book. The aims of I'm Fine, as stated by the author and to which I can attest, are to "decrease stigma, break stereotypes, provide psychoeducation, and increase conversations around mental health".
I invite you to take a look and learn more here:
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Fine-Student-Perspective-Campuses-ebook/dp/B08F9HJRDF/ .
Spring 2020
Meditation. The word can bring up many reactions, from ideas about it being hippy-dippy-new-age to just plain hard. I was one of those people who brushed it off as not for me and believed that "I can't do it right". Then I had some (patient!) teachers who helped me realize, with time and experience, that meditation is a practice of letting go of doing.
Being in a process with no goal, no agenda, nothing to prove? I know; it goes against most of how we operate in daily life, when driven by achievement, success, and evaluation. That is both a part of why meditation feels so uncomfortable and strange at first, as well as why it is so necessary as an ongoing practice. To quote one of my teachers, "[meditation] is the antidote to everyday life".
Meditation is essentially an attention practice. Contrary to the images the word might conjure up in our heads, you don't even have to sit up straight to do it! Meditation is a way of focusing attention in a non-judgmental way, in the present moment. The research continues to grow on its benefits. I am very excited to be participating in breathe yoga's Meditation Teacher Training from February through June 2020, with davidji (author, and stress management expert) and Cyndy Weis. I look forward to bringing all the knowledge and benefits of this practice to my work at JRS Psychology.
Being in a process with no goal, no agenda, nothing to prove? I know; it goes against most of how we operate in daily life, when driven by achievement, success, and evaluation. That is both a part of why meditation feels so uncomfortable and strange at first, as well as why it is so necessary as an ongoing practice. To quote one of my teachers, "[meditation] is the antidote to everyday life".
Meditation is essentially an attention practice. Contrary to the images the word might conjure up in our heads, you don't even have to sit up straight to do it! Meditation is a way of focusing attention in a non-judgmental way, in the present moment. The research continues to grow on its benefits. I am very excited to be participating in breathe yoga's Meditation Teacher Training from February through June 2020, with davidji (author, and stress management expert) and Cyndy Weis. I look forward to bringing all the knowledge and benefits of this practice to my work at JRS Psychology.
Autumn 2019
The second full week of October means ... pumpkins at the ready, football season in full swing, and OCD Week! Overseen by the IOCDF, OCD Week brings together community groups, service organizations, and clinics across the globe to raise awareness and support, with events such as educational lectures, art exhibits, fundraisers, and more.
This year's theme is Face Your Fear. We're inviting everyone -- OCD sufferers, family members, friends, providers -- to share examples of facing something that makes them uncomfortable, or to 'be anxious, and do it anyway'. The goal is to raise awareness and sensitivity to the realities of living with OCD and the challenge of having to face your fears on the path to recovery.
Visit IOCDF (https://iocdf.org/programs/ocdweek/) or look for the hashtags #OCDweek and #faceyourfear on social media to follow along or offer your own experience.
This year's theme is Face Your Fear. We're inviting everyone -- OCD sufferers, family members, friends, providers -- to share examples of facing something that makes them uncomfortable, or to 'be anxious, and do it anyway'. The goal is to raise awareness and sensitivity to the realities of living with OCD and the challenge of having to face your fears on the path to recovery.
Visit IOCDF (https://iocdf.org/programs/ocdweek/) or look for the hashtags #OCDweek and #faceyourfear on social media to follow along or offer your own experience.
Summer 2019
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has as its mission to save lives and bring hope through funding scientific research, offering educational programs for the public and for professionals, promoting policies that impact suicide and prevention, and providing programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk. Out of the Darkness Walks are led by volunteers and community members across the country each year between September and November, as a means of raising funding and building mental health-promoting culture.
Rochester's Out Of Darkness Walk for 2019 will be held on Sept 22nd at 1pm. I will be walking with team Until Dawn and hope to see you there!
Rochester, NY Walk Details
Get Involved with the A.F.S.P.
Rochester's Out Of Darkness Walk for 2019 will be held on Sept 22nd at 1pm. I will be walking with team Until Dawn and hope to see you there!
Rochester, NY Walk Details
Get Involved with the A.F.S.P.
Winter 2019
The beginning of a new year is a natural time for reflection on the past and anticipation of the future. The burst of activity around setting resolutions on January 1st often fizzles out by the end of the month, however; as my friend and colleague, Jennifer Schelter points out "resolutions don’t work because creating an intention or goal from what’s not wanted like “I don’t want to be overweight” states the negative and the negative begets the negative and more resistance. When we state the positive with intent like “I’m excited to learn how to treat my body with respect” we have a greater chance of committing, and patiently learning new behaviors or skills". From her years of teaching yoga, meditation, and wellness, she has designed a new way of thinking about the past year and looking forward to the future.
1. Title the first page: 2018. Draw a line down the middle of the page. Write Positive – Highlights on one side and Negative – Lowlights on the other.
2. Review your 2018 calendar. Scroll through each week and month. Write the Positive – Highlights – people, places, work, or activities and the Negative – Lowlights. Take stock of each week throughout the year. Be open to this assessment providing an instant – Aha! Yes! No!
3. On a new page, title it: “Do Not Do”. This is a tip from author, Tim Ferris. Read over the negative-lowlights. What no longer serves? What must end, or be faced? Write a list of “Do Not Do’s.”
4. Now review your positive – highlights list. Note: who, what, and where is best for consistent happiness, joy, and fulfillment.
5. On a new page, title it: “A MUST For Happiness”. Make a list of all the MUSTS. List all the people, places and actions that are a MUST! Schedule potential musts – dates/times – on the 2019 calendar as soon as possible.
6. On a new page, title it: “The Top 10 Things I’m Super Proud of Accomplishing in 2018”. List them and if in a groove, keep going until the energy of accomplishment and celebration is complete. Give full attention to all happy growth and development no matter what size or shape.
7. On a new page, write and complete this sentence:
What I’m taking into 2019 is:_________________________. (Example: What I’m taking into 2019 is a relentless belief in my capabilities and courage.)
What no longer serves is:__________________________. (Example: What no longer serves is self-doubt.)
8. Imagine life a year from now. Pause. Close your eyes. See. Really try. Consider repeating these questions to your self out loud: Who am I becoming? What am I providing in my relationships? Who do I want to be around? How do I need to spend time? What does my perfect day look like? What conversations do I want to be in?
9. Now zoom into 2019. Choose 3 specific areas you need to focus on to have the positive results you desire. What do you choose to focus on and accomplish? Studies show the fewer things we choose the better.
What are the positive, potential outcomes? What do you need to do on a regular basis to get excellent results? What must you stop, let go of or face?
10. On a new page, title it: 3 Games to Play.
Makeup titles for the 3 games you’ll play this year, like:
“The year I adore my body.”, “The year I take my career to the next level.”, "The year of Yeehaw! And being outdoors!”
Relating to 2019 as a game gives permission to the kid inside to play, and explore a happy ending. The inner child loves to keep a game going because it’s entertaining fun, educational and authentically fulfilling. The game and story may change but continuing to be positive, and curious as the year unfolds are intentions to bet on.
Write: My intention this year is to__________________, ______________, and _____________.
I have been fortunate to practice with Jennifer for the past ten years; she offers other exercises and inspirations on her website, at http://jenniferschelter.com/.
1. Title the first page: 2018. Draw a line down the middle of the page. Write Positive – Highlights on one side and Negative – Lowlights on the other.
2. Review your 2018 calendar. Scroll through each week and month. Write the Positive – Highlights – people, places, work, or activities and the Negative – Lowlights. Take stock of each week throughout the year. Be open to this assessment providing an instant – Aha! Yes! No!
3. On a new page, title it: “Do Not Do”. This is a tip from author, Tim Ferris. Read over the negative-lowlights. What no longer serves? What must end, or be faced? Write a list of “Do Not Do’s.”
4. Now review your positive – highlights list. Note: who, what, and where is best for consistent happiness, joy, and fulfillment.
5. On a new page, title it: “A MUST For Happiness”. Make a list of all the MUSTS. List all the people, places and actions that are a MUST! Schedule potential musts – dates/times – on the 2019 calendar as soon as possible.
6. On a new page, title it: “The Top 10 Things I’m Super Proud of Accomplishing in 2018”. List them and if in a groove, keep going until the energy of accomplishment and celebration is complete. Give full attention to all happy growth and development no matter what size or shape.
7. On a new page, write and complete this sentence:
What I’m taking into 2019 is:_________________________. (Example: What I’m taking into 2019 is a relentless belief in my capabilities and courage.)
What no longer serves is:__________________________. (Example: What no longer serves is self-doubt.)
8. Imagine life a year from now. Pause. Close your eyes. See. Really try. Consider repeating these questions to your self out loud: Who am I becoming? What am I providing in my relationships? Who do I want to be around? How do I need to spend time? What does my perfect day look like? What conversations do I want to be in?
9. Now zoom into 2019. Choose 3 specific areas you need to focus on to have the positive results you desire. What do you choose to focus on and accomplish? Studies show the fewer things we choose the better.
What are the positive, potential outcomes? What do you need to do on a regular basis to get excellent results? What must you stop, let go of or face?
10. On a new page, title it: 3 Games to Play.
Makeup titles for the 3 games you’ll play this year, like:
“The year I adore my body.”, “The year I take my career to the next level.”, "The year of Yeehaw! And being outdoors!”
Relating to 2019 as a game gives permission to the kid inside to play, and explore a happy ending. The inner child loves to keep a game going because it’s entertaining fun, educational and authentically fulfilling. The game and story may change but continuing to be positive, and curious as the year unfolds are intentions to bet on.
Write: My intention this year is to__________________, ______________, and _____________.
I have been fortunate to practice with Jennifer for the past ten years; she offers other exercises and inspirations on her website, at http://jenniferschelter.com/.
Autumn 2018
The second week of October is OCD Awareness Week (#ocdweek). First started in 2009 by the International OCD Foundation, one of the specific goals of this year's events is to reduce stigma about OCD and educate about the disorder beyond what is portrayed in the media .
Included in the week's activities, I recommend the video series "Real OCD" (https://iocdf.org/realocd). These heartfelt descriptions from sufferers, loved ones, and providers help shed light on the range of ways this disorder can 'look' (and the variety of talented individuals it affects).
Included in the week's activities, I recommend the video series "Real OCD" (https://iocdf.org/realocd). These heartfelt descriptions from sufferers, loved ones, and providers help shed light on the range of ways this disorder can 'look' (and the variety of talented individuals it affects).
Spring 2018
Continuing education, through staying familiar with current literature and attending local and national conferences and training, is vitally important to psychological practice. This spring, I will be attending the Division 39 conference in New Orleans, with several of my colleagues from Bryn Mawr College. I look forward to bringing back the latest research and ideas on such topics as identity development, multiculturalism, trauma recovery, and psychotherapy process.
Winter 2017
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It's time to talk.... about group therapy! If your therapist suggests group counseling, you might have a number of initial questions or concerns. Why is this being recommended? How does it work? How am I supposed to open up to a group of strangers? How is my privacy protected in a group format? etc. It's completely natural to not know how group works until you've tried it. Group therapy is like the ultimate learning lab -- a chance to practice many skills in a safe place, such as assertiveness, expressing needs and wants, expressing negative feelings, dealing with conflict in relationships, accepting limitations and grieving, and more. Like individual therapy, it may feel uncomfortable, but this is also where the most change can result. Here is a helpful description of what to expect in group therapy.
I have had the privilege of leading different groups across my career, from structured groups for anxiety, eating disorders, and mindfuless skills, to recovery groups for survivors of trauma, to general interpersonal process groups. Stay tuned for details on JRS Psychology hosting an evening (5:15-6:45) interpersonal process groups for adults. |
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Summer 2016
"That's so OCD" is a catchphrase you may have heard, or even used yourself, to describe someone with a preference for neatness or who repeatedly uses hand sanitizer. While we all have moments of intrusive thoughts or particular habits (i.e., double-checking the lock, always taking shoes off at the door), OCD is an illness that generates significant distress and consumes a great deal of the person's time and energy. Colombia University Medical Center psychiatrist, Dr. Helen Blair Simpson, recently described Five Common Myths of OCD. As she points out in busting Myth #5, OCD is *highly treatable* using a method of therapy called Exposure & Response Prevention. I have trained with some of the world's leading experts in this field, and am pleased to now use this expertise to assess and treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in my practice here in Rochester. Please contact me if you or someone you know needs help breaking free from this life-snatching disorder.
Spring 2016
There have been some exciting movements in the past few years to start integrating mindfulness into public school education, such as this recent announcement about how schools are incorporating Mindful Eating practices. Mindfulness is the notion of approaching each situation with "beginner's mind" -- with present-centered, non-judgmental awareness and curiosity. It is a great way to shift gears from the hustle bustle of every day and our tendency to run on autopilot. I frequently incorporate mindfulness into therapy work and recommend ways for clients to develop their own mindfulness practices in their daily lives. If you wish to learn more, please get in touch, or check out a wonderful online resource such as WildMind.
Autumn 2015
November 21st is International Survivors of Suicide Loss day. Visit http://www.survivorday.org/ for more information about how to get involved with this, or other important American Foundation for Suicide Prevention efforts and events. For an additional worthwhile read, Three Survivors of Suicide describe their 'last day' and provide important perspective for anyone struggling or watching a loved one struggle with mental illness.
Summer 2015
Rochester will be holding an Out of the Darkness walk sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in September. Please visit our team webpage for further information about donating, volunteering, or otherwise supporting this important cause.
March 2015
Now that spring has sprung (or, almost!), it's exciting to think about growth -- and JRS Psychology, PLLC is looking to grow to include supervision, consultation, and mentoring for mental health practitioners of all levels. Supervision has long been a passion of mine, and I would not be where I am without the generosity and guidance of my teachers before me. If you are interested in learning more, please contact me and I would be happy to speak with you about what you are looking for and to assess whether we would be a good fit.
| Supervision Statement / Overview |
February 2015
February 22nd - 28th is National Eating Disorders Awareness week. The theme for this year is, "I had no idea" -- please visit NEDA to get involved or get additional information for yourself or a loved one. Here is a list of local events going on in Rochester and surrounding NY areas.
January 2015
Happy new year! At this popular time for reflections and intention-setting, please consider a famous poem by Rumi that I often draw from my in my work on mindfulness.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
-- Jelaluddin Rumi
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
-- Jelaluddin Rumi
November 2014
We had a great turn-out at the Creative Wellness Center for the introduction to mindfulness workshop last month. Based on this interest, we are hoping to run a 6-week mindfulness group in the winter of 2015. Contact myself (joanna.scott.phd@gmail.com) or Veronica Weider for further information, or to join.
| MHA Mindfulness Group - 6 week syllabus.pdf |
October 2014
Please join me for an Introduction to Mindfulness workshop, October 23rd! Experience guided mindfulness exercises in a safe space, and learn ways to become more present and more accepting in daily life.
Thursday, October 23rd
4:00 - 5:30pm
Rochester Mental Health Association
320 North Goodman Street
Rochester, NY 14607
No sign-up required. Workshop is open to the community and free of charge.
4:00 - 5:30pm
Rochester Mental Health Association
320 North Goodman Street
Rochester, NY 14607
No sign-up required. Workshop is open to the community and free of charge.