Introductions

[Peter]

Somehow it will never taste the same.

[Melanie]

Peter wrote: "Hello group members:

My interest in the group stems from my experience earlier this year as a caregiver in a private Oregon group home for you adult males with serious behavioral problems. Working..."

Hi Peter - As a psychology major in my second year I have been participating in observing some group sessions when permissible. Was the home you worked at designated to any particular group of behaviors? That sounds like an interesting experience.

[Peter]

Hi Melanie:

Thanks for the note. Let me start by saying I was hired off the street, or more exactly, a Craigslist ad, as an assistant caregiver at the group home. My background in psychology is limited to a few college courses, so what follows will be primarily anecdotal.

The experience let me get to know the five young male "clients" very well. I was with them for up to twelve hours a stretch, often alone, dispensing meds, cooking meals, escorting them on outings and keeping the peace. They were an engaging, but volatile bunch.

The five were diagnosed as developmentally disabled with behavioral issues: a firestarter, a neo-Nazi hip-hop buff, a self-described Occupy revolutionary, a selective mute and a captivating bipolar schizophrenic with a talent for pithy, tweet-like observations. Each had been in the "system" for many years. Two had served time in men's prison.

Surprisingly enough, they were personable guys--football fans, video game buffs--and a pleasure to well, shoot-the-bull with.

On good days, that is. Bad days, which arrived like lightning bolts, were another matter. Take "Rashid," the schizophrenic. He was a gentle soul, really likable. Yet he smashed windows, assaulted staff and clients and had been thrown out of every fast food joint, video game store and shopping mall within miles.

It was a profound, heartbreaking experience, really, being among them as they battled their illnesses.

That's about all I can offer--although if you're intrigued, I'd be to email you a no-obligation, free copy of a memoir I wrote about working there.** It's called Dinner for Rashid: My Too-Short Stint as a Mental Health Caregiver. It's a Kindle ebook aimed at immersing the reader in a group home, though I have to warn, it's a pretty intense experience.

**I'm a writer and book author by trade.

All best,
Peter Fenton

[Courtney]

Kumiko wrote: "Hello, I'm a junior in a BS Psychology program with an interest in substance abuse intervention and counseling. I am currently taking a break from school. My favorite book is Failing Forward by Max..."

Hi!

Sorry for my late introductions. I hear substance abuse is a hard area in counseling... I will be taking one class in my masters program but not sure if I will go into that area.

[Courtney]

NYKen wrote: "Hi I am Ken from New York. I did not major in psychology back in college. However, I have always looked forward to reading interesting philosophy and psychology books. I look forward to joining my ..."

Hi and Welcome!

It sounds like you are interested in the brain!

[Courtney]

Stuart wrote: "Hi! I'm from Tollesbury, Essex, England. I have been a mental health nurse for the last 15 years feel very lucky to have stumbled upon this group. As well as being an avid reader, I have also writt..."

Hello Stuart-

I am currently in my Masters program for Mental Health counseling but have been debating if I wanted to go into nursing. I hope you will let me pick your brain!

[Courtney]

Richard wrote: "Hey All! I'm Richard, also from NY. My college career, which was to be a psych major with the goal of clinical work was cut short by the VietNam war. My need to "man the barricades" was stronger th..."

Welcome Richard to the Group. I am sorry for my late introductions. I am looking forward to discussions with you!

[Courtney]

Esse wrote: "Hi, everyone! I'm Esse and I'm currently finishing my dissertation and working at a university counseling center on the American east coast. I've worked as a clinician in a variety of different set..."

Hi Esse!

Congrats! I have just started my counseling program. I hope you will let me pick your brain.

[Courtney]

Kimberly wrote: "hi I'm Kim. I am beginning my psychology studies."

Hi Kim-

Congrats on starting your program! Where are you going?

[Courtney]

Kiran wrote: "Hi everyone! I'm Kiran and I'm a counseling psych grad student. Love reading psych/neuroscience books. Look forward to some good discussions!"

Hi Kiran!

SO am I! I just started my program.

[Courtney]

Holly wrote: "Hello everyone; my name is Holly. I don't have any formal education in Psychology; as far as I've gotten is a class in high school. However, I have always found Psychology a fasinating subject. I l..."

Welcome Holly,

I hope you find this group interesting!

[Courtney]

Chandler wrote: "Hello! My name is Chandler, just turned 18, although i'm still in high school, it feels I've done enough reading to be about a 2nd year psychology major... I'm a concurrent enrollment student so I ..."

Welcome Chandler-

You sound like one busy person! I hope you take some me time.

Welcome to the group!

[Courtney]

Joshua wrote: "Hello all, my names is Joshua and I am 25 years old living in NYC a.k.a the Big Apple... I have always loved psychology and something about the brain always interested me. After pursuing a career..."

Hi Joshua!

Welcome to group. We are all at various stages of are psychology minds.

[Courtney]

Rebecca wrote: "Hello every one.
I have no official background in psychology. I do have an interest and as a bit of an autodidact I thought this might be a good place to get started. So I will try to keep to the b..."

Hi Rebecca-

No need to stay in the background! I hope you join our book discussions and so on.

[Courtney]

Peter wrote: "Hello group members:

My interest in the group stems from my experience earlier this year as a caregiver in a private Oregon group home for you adult males with serious behavioral problems. Working..."

Hi Peter-

Welcome to group. All my family is from Oregon. What part are you from. I think you will discover we are all at various stages in our psychology minds. I hope you find this group interesting.

[Stuart]

Courtney wrote: "Stuart wrote: "Hi! I'm from Tollesbury, Essex, England. I have been a mental health nurse for the last 15 years feel very lucky to have stumbled upon this group. As well as being an avid reader, I ..."

Any time at all!

[Peter]

Courtney wrote: "Peter wrote: "Hello group members:

My interest in the group stems from my experience earlier this year as a caregiver in a private Oregon group home for you adult males with serious behavioral pro..."

[Peter]

Courtney wrote: "Peter wrote: "Hello group members:

My interest in the group stems from my experience earlier this year as a caregiver in a private Oregon group home for you adult males with serious behavioral pro..."

Hi Courtney: I'm in Eugene. Moved here in the 90s from Tennessee.

[Courtney]

Peter wrote: "Courtney wrote: "Peter wrote: "Hello group members:

My interest in the group stems from my experience earlier this year as a caregiver in a private Oregon group home for you adult males with serio..."

I have some family in that area

[Melanie]

Peter wrote: "Hi Melanie:

Thanks for the note. Let me start by saying I was hired off the street, or more exactly, a Craigslist ad, as an assistant caregiver at the group home. My background in psychology is l..."

Thank you Peter for the reply - I just went to Amazon and purchased it. I like to see artist and authors make a living off their work, though I appreciate the free offer.
As I was reading your description in your response I was thinking your ability to communicate your legitimate understanding of these patients humanity and struggle was something you should turn to writing with - and pleased to find that you indeed had. I look forward to reading it. Your other writings appear to be entertaining, and in a worldly way, informative reads as well.

[Marie]

Hi, I have a psychology degree and diploma in Counseling and Psychotherapy. It did not stop me from ending up as top girl in a brothel. When I finally took personal responsibility for my extreme behaviors (if I was not giving all my possessions to the poor, it was something else or other) the degree became a useful source of information; not nearly as useful as personal revelation. I've recently published my story. Great to tap into a group who are not afraid of the dark, who love to look for light. marie clair

[Melanie]

Marie wrote: "Hi, I have a psychology degree and diploma in Counseling and Psychotherapy. It did not stop me from ending up as top girl in a brothel. When I finally took personal responsibility for my extreme be..."
Hi Marie,
My one compulsion has become my Kindle, it would seem. It seems like an interesting account from your readers at Amazon.
Writers candid first hand accounts of their own personal sagas allows an insight into a spectrum of emotional states that allows individuals to whom such may be alien to develop grounds for empathy. I find such books help shape deeper understanding, and am glad you introduced yours.
You are right, this group has provided some excellent references.

[Ressie]

Hi I'm Ressie,18. I'm a psychology student, 3rd year. And I do hope that I can meet and discuss things about psychology here. And I'm really hoping to meet people who I can share the same interest. :)

[Linda]

Hello from Seattle. I don't have any formal training in psychology but I am fascinated with the human mind its outward manifestations. I'm an avid reader and enjoy books dealing with abnormal psychology. I'm looking forward to participating in the group.

[Badgerlord]

Hey, so I'm Badgerlord, although I think Badger will sufficent, and I'm an Australian high school student. Psycology is one of my favourite topics, and I love examining the quirks of the human mind. I don't plan to go into psycology itself, but instead a ethologist, so an animal psycologist. I hope to learn much from everyone here, who, from reading the introductions, seem to be people I can learn from.

[Marie]

If you are fascinated by 'quirky' Badger, you are on track. Interesting to hear what a 'etholgoist' is, and your interest. Animal psychology and your insights will made fascinating reading one day.

[L]

Hi!

I graduated with a BA in Psychology a few years ago, but haven't gone any further with my formal studies. I still love to read books on psychology, though, and am more than a little obsessed with Jung at the moment. I just finished Memories, Dreams, Reflections and absolutely loved it. I'm looking forward to seeing what psychologically-oriented books others read and doing some more research on dream interpretation.

Nice to meet you all. :)

[Claudie]

Hi everyone Im claudine from perth western aus. Just a quick hello look forward to interacting with all you fellow psych junkies!!!

[Melanie]

Hello,
My name is Melanie and I have been participating in the group not having realized I had not made a formal introduction.I am a psychology student with an emphasis on clinical and counseling psychology.I was volunteering with a project which was very meaningful to me I recognized without the proper credentials I had limited opportunity for involvement.
Midlife seems a good time to reassess one's own life and what one has to offer and so I find myself both excited and challenged now as a student.
I wanted to share this link to a psychology article I think the group may enjoy - about midway down is an interesting comment that people who are frequent readers shape a more empathetic character as a result of reading and test higher on the empathy scale.
It is a pleasure to meet the group.
http://chronicle.com/article/The-Psyc...

[Cyd]

Howdy everyone. I'm brand new here and excited. I really enjoy books of this kind, and I'm loving this month's selection. Who knew there was so much to Batman?

I do have a B.A. in Psychology, but it dates back to the 70s. My interest in the mind has never ended, and I've continued to go broke buying books on the subject.

[Kiran]

Melanie wrote: "Hello,
My name is Melanie and I have been participating in the group not having realized I had not made a formal introduction.I am a psychology student with an emphasis on clinical and counseling ..."

Hi, Melanie. Thanks for sharing that article. I really enjoyed reading it!

[Angela]

My name is Angela. I teach 2nd grade. I have a BA in Communication and a M.Ed. I have a casual interest in books about psychology.

[Gene]

Greetings, my respects to the Moderators, and a hardy initial "Hello" to everyone ~

My doctorate is in psychology, way back before most of you were born. Worked in a company started by two psychologists from conflicting schools of thought (Rogerian Client-Centered therapy and strict Behaviorist learning theory and programmed materials development), had some wonderful mentors (Gestalt, Classical Psychoanalytic, Jungian (with loads of work in days past on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), with several Growth & Human Potential Movement figures in its heyday, and so on), had a private practice, did loads of consulting with corporations, and taught full-time at a therapeutic boarding school for five years -- and in long-haul over time, have been most deeply influenced by the Formative Psychology founded and furthered by Stanley Keleman (with whom I'm currently working on a special project which I find utterly fascinating). My time is quite limited because of some hefty self-set writing deadlines, but I look forward to "keeping my learning alive" by staying abreast with this group -- and to our individual paths crossing in whatever way they do. -Gene

[Lilac]

Hi I'm Lilac and I haven't got a degree in psychology or anything, only an interest in the subject and an awful lot of first hand experience with psychological disorders. My mum is studying phycology in uni at the moment so I also get information and interesting facts off of her all the time.

[Dawn]

Hi Everybody, What a great group!
I'm a biologist, and I'm working on a book about the science of love. It bridges biology, psychology, and spirituality. My weakness is psychology, so I hoping if I hang around hear long enough, some will rub off. Glad to be here. Thanks, Dawn

[Gene]

(On Message 87) "Hi Everybody, What a great group!
I'm a biologist, and I'm working on a book about the science of love. It bridges biology, psychology, and spirituality. My weakness is psychology, so I hoping if I hang around hear long enough, some will rub off. Glad to be here. Thanks, Dawn"

Hi Dawn. All three fields you mention -- biology, psychology, and spirituality -- are of great interest to me as well. As is the topic your book is treating: "the science of love." I commend you for following ALL of these strands to see where they lead, rather than rigidly compartmentalizing them. May I ask what books you've found helpful thus far in bringing you to where you are? Maybe that would help the rest of us pick and choose, out of whatever we've come across, items that are perhaps relevant to your current pursuit. The frustrations will be, I think, more those of abundance rather than those of scarcity. ;- )

To save time, my home website would give you the "big picture" I hold of these matters and life in general -- and lays it out so a person can get an overview of it in about two or three minutes (mainly in its first three pages -- you can skip the last four). That way you'll be able to guard against my biases and prejudices. ;- ) Anyway, the link to my pages at the Authors Guild is www.generuyle.com. And, when I learn more of what books you've been influenced by, and a little more of your own frame of reference, I'll pass along anything that might hold some promise for your book and interesting research undertakings. Looking forward to learning from everyone! Seems like a bright bunch of people and a most promising and worthwhile group for sharing. -G.

[Pu]

Hi, my name is Pu. I'm from China, currently studying on college scholarship in Singapore. No background in Psychology at all but I like to think about stuffs related to it since I was a child. I'd love to learn a lot about Psychology and make practical uses of my learning. A book club is likely to be an ideal place for me.

[Thomas]

Hi I'm Tom. My partner Darrell and I have just published a book called "Which One Am I?" about his life growing up with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). We expanded a lot from there, writing about his family and his search for his real father. The book also traces the history of DID and the public's perception of it during his life.

I'm taking moments from promoting the first book to research a book tentatively called "Whatever Happened to the Gifted Kids?" The topic interested me because, as a gifted student myself, I sometimes found myself, just like Darrell, on the outside of society.

[Chenley]

(this is a copy and paste comment for all the groups I took interest to join. Sorry for being that lazy, hope for your consideration :)))))))) The "introductory comment" I first wrote is in filipino-english @_@ I'll just translate for those peeps whose gonna read my comment and is interested on finding out what I wrote/"said" :))))))))))

Howdie :) A newbie here in goodreads :) Created an account here in hopes of expanding my book genres. lol

Mababaw lang akong tao hehe.Ayoko yung masasakit na ulo na babasahin (e.g. LOTR) gusto ko moving lang yung story at easy reading. Im into post apocalyptic, sci-fi,supernatural, inspiring (e.g. about life, love, universe) pang teenagers reading stuffs.

Mahilig din ako minsan sa deep filipino contemporary works pag nasa mood ako maging makata. Hehe

Im a nurse in practice as of the moment na ginagawa ko to. Due to sobrang "toxic" na schedule ng mga nurse, nkakapagbasa nlng ako paminsan sa byahe, (jeep/fx/lrt)yep, im obsessed like that.

Let's change thoughts insights and mga kapraningan :) Im so good at that :))))))))) wahaha :))))))))

[Julie]

Hi Everyone, I'm Julie. I am many things, and have lived in many places, and had a variety of experiences. I have a master's in music, sang some opera, have worked in banking, have counseled domestically abused men and women, and started to study music therapy in a master's program, but had to stop when life required my undivided attention. I have always been curious, always questioned things, and continue to be fascinated by human behavior and motivation.

[Stephanie]

Hello I am Stephanie from upstate NY. I am an Ophthalmic Dispenser (Optician) and a private consultant for a direct sales organization. I am 53, happily married to my soul mate and best friend.
I am an avid reader of Psychology and related books because of a family history of bipolar, addiction and schizophrenia. The more I read the more curious I am about how the mind works. I am looking forward to the discussion on here. I may not be able to participate a lot as I am also helping my father remain independent at home and my sister who has the above care for her 2 year old.

[Courtney]

Welcome everyone! I am looking forward to getting to know you all!

[..]

HI, I'm Michelle, and I am in high school and I have studied for Psychology for 2 years, and I'm excited to learn more, and of course, read more! And I thought this group would be a great group to join.

[Courtney]

Michelle wrote: "HI, I'm Michelle, and I am in high school and I have studied for Psychology for 2 years, and I'm excited to learn more, and of course, read more! And I thought this group would be a great group to ..."

Hi Michelle, welcome to the group I hope you will enjoy this group!

[Shelby]

Welcome everyone to the group :) there are so many new people, I can barely keep up! But I'm very happy you have found us!

[Angelo]

Hi everyone!

My name is Angelo Marcos and I'm fairly new to Goodreads. I absolutely love psychology and psychology-themed books, so much so that I wrote one!

I studied law originally, and then did a second degree in psychology, so am very much interested in the mind and how - and why!- we do the things we do.

This definitely seems like the group for me!

[Jackson]

'lo,

I'm certainly a novice to this field, but I find it immensely intriguing and hope to find some good pointers and books in this group. i'm a sophomore in high school.

[Courtney]

Jackson wrote: "'lo,

I'm certainly a novice to this field, but I find it immensely intriguing and hope to find some good pointers and books in this group. i'm a sophomore in high school."

Welcome Jackson,, there are a few other people in this group that are still in High School but please do not let that stop you for stepping in and joining are thread conversations, books reads, recommending books, and so on.. we are all at various levels. I am a Masters Student right now... you should check out our polls

[Courtney]

Angelo wrote: "Hi everyone!

My name is Angelo Marcos and I'm fairly new to Goodreads. I absolutely love psychology and psychology-themed books, so much so that I wrote one!

I studied law originally, and then d..."

Hi Angelo-

Welcome, so is psychology your second career or do you use your degree with Law?

[Angelo]

Hi Courtney,

Psychology is most definitely my career now - I work as a Counsellor.

I did work in law for a while but had what I can only really describe as a mini-epiphany, at which point I decided to retrain in something that I was actually passionate about.

It seems to have been a good move so far..!