Monthly Newsletter - Apr 2025 |
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Promoting Psychology.
Supporting Psychologists. |
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| Greetings IPA members!
April is recognized as Mental Health Awareness month. The health of Hoosier psychologists is of paramount importance when we consider the impact of our health on our patients, our work, our trainees, our consultees, and our organizations. Perhaps April is a good month to take an inventory of how you are doing caring for yourself and to identify any adjustments that might need to be made.
Throughout my career, what I need in terms of self-care has changed as the circumstances of my life and environment have evolved. We know the basics of effective self-care: investment in relationships, moderate exercise, good nutrition, decent sleep, gratitude, and compassion for others. For many, spiritual practices (broadly defined) are also an important part of self-care.
But the ratio of 'what you need when' requires frequent reflection and discernment. Maybe a relationship that used to fill your cup now needs redefined boundaries. Maybe an exercise regimen has become more of a stressor than a positive outlet. Maybe your difficulty sleeping has gone on long enough that you need to check in with your primary care provider about it. Taking a moment to take stock of where you are in terms of self-care and identifying adjustments that need made is a great use of time.
On a more personal note, I found the pioneering work of Drs. Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer on self-compassion significantly improved my self-care. Their mindful self-compassion is aimed at helping people during moments of suffering – small and large – and has empirical evidence that it reduces burnout in health care workers. Their work is very accessible and easily applicable to the work psychologists do across different professional activities.
You can learn about Dr. Neff’s work here: Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff: Join the Community Now and Dr. Germer’s work here: Mindful Self-Compassion and Psychotherapy | Chris Germer. You can access guided exercises for self-compassion here: Self-Compassion Practices: Cultivate Inner Peace and Joy - Self-Compassion and Meditations | Free Guided Meditations | Chris Germer.
You can also complete an assessment to see how compassionate you are to yourself here: Self-Compassion Test - Self-Compassion.
If you are looking to add something fresh to your self-care activities, this might be a great start. Make this a good Mental Health Awareness month for yourself.
Be well,
Shannon Shannon Woller, PsyD, HSPP 2025 IPA President Back to top |
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Indiana Legislature for 2025 |
The Indiana Legislature is now nearing the end of this year's session. At this point, there does not appear to be any legislation that will have a significant impact on the practice of psychology in Indiana. But it is an environment where we can never say it is completed until the session closes. So, until then we will continue to actively monitor the activity to ensure we represent psychology where necessary.
We again send a big thank you to our IPA Government Affairs Committee for reviewing the prospective bills each week. By offering their experiences and expertise, we represent Indiana psychologists well and continue to protect the public.
April Krowel, PhD, HSPP Chair, Government Affairs Committee Back to top |
Memoriam for Dr. Stacy Blankenbuehler |
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Dr. Stacy Blankenbuehler. |
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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Stacy Blankenbuehler at age 53 on March 11, 2025 after a brave battle with cancer. Stacy was a beloved wife, parent, sister, and friend and was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her.
Born on April 27, 1971, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Stacy lived a life full of passion, kindness, and unwavering dedication to family, friends, community, and profession. She built a career as a child psychologist spending the last 16 years at Deaconess Clinic in Evansville, Indiana and was known for her work with young children and parents through PCIT as well as children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. She strived to educate others about accurate and early diagnosis and through her efforts made a substantial impact on the community. She created a postdoctoral psychology training program at Deaconess and was a staunch advocate for integrated care and evidenced based interventions. Whether through her work, volunteer efforts, or simply the warmth of her presence, Stacy touched countless lives with her generosity and compassion.
Stacy is survived by her husband David Lee, and children Dawson and Delaney Blankenbuehler Lee as well as a host of dear friends and colleagues who will ever hold Stacy’s memory close. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the incredible legacy Stacy leaves behind – one of love, laughter, and an unyielding, stubborn, and tenacious spirit.
A celebration of life will be held on April 27, 2025, from 9:00am to 11:00 am in Evansville at Mesker Park Shelter #15 to celebrate Stacy’s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a scholarship fund to be established at Ball State University to assist further psychologists in their journey.
Dr. Stacy Blankenbuehler Obituary - The Star Press
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CE Events
2025 IPA Fall Conference Call for Proposals
We are planning another high-quality Virtual IPA Fall Conference on Thursday, 11/6 and Friday, 11/7. We welcome you to submit a proposal to share your expertise and wisdom with fellow members. Please also feel invited to forward this announcement on to any colleagues you’d be excited to learn from. Please see the IPA Fall Conference page for details.
50+ IPA Homestudy Programs
IPA & Collaborative Events
IPA has three strong CE events coming this spring. All will support psychology practice development and qualify for continuing education credits. -
April 25: IPA and ESRC Spring Ethics Event–In person (Evansville, IN) and Virtual featuring Amanda D. Zelechoski, J.D., Ph.D., ABPP (6.0 hours Category I CE)
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May 2: SPTA Collaborative Workshop: Telepsychology: Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Considerations Inside and Outside of PSYPACT featuring Janet Orwig, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of PSYPACT and Amy Lerman, Health Regulatory & Telehealth Attorney (3.0 hours Category I CE)
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May 15 & 16: Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA), is offering a 2 day, virtual 11.75 hour Category I Continuing Education Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule- 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) Introductory/Clinical Workshop program featuring Noha Minshawi, Ph.D., HSPP and Rebecca McNally Keehn, Ph.D., HSPP, Certified ADOS-2 Trainers.
Continuing Education Presentations
Your expertise can be shared with colleagues. There are still openings for CE presentations with IPA this year. We welcome you to present your knowledge. Just contact Connie at admin@indianapsychology.org or Emily Roth at eroth@childrensresourcegroup.com to discuss your presentation.
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Other Educational Events
A Free Event for our Psychology Students IPA Book Club
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New Members (March 16 - April 14, 2025)
We welcome our new members and appreciate having them join us. - Debra Farrar-Schneider, PhD, Behavior Specialists of IN, Valparaiso
Affiliate Member - Jenifer Asher, Connections, Inc, Indianapolis
Student Members -
Khushbu Patel, Ball State University
- Haifa Hanzala, Ball State University
- Taylor Underwood, IU Bloomington
- Ronnie Hill, Purdue University
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Lynsi Buford, Easterseals Rehab Center, Evansville
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A New Standing Committee for IPA - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) & Mental Health
A new committee continues to be formed within IPA. Our purpose is to better understand HSPP supervision for Medicaid Waiver Behavior Support, along with a variety of I/DD and Mental Health issues. Psychologists interested in this Medicaid service, in psychotherapy for people with I/DD, or working with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder are welcome to join us. Our focus includes I/DD, ASD, assessment, intervention, supervision, dual diagnosis, and advocating for Hoosiers with disabilities. Please contact committee chair Jim Wiltz, PhD HSPP at
jwiltz@kestrelbh.com for more information and to participate with this new committee.
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Job Postings (March 17 - April 14, 2025)
The IPA Message Board frequently sees posts seeking referrals, sharing job opportunities, requesting feedback on trending topics, educational opportunities, and more. Many consider the IPA Message Board a valuable component of membership. If you have not opted into the Message Board and would like to, please contact Connie Vore at admin@indianapsychology.org.
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The Trust Group Term Life Insurance |
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