Happy Monday Everyone! Adam here.
After publishing my second reflection on the idea of the only way out is to publish.. I have had much on my mind in regards to taking my study of Psychology much more seriously.
How can I take the next step with my education in Psychology by self-administered means?
I also have pondering what the path (if necessary) is as far as pursuing more schooling for Psychology with a traditional university. Why you may ask?
I found out that in order to become a therapist, one needs at least a masters degree for an education (in that specific domain) as well as needs to be licensed by the state in which they plan to practice.
Back to School?
Why not a PhD?
I have begun to research the universities in which I am considering applying to for a PhD Program in Clinical Psychology for the Fall of ā24.
Currently, the universities whose PhD programs in Clincal Psychology I am considering are mostly options in-state (in Michigan).
The options are as follows:
A PhD in Clinical Science with University of Michigan (to move to a city that I have always been infatuated with, and nicely close to family/friends still).
A PhD in Clinical Psychology with Central Michigan University (my alma mater)
A PhD in Clinical Psychology with Wayne State University (an option to keep me in the Detroit area).
A PhD in Clinical Science with Michigan State University.
However, I am not fully opposed to moving out of the state of Michigan, it would just have to be the right situation and not entirely break the bank.
As Iāve disclosed previously Iāve been using ChatGPT as my career counselor in a way, and have been getting into the nitty-gritty as far it relates to required education towards becoming a therapist, and let alone a professor.
Iāve determined I really enjoy playing the role of an educator, especially when guided towards younger minds.. after spending this school year mostly teaching at local school districts.
So why not try to become a professor - especially in a discipline I have been obsessed with the last 6-7 years? (My bachelorās degree is in Psychology).
As with all questions, I have determined that more research is required into more of the central figures of Psychology, as well as the theories which the āstudy of the soulā was founded on.
Rabbithole of Psychology š§
As I head further down the rabbithole of Psychology and become more concerned with the topics of dreams, the unconscious and how humans derive meaning from their lives.. I figured these books would serve as a great compass for my studies (some I own, some checked out from the library of course).
The books I am reading currently... are allowed to be included.. as long as I don't finish reading them before I publish this newsletter.
Below are the selected readings I plan on diving into from here on out and into the summer.
The Interpreation of Dreams by: Sigmund Freud.
Dreams by Carl Jung. (I weirdly was unable to find any Goodreads links to link for this textā¦ maybe a sign I am on the right path for my study on Dreams)
The Discovery of The Unconscious by: Henri Ellenberger.
Psyche and Symbol by: Carl Jung.
The Unheard Cry for Meaning by: Viktor Frankl.
Communication: The Social Matrix of Psychiatry by: Gregory Bateson.
Man in Process by: Ashley Montagu.
Psychotherapy East and West by: Alan Watts.
The Language and Thought Of The Child by: Jean Piaget.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat by: Oliver Sacks.
(OTHER BOOKS IāVE ADDED BEFORE IN PREVIOUS TEN BOOK CHALLENGES THAT IāVE STILL YET TO READ BUT FEEL THEY ARE RELATED.)
Robin: The Definitive Biography of Robin Williams by: Dave Izatoff .
(adding to my list again, as I let Nana borrow it after sharing it in one of my previous Ten Book Challenges last)
Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention
by: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. (this will be the second time Iām reading it. the first time since I was an undergraduate.)
The Varieties of Religious Experiences by: William James. (adding this again, as I failed to read it in my last Ten Book Challenge.)
WHAT NEXT?
You can bet in the midst of all of these reads Iāll be sharing the ideas Iām exploring, the terms in which I am choosing to remember, as well as how this influences what route I decide to take with my studiesā¦ whether by traditional means or freelance ways.
I figured if Iām really trying to get serious and rigorous with my study of Psychology, that I can make it through these 10 texts all before the end of the summer.
Regardless, Iāve realized that the more enhanced my understanding of Psychology has become, which in all reality is the study of the self.. the more profound my view on my individual life, as well as (life in general) has transformed into.
If any of these books sound intriguing to you, please let me know and Iād be thrilled to make a plan to read and reflect on it together.
Why not start a Psychology Reading Club? A place to talk and share the ideas in which we are exploring.. Ideally with a mix of practicioners, students, and teachers, but more importantly those with a general interest in Psychology.
The best way to learn is OUT LOUD AND PROUD.
Cheers to lifelong learning,