Division Testimonials

"Being involved in many APA Divisions has helped me connect with people who have similar interests and with whom I can share ideas. Without the divisions, APA would be difficult to navigate, as divisions allow members to focus on specific areas of interest and advance the agenda in those areas. Other than Council, activity in a division is really the way to be a part of APA governance. I have been president of three divisions and am still active in them as well as many others. I believe my activities and presidencies of Division 35 were helpful in my becoming APA President."

—Florence Denmark, PhD
Robert S. Pace Distinguished Research Professor, Pace University

"My primary training and practice are in neuropsychology, and I've been a member of Division 40—Clinical Neuropsychology—since my student days. I had always wanted to be in independent practice. I wish I'd known Division 42—Psychologists in Independent Practice—existed when I was a student, as I most certainly would have joined then—as I did some years ago. Being involved in Division 42 has provided a way for me to 'give back' to colleagues and to the wider public in ways that I never imagined were possible. As a solo practitioner, I have been enabled—by division membership—to connect at the local and national levels, 'virtually' and in 'real time': for practice-building, to write articles I might not otherwise  have written, to participate in governance on behalf of member colleagues, to promote the profession, and to form close friendships with people I otherwise likely would have not met. The division found just the right activities for me to develop interests that were valued by the division. The unanticipated rewards seem to flow both ways with my membership. As I like to say, 'Joined Division 42 [Psychologists in Independent Practice] for the Listserv, stayed for everything else.'"

—Gordon Herz, PhD
Independent Practice, Forward Psychology Group, LLC

"I consider Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging) to be my 'home base' within APA because I have been lucky enough to be recognized with awards from my division and presented with unique training opportunities (like studying abroad in Germany) that I never would have known about if not for my membership in this division. In addition, I have had numerous opportunities to make connections with experts in my field (e.g., at business meetings, social hours), which will likely help me when I go on the job market."

—Gloria Luong, MA
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Fellow, National Institute on Aging, and Doctoral Candidate, Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine

"Being a division member has been central to finding a 'home' and a purpose within APA. Perhaps it's a cliché, but it's been my experience. My ideas and energy have been welcomed and appreciated within several APA divisions. Without a doubt, being a division member (and an active one) has helped me personally and professionally. I've also found membership translates into a better conference experience—as I know I always have a group of people to attend programs with and socialize!" 

—Aaron Rochlen, PhD
Associate Professor in Counseling Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, and Licensed Psychologist