McGarrah, member-at-large, Division 42: Psychologists in Independent Practice, says, “Graduate school did not prepare me for the business of practice, and Division 42 was a welcome source for guidance and colleague connections”
I have been a member of Division 42 for many years. I joined to be a part of a group of psychologists who were in independent practice. Graduate school did not prepare me for the business of practice, and Division 42 was a welcome source for guidance and colleague connections.
I served various roles in APA, including the APA Ethics Committee and the Council of Representatives. I wanted to be more involved in Division 42 and ran for the office of member-at-large.
Being on the Board of Division 42 has provided an opportunity to understand the workings of a large division and have input into the decisions the board makes for the future of the division. This is a critical time for private practitioners, especially with the inclusion of master’s level therapists joining APA.
I mainly work in the field of “family forensic,” including parent coordination, coparenting counseling, family therapy, and consultation with attorneys. Since covid, I have been primarily working virtually, which I enjoy more than I expected!
I am most proud of juggling a long career with raising a family. It is not an easy task. One of the main reasons I went into private practice was to be able to have control over my schedule so I could be present for my children. I had no preparation for this in graduate school, so I learned gradually from amazing peers who guided me.
If I wasn’t a psychologist, I might have continued to teach high school English (my first career) or be an OB/GYN!
Fun fact: I grew up in Northern Virginia, but somehow ended up on the Georgia float at the Cherry Blossom Festival one year. It was an exciting experience! Of course, I ended up living in Atlanta for most of my life!
Contact: Nancy McGarrah
