Updated October 10, 2011
Psychology Post-Doctoral Training Program
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
Director of Psychology Training (4-116A)
th
3601 South 6 Avenue
Tuscon, AZ 85723
(520) 792-1450, extension 5127
www.tucson.va.gov
Applications due: January 10, 2012
Accreditation Status
The postdoctoral fellowship at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System is not yet accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. The program is expected to
apply for accreditation in 2012.
Application & Selection Procedures
Eligibility requirements for fellowship:
The Postdoctoral Fellowship program is seeking energetic, personable, diverse, and well-qualified
applicants with strong skills in the areas of assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, and
consultation. A strong desire and evident dedication to treating veterans who have experienced trauma is
a must. Interest and experience in the area of PTSD treatment should be evident in past training and/or
experience. Applicants must be able to take initiative and function with good judgment, flexibility, and
maturity. The fellowship welcomes and strongly encourages applications from all qualified candidates,
regardless of gender, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, disability or other minority status, as an equal
opportunity training program.
Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen
Have completed training in an APA-accredited clinical or counseling psychology program
Have completed an APA-accredited psychology internship
Have completed their dissertation by the start of the fellowship in August
Each application is initially reviewed for eligibility after all materials are received. A selection committee,
composed of supervising faculty reviews all written materials and provides telephone or in-person
interviews to top candidates. Final rankings, and offers, are determined by consensus of the committee
based on written and interview information. Our emphasis is on goodness of fit with our training model,
program philosophy, and a general openness to feedback and supervision. A successful candidate for the
fellowship will have had some emphasis training in trauma and PTSD, especially regarding empirically
supported treatments for trauma, as well as assessment experience in this area.
We will accept applications by mail and electronically. If recommendation letters are sent electronically,
we prefer that these are sent as .pdf attachments from the letter writer.
The Application Process:
The deadline for receipt of all completed application materials is January 10, 2012.
This document contains links to sites external to Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the external linked websites.
The following materials must be submitted:
1. A letter of interest that identifies career goals, expectations of training, and goodness of fit
with the Fellowship.
2. A doctoral program transcript (copies acceptable)
3. A current curriculum vitae
4. Letter of status from academic program and anticipated completion date
5. Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an internship supervisor
(electronic submissions should be sent directly from letter writer)
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the Post-Doctoral Fellowship training program during
the uniform notification day for post-docs, on March 14, 2012.
For additional questions please contact the Director of Training at:
Nadine C. Cole, Ph.D.
Director of Psychology Training (4-116A)
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
3601 S. Sixth Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85723
(520) 792-1450, extension 5127
Email: nadine.cole2@va.gov
Psychology Setting
Seventeen SAVAHCS psychologists and one consulting psychologist from the community comprise the
Psychology training staff. SAVAHCS psychologists participate independently as members of the
treatment teams of most Mental Health programs, medical teams, and the Southwest Blind Rehabilitation
Center. Psychological Assessment programs, based in the Mental Health Care Line, serve the entire
medical center on a consultation basis. There is an APA accredited predoctoral clinical psychology
internship and occasional training with externs from the University of Arizona, in addition to the Post-
Doctoral Fellowship program.
The Medical Center is affiliated with the University of Arizona, the Arizona Health Sciences Center, and
Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona State University in Tempe, and numerous other academic
institutions. It has an approved residency program with training in all clinical specialties usually
associated with a teaching facility. Special medical treatment programs include open-heart surgery,
organ transplant surgery, neurosurgery, level II polytrauma, renal dialysis, and infectious disease (HIV)
among others. Mental Health programs include an outpatient mental health clinic, an inpatient treatment
unit, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment, inpatient and outpatient PTSD treatment, and
day programs. Most medical care is provided under the Primary Care model, in which multidisciplinary
teams provide or coordinate all treatment of patients assigned to a particular team.
Clinical training is also offered to students in audiology and speech pathology, gerontology, nursing,
pharmacy, psychology, social work, rehabilitation counseling (substance abuse), medical students and
residents, and other specialties. The Medical Center is involved in a broad range of applied and basic
scientific research in such areas as health services, heart disease, microcirculation, neurology, dementia,
nursing, oncology, rehabilitation and PTSD.
Training Model and Program Philosophy
The mission of SAVAHCS is to “provide quality healthcare to veterans in an environment of compassion,
education and research.” The mission of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship training program is to provide quality
health care in an educational environment with an emphasis on the importance of scientific research in
informing clinical practice. In this scholar-practitioner model of training, treatment is informed by current
research.
Fellows will develop skills in providing clinically relevant and efficacious assessment and treatment for
veterans who have been traumatized, specifically Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and
Motivational Interviewing. They will learn to evaluate and transform treatment programs, as well as develop
new programs based on clinical research and veteran needs. They will learn to collect and analyze data
regarding treatment outcomes. These goals will be pursued in the context of programs serving several
special populations. These include the inpatient PTSD program (EBTPU), the outpatient PTSD program
(PCT), the Military Sexual Trauma program (MST), Supportive Education for Returning Veterans (SERV),
and Substance Use Disorders and PTSD (SUD-PTSD) program. The veteran population includes those
veterans in the urban areas around Tucson, as well as rural areas of southern Arizona. Rural care includes
consultation and tele-mental health for veterans in outlying areas covered by Community Based Outpatient
Clinics (CBOC’s) in Safford, Sierra Vista, Green Valley, Casa Grande, and Yuma.
Program Goals & Objectives
1. Advanced skill in psychological assessment and diagnosis with traumatized veterans is expected
at the completion of the training.
2. Fellows will demonstrate advanced skill in empirically supported treatments for PTSD, including
both individual and group therapies.
3. Consultation with clinical staff regarding care and treatment of traumatized veterans will be fully
demonstrated, along with supervision and education of staff.
4. Fellows will demonstrate a strong identity as an ethical psychologist with a specialty in treating
trauma.
5. Fellows will demonstrate advanced skill in assessing veteran needs, program deficiencies, and
further development of treatment programs.
Program Structure
The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) Postdoctoral Fellowship program is a full-time,
one-year program, consisting of a 2080 hour training requirement, including authorized leave. The training
is supervised experience designed to meet Arizona State Board of Psychologists criteria for supervised
post-degree hours towards licensure. The starting date is flexible, beginning between mid-August to
September (but must begin at the beginning of a pay period). The residency program workload will consist
of primarily clinical work, estimated to be 60% of the time, 20% of scholarly inquiry (i.e.,
research/performance improvement/program evaluation), 10% inter-professional treatment team
staffings/consultation, and 10% didactics/professional development with some flexibility on these
percentages depending on individual areas of interest and inherent variations in accessible training
opportunities. A minimum of four hours of regularly scheduled supervision will be provided. The salary is
$42,239 per year.
The fellow’s program is individually tailored at the beginning of the year by the fellow and mentoring
psychologist, taking in account individual training needs. This mentor-based model extends to didactic
work, where the fellow identifies several areas of interest and/or weakness to address in the treatment
and assessment of trauma-related disorders. This becomes the basis of a monthly brown bag seminar
hosted by the fellow. Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to operate like any other professional
psychologist, and as such their weekly schedule will reflect involvement in the various trauma programs.
Each fellow selects a psychologist from the primary supervisory staff to serve as a mentor during the
fellowship. The mentor supports the fellow’s training and assists the fellow with non-clinical issues
related to professional development, problem resolution, administrative issues or other needs not directly
related to patient care. The fellow meets at least once monthly with his/her mentor.
Involvement in on-going research will be an optional activity. There are a number of different opportunities
at SAVAHCS for involvement in research. Currently, projects are being conducted in the area of sleep and
trauma. In addition, there are a number of opportunities to develop clinical projects from current
performance improvement outcomes in both the inpatient and outpatient PTSD clinics. Postdoctoral fellows
who are interested in pursuing PTSD research will be encouraged to apply for career development awards
through the VA system.
Evaluation:
Written feedback about progress in developing specific competencies (e.g., report writing, interviewing skills,
familiarity with literature, therapy skills, and consultation skills) will be measured at 4, 8, and 12 months. In
addition, regular verbal feedback will be given during supervision sessions and during monthly meetings
with the Director of Training. These competencies will be consistent with the scholar-practitioner model of
training and will provide the quantitative measures of progress.
Training Experiences
Clinical Activities
Evaluation and Brief Treatment PTSD Unit (EBTPU)
The Evaluation and Brief Treatment of PTSD Unit (EBTPU) is a 6 bed 24-day residential unit for combat
veterans with PTSD. The breadth of training experiences in the EBTPU will promote advanced skills in
diagnosis and treatment with an emphasis on evidenced-based interventions, inter-professional treatment
team functioning, and program improvement activities. The resident will have opportunities facilitating
and co-facilitating CPT groups, process groups, psycho educational groups, and will have a possibility of
gaining experience supervising interns. In addition, the program offers an opportunity to develop and
implement a new group utilizing the resident’s previous experience/expertise. The number of hours
spent on the EBTPU will be determined by the resident’s individual training goals.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
The Military Sexual Trauma (MST) program provides treatment for both men and women, who
experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault while in the military. The program consists of a series
of six groups that are cohort and gender based. These groups provide education about MST, skills
building, and exposure to thoughts, activities, and memories of trauma. Specific modalities used include
Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Limited
individual therapy is available for those veterans who cannot make the group due to work or school.
Additional experience is available in the Women Veteran’s Clinic, developing a peer support program,
and a readiness skills group based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
PTSD Clinical Team (PCT)
The Out-Patient PTSD Clinic Team (PCT) training experience is intended to deepen clinical acumen in
assessment and treatment of combat veterans with PTSD. The primary evidenced-based treatment
modalities include both individual and group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), as well as Prolonged
Exposure (PE) Therapy. Opportunities exist to lead the four-week psycho-education class for veterans
new to the program, in addition to a 12-week Skills Group designed to enhance treatment readiness. A
weekly one-hour PE Consultation Group offers the resident a chance to train and consult with other
professionals administering this therapeutic modality. Finally, opportunities exist to provide therapeutic
services to any of the seven Community Based Out-Patient Clinics (CBOC’s) via tele-mental health. As
with the other programs, hours spent with the PCT will be determined by the resident’s individual training
goals.
Supportive Education for Returning Veterans (SERV)
The SERV (Supportive Education for Returning Veterans) program is a collaborative effort of the
Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System and the University of Arizona. The goal of the SERV veterans
program of studies is to successfully transition returning veterans into an academic setting by establishing
an academic and social framework intended to improve concentration, memory, problem solving, and
learning, while minimizing social isolation. The veterans’ curriculum is purposefully designed to increase
the likelihood of retention and graduation of learners in college settings. The Supportive Education for
Returning Veterans (SERV) portion of the PTSD post-doctoral training will require of 10 hours a week of
team teaching the 3 SERV courses on the U of A campus. The curriculum is consists of the following
courses: 1) Resiliency, 2) Teaching to Learn, and 3) Leadership. In the semesters when the courses are
not offered, the post-doctoral fellow will teach a 3 credit “Transitional Resiliency” course and a “Family
Resiliency” course. The remainder of the time available will be spent providing individual and group
therapy through the VETS office on the U of A campus. Time permitting fellow will engage in outreach to
U of A faculty and staff, as well as consult with VETS office staff.
Substance Use Disorder-PTSD
The Substance Use Disorder-PTSD is a multidisciplinary program that targets veterans struggling with
substance use disorders (Substance Abuse Treatment Program or SATP). The SUD-PTSD training
experience is intended to provide training in integrated co-occurring disorders treatment and could include
facilitating a Seeking Safety group, CPT or PE for PTSD and Motivational Interviewing and CBT for
Substance Dependence or Abuse. There will be opportunities for individual and group therapy,
consultation and training with psychology interns, externs and other professionals (MI Consultation
group). The number of hours spent in this experience will be determined by the resident’s individual
training goals.
Seminars and Professional Development Activities
The Post-Doctoral Fellow will be involved in several development activities. This involvement will include
bi-weekly Mental Health Continuing Education Forum and twice monthly Psychology Staff Meetings.
Seminars and development activities specific to trauma treatment include weekly Prolonged Exposure
and Motivational Interviewing Consultation Seminars. The fellow will also develop and lead (in
consultation with their mentoring Psychologist) the Brown Bag seminar on topics relevant to treating
trauma.
Supervision and training of staff will include limited supervision of pre-doctoral interns, presentations to
staff and interns, and on-going consultation in the various programs.
Requirements for Completion
Fellows need to satifactorily engage in their individualized training plans and review progress regularly.
They need to attend required training and seminars as well as comply with other administrative
requirements of the fellowship. On the competency rating forms, the fellow must achieve competency at
the high intermediate to advanced skill level on 80% of the items by the end of the first four months of the
fellowship. By the end of the fellowship, the fellow must achieve competency at the advanced skill level
on 80% of items on the competency rating forms. Additionally, fellows need to have not been involved in
any breaches of the APA Ethics Code.
The program will elicit regular feedback from the fellow, on a trimester basis, as well as informally. The
fellow will meet monthly with the Director of Training. Effectiveness in the training can be seen in the
fellow’s effectiveness in treating their veteran clients. This can be seen in measures of completed protocols,
veteran satisfaction, and measures of no show rates. As part of this evaluation, the fellow will take part in
the review of clinical cases that is a standard part of quality management at this facility.
Effectiveness in training can be seen in their ability to obtain professional positions in treatment and/or
research in the area of trauma. Therefore, the program’s effectiveness will also be evaluated by monitoring
the professional achievements of fellows after their completion of the program. They will be sent an
evaluative questionnaire to complete one year after they have finished the residency program and again
three years after completion. These will provide information on strengths and weaknesses of the
postdoctoral program from the retrospective view of former fellows who have had a chance to consider how
the training program facilitated their professional development and success or failed to do so.
Facility and Training Resources
Each fellow will be provided with his or her own office. Offices are available in the Mental Health outpatient
building. Each office is equipped with a free-standing computer or thin client that has access to the
SAVAHCS local area network and the internet. The SAVAHCS medical library will be available to fellows,
and on-line access is available to its catalogue, literature search engines, and other resources. The fellow
will have access to STATA 8.0, SPSS, and Hyperresearch through the Research care line at SAVAHCS. In
addition a biostatistician and epidemiologist are available to support fellow research.
Administrative Policies and Procedures
Leave policies follow the national VA standards for sick and annual leave. Five working days of
Authorized Absence will be granted for approved professional activity including attendance at educational
events, conferences, dissertation defense, and similar activities. To be approved, educational events or
conferences must be relevant to practice or research in clinical or counseling psychology. The
professional relevance of the activity is judged by the Director of Psychology Training, after consultation
with other staff psychologists as necessary. Please note that job interviews do not qualify for Authorized
Absence.
Due Process: All fellows are afforded the right to due process in matters of problem behavior and
grievances. Policies regarding competency problems, probationary status, procedure for dismissal,
appeal of dismissal, and grievance procedures are distributed to the postdoctoral fellow during orientation
and are available on a shared computer drive.
Privacy policy: No personal information is gathered when you visit our website.
Self-Disclosure: We do not require fellows to disclose personal information to their clinical supervisors
except in cases where personal issues may be adversely affecting the fellow's performance and such
information is necessary in order to address these difficulties.
Training Staff
Primary Supervisors
DAVID BEIL-ADASKIN, Psy.D.
University: Wheaton College
Assignment: PTSD Clinical Team and Tele-Health Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Beil-Adaskin’s primary orientation is cognitive-behavioral with a specialization
in evidence-based therapies (EBT) for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Interventions focus on
Cognitive-Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy. Dr. Beil-Adaskin is a
former military Psychologist whose duties included training and supervision of military clinicians in the
administration of EBT’s. Dr. Beil-Adaskin utilizes the tele-mental health position to intervene with rural-
based clientele and outreach to community based out-patient clinic (CBOC) staff for teaching and
training.
Professional Interests/Research: Evidence-based therapies, PTSD and co-occurring disorders, and
outcome studies for the PTSD program.
MICHELLE DORSEY, Ph.D.
University: New Mexico State University
Assignment: Mental Health Clinic, MST Coordinator
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Dorsey approaches the trauma sequelae through the lens of a relational
therapist. Her style of relating with clients has been heavily impacted by Yalom’s interpersonal and
existential approaches, Teyber’s Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Briere’s Trauma therapy
conceptualization (safety, affect regulation, cognitive interventions, emotional processing, relational
functioning, and identity work). As a supervisor, I use a collaborative, developmental approach which
focuses on identifying and reinforcing supervisees’ current strengths, while also integrating new skills and
refining existing ones.
Professional Interests: Treating interpersonal trauma, treating cumulative trauma, providing culturally
relevant therapy, and clinical supervision.
SANDRA M. GALLAGHER, Ph.D.
University: University of Arizona
Assignment: Co-occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorders
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Gallagher’s theoretical orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral, utilizing
Motivational Interviewing for early stages of change and CBT-based interventions and behavioral
strategies for action stages of change. She has many years of experience in program evaluation,
evidence-based practice implementation and professional supervision and training.
Professional Interests/Research: Co-occurring disorders, Motivational Interviewing, health psychology,
program evaluation and supervision/training
NICHOLAS B. HEINECKE, Psy.D.
University: Nova Southeastern University
Assignment: Inpatient—Evaluation and Brief Treatment of PTSD Unit (EBTPU)
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Heinecke’s orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral while integrating
evidenced based therapies. These include exposure based treatment, Cognitive Processing Therapy,
Motivational Interviewing, Imagery Rehearsal Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr.
Heinecke’s approach in treatment is to utilize these approaches to help the patient address “stuck points”
in their recovery on emotional, behavioral, and cognitive levels.
Professional Interests/Research: Dr. Heinecke is an avid runner who enjoys the challenge of training and
eventually racing in full and half-marathons. Although he would love to claim interest in impressive
intellectual pursuits, he generally spends evenings and weekends being drug around by his wife and
following his favorite teams from Minnesota and Miami. Professionally, his interests are in the Integration
of empirically supported therapies, program evaluation, and supervision/training
MICHAEL W. MARKS, PhD, ABPP (Clinical)
University: Washington State
Assignment: Lead Psychologist; PTSD Outpatient Clinic
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Marks’ theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioral and focuses on the
meaning that survivors give to their experiences. He focuses on teaching survivors how to cope with and
reduce symptoms. Dr. Marks believes in the power of psycho-education, and the PTSD Outpatient Clinic
offers time-limited, symptom specific groups (classes). He utilizes outreach to the community as a
therapeutic intervention and regards this as an important part of being a clinician.
Professional Interests/Research: PTSD, outcome studies, rural healthcare, interdisciplinary treatment
teams. Dr. Marks is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona and is the co-developer of
the Supportive Education for Returning Veterans (SERV) Program. This program increases the retention
of returning veterans to academic life. He is also the PTSD Mentor for VISN 18 (Arizona, New Mexico
and western Texas).
Secondary Supervisors
ALAN P. BAEHR, Ph.D.
University: Counseling Psychology Program, Pennsylvania State University
Assignment: Inpatient—Home Based Primary Care (HBPC)
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Baehr’s orientation is constructivist. This orientation focuses on the role of
personally constructed, culturally mediated meanings in shaping experience and maintaining suffering or
allowing personal development. Mental health is defined as the capacity to generate fitting responses to
environmental demands that are also an authentic expression of individual values and style. Treatment
involves a close understanding of the patient’s constructed world in order to discover acceptable exits
from self-defeating cycles of thought and behavior, followed by experiences (including the therapy
relationship itself) that allow new meanings and actions to be experienced safely.
Professional Interests/Research: Integration of empirically supported therapies, counter transference
management, body-mind approaches to healing from psychological trauma.
LISA BURGESS, Ph.D.
University: Arizona State University
Assignment: Southwestern Blind Rehabilitation Center
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Burgess’s orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral with interest in systems
theory, interpersonal theory, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Sessions focus on developing
rapport firstly and secondly on providing support to assist individuals in developing metacognitive skills,
and in incorporating the meaning of illness/disability into a positive sense of self.
Professional Interests/Research: Personality and health, geropsychology, mindfulness-based
interventions, psychotherapy process.
NADINE C. COLE, Ph.D.
University: Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary
Assignment: Psychological Assessment; Director of Psychology Training
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Cole’s theoretical orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral, utilizing a
variety of techniques. These include the narrative approach of Meichenbaum, distorted thinking styles,
development of coping skills, mindfulness based cognitive-behavioral intervention, Cognitive Processing
Therapy and exposure based treatments.
Professional Interests/Research: Assessment, PTSD treatment, spirituality and coping skills, ethnic
minority mental health
JULIE EWING, Ph.D.
University: Texas Tech
Assignment: Mental Health Clinic/Psychological Assessment
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Ewing's theoretical orientation toward individual therapy is primarily cognitive
behavioral. While she emphasizes the important role that cognitions play in behavior, she also stresses
the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Behavioral change is effected through both cognitive
behavioral intervention and through the patient's realization that he/she is reenacting dysfunctional
behavioral patterns with the therapist. Her approach to group therapy reflects the process orientation
advocated by Irvin Yalom, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Professional Interests/Research: Psychotherapy, Assessment, Obesity, Smoking Cessation
MIRANDA M. FILIPPIDES, Ph.D.
University: University of Cincinnati
Assignment: Compensation and Pension Examinations
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Filippides’ principal areas of interest and clinical practice include personality
disorders, attachment theory and assessment, the sequelae of trauma, and short-term psychodynamic
treatment.
Professional Interests/Research:
PATRICIA L. HAYNES, PH.D.
University: San Diego State University/University of California-San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in
Clinical Psychology
Assignment: Mental Health Outpatient Clinic
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Haynes conceptualizes cases from a cognitive-behavioral and dialectical
behavioral therapy framework. She often adjusts individual treatment to patient needs and incorporates
different theoretical approaches into treatment, including motivational enhancement strategies,
acceptance based strategies, and feminist therapy. Her specialty is the behavioral treatment of sleep
problems in psychopathology. Therefore, her clinical practice has been strongly influenced by a
behavioral medicine paradigm.
Professional Interests/Research: CBT, sleep, depression, PTSD, stressful life events, treatment
development, and dissemination. Dr. Haynes is currently conducting several studies examining sleep and
sleep treatments in veterans with PTSD.
SABRINA K. HITT, Ph.D.
University: Arizona
Assignment: Mental Health Clinic
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Hitt’s theoretical orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral, and she also
draws from different theoretical approaches to tailor treatment to the individual client. She is particularly
interested in 3rd wave therapies and a mind-body approach to helping clients. She incorporates
elements of mindfulness meditation into cognitive therapy when appropriate, e.g. for emotion regulation,
and managing stress and anxiety. She also incorporates motivational enhancement therapy when clients
are not in the action stage. Paying attention to emotional issues can help the client to make sense out of
them and facilitate personal psychological development and behavior change. The therapeutic
relationship is considered the foundation for change, and a client-centered approach is emphasized.
Professional Interests/Research: Disclosure and health, new treatments for depression (e.g. motivational
enhancement therapy (MET), acupuncture, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy), Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy
ANDREW C. JONES, PhD.
University: Illinois Institute of Technology
Assignment: Chronic Pain Management Clinic
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Jones’ theoretical orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral, and he has a
strong interest in group therapeutic interventions. With respect to individual intervention, he prefers to
take a motivational interviewing approach to effect change in one’s approach to management of chronic
illness. Beyond initial evaluation and assessment of motivation and stage of change, he prefers group-
based interventions, as he finds the interaction between patients can significantly improve one’s self-
efficacy. Groups include cognitive therapy, insomnia management, and psycho-educational
interventions. He is also trained in and practices biofeedback therapy for pain management. His
background in terms of training and experience is almost exclusively in health psychology, having worked
in cardiac rehabilitation, pain management, spinal cord injury, and dialysis.
Professional/Research Interests: Dr. Jones’ primary interests are in chronic pain management as well as
adaptation to and coping with chronic illness. He also has a strong interest in the interaction between
sleep disorders, stress, and one’s perception of pain.
JOHN TSANADIS, Ph.D.
University: Ohio University
Assignment: Neuropsychological Assessment
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Tsanadis’ approach focuses on standardized objective assessment with
supplementary information provided by behavioral observation, background information, and process
analysis. He believes neuropsychological assessment should be grounded in empirically supported
assessment procedures rather than those that are just theoretically supported. Neuropsychology requires
the integration of several different domains of knowledge including neuroanatomy, neurology, psychiatry,
pharmacology, as well as psychometrics. Dr. Tsanadis advocates keeping the “psychology” in
neuropsychology by being cognizant of how psychological factors (i.e., personality, mental health
problems, expectations, reinforcement etc…) affect symptom presentation, tests results, and functionality.
Since neuropsychological measures are tests of behavior, performance is influenced by a variety of
factors in addition to brain function.
Professional Interests/Research: Symptom validity testing, traumatic brain injury outcomes, geriatric
neuropsychological assessment, ecological validity of neuropsychological tests, executive functions,
MMPI.
FRED W. WIGGINS, Ph.D.
University: Indiana University
Assignment: Consultation/Supervision/Education
Theoretical Orientation: Dr. Wiggins’ theoretical orientation is best described as multi-modal integrated.
While drawing on Rogerian principles for building the therapeutic relationship he conceptualizes clinical
issues primarily from a psychosocial developmental perspective. Therapeutic change is facilitated through
the utilization of a variety of cognitive-behavioral, cognitive-emotional, solution focused, and insight
oriented intervention strategies as determined by the client’s expressed needs in the therapeutic
relationship.
Professional/Research Interests: Individual, Couples, and Group Psychotherapy, Multicultural
Counseling and Development, Organizational Consultation, Teaching and Training.
Trainees
There is no relevant data for past trainees, as this is a new post-doctoral fellowship for 2011-12.
Local Information
The Tucson metropolitan area, with a population of approximately 1,000,000, is situated within the
Sonora Desert, a unique and fascinating environment. The city is surrounded by four mountain ranges
with peaks of nearly 10,000 feet. The climate is delightful. In fact, Tucson is the sunniest city in the U.S.
Winter days are mild and sunny, and summer offers cool mornings and evenings with low humidity. The
city offers an abundance of cultural and recreational activities, and its lack of urban sprawl makes these
readily accessible. There are art galleries, symphony, ballet, theater and major entertainers in concert.
The Native American and Hispanic cultures are major influences in the community. The wide variety of
restaurants offers, among other cuisine, Asian, Italian, traditional American and, as you might expect,
Mexican fare. For the gourmet, the restaurant scene is comprehensive enough to consume most of a
fellow's salary. Fortunately, much of the best of what Tucson offers is free, like the spectacular scenery.
The mountains surrounding Tucson provide ample opportunity for hiking, camping, rock climbing and
picnicking. It's an hour's drive to the southernmost ski resort in the U.S. at Mt. Lemmon (9200 feet).
Between Tucson and Mt. Lemmon one passes through all the climatic/environmental zones encountered
between the desert of northern Mexico and the towering pine and fir forests of Canada. The desert has a
special beauty that can be explored in comfort throughout fall, winter and spring. The beaches of northern
Mexico, beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, the White Mountains and the Grand Canyon are all accessible for
short vacations.
The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, makes a unique contribution to the cultural and intellectual
life of the community. The main, science and medical libraries are good complements to the VA medical
library. Arizona's athletic teams offer spectator sporting events including major-league and college
baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey and more.
In short, Tucson is a pleasant and stimulating place to complete one's training in psychology, and it
provides a wide variety of activities to supplement the fellowship experience.
Websites of interest:
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/twc/qwwp/qwwp_tus.php
http://www.tucsonaz.gov/index.php
http://www.pima.gov/