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Larry Baer

2014, PhD Psychology (Research and Clinical Training Option) (Supervisors: Virginia Penhune and Karen Li)

Clinical Psychologist (Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy-for-psychosis (CBTp) Service in the Complex Care and Recovery Program at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH))
Larry Baer

1.     How are you applying your degree in Psychology from Concordia?

I work in Canada’s largest psychiatric hospital on a small team of psychologists that provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to clients with a psychosis spectrum diagnosis. We offer a mix of group and individual therapy to outpatients, inpatients and day-treatment patients, as well as assessment and consultation services within the hospital. My responsibilities also include program development and clinical supervision of psychology graduate students.

2.     What do you value most from your experience in the Psychology program?

The enduring friendships I made while I was at Concordia and the chance to explore. The program afforded me the chance to delve into research and clinical areas I knew nothing about, take on projects outside my main area, and write for and eventually edit a research centre newsletter. All of those different aspects of my Concordia experience helped shape me into the person I am today, both professionally and personally.

3.     Is there a particular memory that stands out from your time at Concordia?

My clinical supervisory experiences with the Concordia psychology faculty continue to influence me as a clinician. My professors serve as my models for the kind of clinical supervisor I have become and continually strive to be. Another set of memories that stands out is the collaborative and supportive environment created by my research supervisors, Virginia Penhune and Karen Li.

4.     What advice would you give to someone considering graduate studies in a Psychology program?  

Have a long-term goal that motivates you and keep an open mind as you advance through the program. My initial goal was to become a neuropsychologist specializing in a geriatric population. Then I did a practicum in a psychosis clinic because I wanted experience treating serious mental illness and felt it was important to overcome my personal stigma about people with psychosis. In the end, I fell in love with this underserved population that has complex needs and often heartbreaking struggles, and can benefit greatly from everything clinical psychology has to offer.

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