Domain

Professional Practice

Promoting the practice of psychotherapy and the needs of practitioners.

Mission

The purpose of the Professional Practice Domain, along with the Professional Practice Committee, is to facilitate awareness of relevant practice issues to Division 29 members, APA membership, and the public at large. The domain promotes awareness of, as well as provides access to, new theoretical understandings, therapeutic methodologies, and research evidence to inform the professional practice of psychotherapists in delivering relationally attuned, culturally competent, evidence-informed care. The domain also provides high quality and state-of-the-art Continuing Education programs and presentations at the APA Annual Convention to enhance training and education for professionals as well as the public. Those interested in becoming more involved with the Professional Practice Domain can do so in a myriad of ways:

Members may wish to submit original articles to:
1. the Psychotherapy Bulletin (i.e., “thought pieces”, personal reflections, creative works, or other short articles),
2. Psychotherapy, our Division journal,
3. the Division 29 website (i.e., Special Features)
Members can also submit presentations and symposia to the Division’s conference program at the annual APA Convention.
Members can apply for any of the three professional practice awards.
Lastly, members can join the Professional Practice Committee if they are interested in promoting the practice of psychotherapy. The Committee encourages students and early career psychotherapists to join. Informal conference calls are held on a bimonthly basis.

Please see additional practice related articles and videos under the Read More tab above. If you are interested in becoming involved or learning more about the Professional Practice Domain, please contact Barbara Vivino at drbarbaravivino@protonmail.com

Domain Representatives

Professional Practice Domain Representative to the Board of Directors

Amy E. Ellis, Ph.D. (she/her)

Amy E. Ellis, Ph.D. (she/her) is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Trauma Resolution & Integration Program (TRIP) at Nova Southeastern University. She provides training and consultation on the provision of trauma-informed affirmative care and treating complex clinical cases. She also has a private practice with a clinical focus in treating trauma, eating disorders, and personality disorders, and a special niche focusing on trauma-informed affirmative care for the LGBTQ+ community. She is a Consulting Editor on two APA journals and Associate Editor for Division 42’s Practice Innovations. Her current clinical and research interests focus on underserved populations who have increased exposure and risk to trauma (i.e., men, LGBTQ+, racial and ethnic minorities), tailoring evidence-based trauma treatments to these populations, and training and supervision in the field of trauma.

Professional Practice Committee Chair to the Board of Directors

Marcy Rowland, Ph.D. (she/her)

Marcy Rowland, Ph.D. (she/her) received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University-Bloomington. Currently, Dr. Rowland works as a full-time independent practitioner in Hollidaysburg, PA. Her clinical practice focuses on work with adolescents, adults and families with a focus on relational systems and trauma-informed practice. She has previously served as Chair of the Section on Professional Practice for the Society for Counseling Psychology (Div17) and is delighted to serve in a similar capacity with the Society for Advancement of Psychotherapy.

Latest Insights

Latest in Professional Practice

Assessment & Treatment+2 more

The Maintenance of Self-Preservation in Narcissistic Personalities: Suggestions for Partners, Family Members, and Friends

Abstract This paper examines narcissistic personality disorder as a psychological reaction against internal fragmentation brought on by the activation of unresolved core maladaptive emotional states that shape a foundational sense of self. The goal for the individual exhibiting narcissistic behavior is to maintain self-preservation. Restorative regression can cause interpersonal damage that may leave partners, family […]

Michael Pica, PsyD

October 20, 2025

Advocacy+2 more

The Future of Master’s-Level Psychotherapists Trained in Psychology

Master’s-level psychotherapists have been receiving degrees and practicing psychotherapy for many years. As most are aware, there are different types of training programs at the master’s level. Importantly, some of those training programs are explicitly grounded in psychology. For example, programs in Counseling Psychology often offer both master’s and doctoral training, and there are some […]

Jake Jackson-Wolf, LCPC + 1 more

April 16, 2025

Assessment & Treatment+2 more

Best Practices in Psychedelic-Assisted Group Psychotherapy

Psychedelic-assisted group psychotherapy (PAGP) is an emerging therapeutic approach that harnesses the neurophysiological effects of psychedelic substances within a group setting to address various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance-use disorders, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders. Rooted in centuries-old indigenous practices where they were used as sacred tools for healing, community […]

Gabriella Rodriguez, B.A. + 1 more

February 5, 2025

Assessment & Treatment+2 more

Making Space for Spirituality While Treating Substance Use Disorders

As a graduate student new to addiction treatment, I have felt a growing curiosity about the degree to which spirituality is brought into psychotherapy. I attend a private religious university, thus my first therapy patients routinely spoke of God, recited scripture, or wrestled with interpretations of morality. This simultaneously became a sublime and perilous feature […]

Aileen Rands, MS

January 4, 2025

Advocacy+2 more

Suicide Prevention Takes a Village at Universities: Eight Key Strategies

Engaging in suicide prevention on university campuses requires a comprehensive approach that involves a variety of strategies and invested partners. Universities have the unique opportunity to cultivate a supportive environment that promotes mental health and provides effective interventions for those in crisis. This article discusses how universities can implement a multifaceted approach to suicide prevention […]

Layna Adams, MS + 2 more

November 20, 2024

Bridging Practice & Research+3 more

Invitation to Join the SAP Professional Practice Committee

We invite you to take an active role in our division by joining our Professional Practice Committee. As a committee member, you’ll have the opportunity to shape policies, advocate for needed changes, and set standards that benefit therapists and clients alike. Enhance your professional development, connect with leaders and peers, and expand your expertise on […]

Amy E. Ellis, Ph.D. + 1 more

October 31, 2024

View all Professional Practice articles

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