The areas in which I feel led to become a thought leader are clinical
psychology and educational psychology. These two areas have the
potential to overlap as clinical research can impact the field of education.
However, one cannot cross both roles simultaneously due to ethical
considerations with a dual relationship and research (APA, 2017).
An emerging area that interests me is the area of mental health in the
field of education. In the midst of the pandemic, it was clear to see how
the mental health of others was impacted. During the pandemic, my
position as a group counselor in a private non-profit organization was
terminated as a result of not being able to meet and a shortage in
enrollment. However, after a while, the agency was asking for me to
return due to people coming back into the field. Therefore, it was clear
that the field was growing again. Additionally, as a current educator in a
high school setting, it is evident how mental health reform is beginning to
be implemented within the schools. The discussions around mental health
are not as taboo and students are starting to be more open about mental
health concerns. Furthermore, our district has implemented a program for
students to become advocates for mental health reform and they are able
to learn about signs that someone needs assistance.
First, I feel as though the Lord is still tying me to both clinical counseling
and the teaching field. For now, I am not sure why and I am not sure
which one will need my attention more. However, I have been able to
identify significant mental health concerns and be an advocate within the
school district, while avoiding dual relationships and things of that nature.
I feel led to learn more about mental health concerns in young people and
methods of treatment. Additionally, I feel led to research more about
intelligence and mental health concerns in order to explore a possible
correlation.
There are no major changes or clarifications to my original discussion post
regarding becoming a thought leader. However, Sproul’s text, The
Consequences of Ideas (2000), has influenced my thoughts. For instance, I
feel inspired to continue to question and dig deeper into the thoughts and
ideas that I have. Although some areas of research are limited, it is
possible that I could assist in developing the area more and opening up
additional research in the field.
2
Resources
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of
psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved
from2https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/ethics-code-2017.pdf
Sproul, R.C. (2000). The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the
Concepts that Shaped our World (redesign). Wheaton, IL: Crossway. ISBN:
9781433563775.
