#62

ANG PAG-IBIG PARA SA AKIN

Ang daming hinahanap ng tao. Papalit-palit ng gusto. Kung mahal mo, hindi mo sasaktan. Pipilitin mong maging mabuti para sa kanya. Hindi mo siya iiwan sa kabila ng kahinaan niya. Alam mo kung bakit maraming unsuccessful relationship? Kasi masyado nating itinuturing ang pag-ibig na para bang bagay na dapat makamit. Kailangan maging maganda o gwapo sa taong "gusto" mo lang pero hindi "mahal" kaya kapag nakuha mo na at tumagal na ng ilang panahon at lumipas na rin kasabay ng kilig at kasabay na rin ng lumipas na ganda ng taong iyon, maghahanap ka na naman ng panibagong taong magbibigay sa'yo ng "thrill." Hinahanap-hanap mo. Pucha kung ganon, pumunta ka ng Meralco at magpakuryente ka. Ewan ko na lang.

Hindi nauubos ang pagse-set natin ng standards sa taong gusto natin pero tinanong ba natin ang sarili natin kung tayo ba yung taong gugustuhin o mamahalin? Hindi. Kasi lagi tayong naghahanap at lagi nating itinuring ang pag-ibig na para bang gamit na kapag niluma ng panahon ay papalitan. Hindi yon ganon. Ang pag-ibig ay araw-araw tinatrabaho, inaayos, pagkukwentuhan, pagbibisita sa isa't-isa, pagpapakumbaba, pag-inom ng kape ng sabay, paghingi ng tawad, pagsosorpresa, at pagbubulong ng mahal kita bago matulog o pagkagising sa umaga!

Ang pag-ibig ay pagbubukas ng maraming pagkakataon para sa inyong dalawa para mas makilala pa ang malawak na mundo! Hindi ito pagsasama ninyong dalawa! Ang pag-ibig ay pagbibigay ng respeto sa bawat isa! Ang pag-ibig ay binubuo ninyong dalawa ng magkahiwalay na mayroong kanya-kanyang pagkakakilanlan kasabay ng maraming maliliit na mga bituin at planeta na umiikot sa bawat isa...ito iyong mga taong mahalaga sa inyo at mga pangarap ninyo.

Lahat ng hinahanap mo, makikita mo sa iisang tao. Kung matututo kang maghintay na umusbong ang mga katangian na iyon sa inyong dalawa dahil ang pag-ibig ay paghihintay at pasensya. Walang madali.

Ang pagmamahal ay hindi sinusukat ng "kilig" lang. Ito ay paggawa sa maliliit na alaala sa oras na magkasama kayo at wala kayong pakialam kung ano man ang sinasabi ng mundo o ng bukas dahil kahit hindi nila alam ang lahat ng mayroon sa inyo...basta ang alam ninyo na sa huli o sa susunod man dimensyon kung may pagkakataon...mahal ninyo ang isa't-isa dahil ang tunay na pagmamahal ay kapayapaan.

Wala nang iba.

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GUIDELINES IN MAKING PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORT

·         Avoid mentioning general characteristics which could describe almost anyone unless the particular importance in the given case is made clear.

·         Describe the particular attributes of the individual fully, using as distinctive as possible.

·         Simple listing of characteristics is not helpful; tell how they are related and organized in the personality.

·         Information should be organized developmentally with respect to the timeline of the individual life.

·         Many of the problems of poor reports such as vague generalization, overqualification, clinging to the immediate data, stating the obvious, and describing stereotypes are understandable but undesirable reacts to uncertainty.

·         Validate statements with an actual behavioral response.

·         Avoid, if possible, the use of qualifiers such as “it appears,” “it seems,” “more likely” for these convey the psychologists’ uncertainties and indecisions.

·         Avoid using technical terms. Present them using layman’s language.

PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORTING IN CLINICAL SETTING

A.    The psychological report must meet the following criteria:

1.      Clarity- written language that can be easily understood

2.      Meaningfulness of the report- perceived by the reader as clear and is clearly understood by the gender

3.      Synthesis of the report

B.     Aids in Communication

1.      Language can be understood by the intelligent lay person

2.      Individualized report – particular to the client

3.      Level of the detail – in general, there should be a mixture of abstract generalities, specific behavioral illustrations and some testing detail (allow evaluations)

FORMAT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORT: (There is no universal format, it may vary)

a.       Personal Information

b.      Referral Question

c.       Tests Administered

d.      Behavioral Observation (Tests and interview)

e.       Test Results and Interpretation

f.       Summary Formulation

g.      Diagnostic Impression

h.      Recommendation

INTERPRETATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT RESULTS

A.    Levels of Interpretation

1.      Level I

2.      Level II

3.      Level III

B.     Avoiding Errors in Clinical Interpretations

A.    Levels of Interpretation

Level I

·         There is minimal amount of any sort of interpretation

·         There is a minimal concern with intervening process

·         Data are primarily treated in a sampling or correlate way

·         There is no concern with underlying constructs

·         Found in large-scale selection testing

·         For psychometric approaches

Note: There is no underlying guilt or unresolved conflict associated with this level; job application in industrial setting, school admission tests, and PNP selection procedure are examples

Level II

            There are two kinds of interpretation

·         Descriptive generalization. For example, seeing an aggressive client and making generalization about it (but, it should be done with careful observation and must be corroborated by other findings)

·         Hypothetical construct. The assumption of an inner state which goes logically beyond the description of visible behavior. For example, frequent handwashing might mean an unconscious attempt to expiate one’s guild and sins. (Again, this is just an example and there are other examples)

Note: Clinical approaches to psychological assessment mean using clinical interviews and projective technique

Level III

·         This is a level that utilizes idiographic approach. The idiographic approach is being specific in analyzing the client by studying his uniqueness.

·          The effort is to develop a coherent and inclusive theory of the individual life of the patient/client.

·         In terms of general theoretical orientation, the clinician attempts a full-scale exploration of the individual personality, psychosocial situation, and development history

·         Clinical approach

B.     Avoiding Errors in Clinical Interpretations

·         Information-overload

·         Schematization. Simplify the information to the point of disregarding important aspects of the person that might help the clinician understand the behavior of the client.

·         Insufficient internal evidence for interpretation. For example, administering one test and make generalizations about it is inadequate. Thus, insufficient internal evidence that explains the actual behavior of the person. We need to prevent this by providing enough number of tests to suffice the internal evidence.

·         Insufficient external verification of interpretation. Always bear in mind that tests should be complementary and must also consider the actual display of behavior. We need to interview the significant people of the client or consider looking at previous records to verify the results of the test.

Note:

Aggressiveness of the client

“The psychological test results showed…as evidenced by his frequent bullying and quarrels at home…”

·         Overinterpretation. For example, long nose from the drawing of the client was interpreted by the test examiner as sexual preoccupation or aggression without considering the fact that the client’s long nose represents his actual nose.

Note: Always interpret the results against the background of the client. There is no universal interpretation for all people.

·         Lack of individuation. Writing a psych report that can describe anyone such as “a patient has anxiety and insecurity” and “has aggressive tendencies.” All people, to some extent, has anxiety, insecurity, and aggressive tendencies. Note: “Barnum Effect”

·         Lack of integration. Do not use conflicting statements. Try to see the common theme. If you administered different tests, just get the common theme.

·         Over “pathologizing.” Avoid using too many negative statements. Remember, even the most disliked person possess some innate goodness. Include positive traits that you observed because these positive traits can be used in developing a treatment plan.

·         Over “psychologizing.” For example, your client scratched his nose and interpreted as anxious, nervousness, or tension when in fact it’s just a scratch due to itch.

TESTS AS DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

A.     Basic Principles in the use of Diagnostic Tests

1.      Tests are samples of behavior. The results of the tests exemplify the behavior of examinees in nontesting conditions. Tests capture the behavior, though implied or indirect, of the examinees.

2.      Tests do not reveal traits or capacities directly. Most of the time, test examinees do not show the traits at the time they took the tests. However, we can infer the behavior of the examinees corroborated by administered tests and as evidenced by actual observations during an interview and validated statements from multiple sources.

3.      Psychological maladjustments selectively and differentially affect the test scores. As future psychologists, we must bear in mind that psychological maladjustments of our clients can be determined by psychometric properties of tests and inner states of projective tests. Thus, high scores in one dimension imply psychological maladjustment. For instance, a person with high scores on the aggressive dimension of a particular test means aggressiveness of that person. Of course, this inference should be validated by other tests as well as clinical interviews, observations, and statements from multiple sources.

4.      The Psychometric and projective approaches, although distinguishable, are mutually complementary.

Side notes:

It was observed from the past few years that some professors and even psychologists committed some errors in creating psychological reports. For example, some psychologists are using the common words such as “it tends to,” “it appears,” “it seems,” and other uncertain words. These statements imply that the practitioner is not sure of what has been stated in the psychological report. Moreover, it shows that the practitioner tries to play safe.

Using vague statements are detrimental to the client. It does not specifically address the problems or issues. According to the resource person, it has to be stopped. Since we already have licensure examination for Psychologist, our works should exemplify professionalism and excellence. We need to do our work, to validate the tests, to ascertain our statements, and to make an inference based on systematic procedures of psychological assessment such as clinical interviews (clinician and multiple sources), observations and psychological tests (tests that are complementary). We need to make categorical statements in our reports to address the problem.

To illustrate, he cited an example of a patient who visited his doctor to determine his illness. The doctor conducted series of tests to determine the problem. When the results came out, he provided an indefinite answer and said, “It seems that you have cancer based on the results.”  Hahaha. The point is, when you already follow the systematic procedure of psychological assessment, there is no room for us not to make a categorical statement.

B.      Criteria for Test Selection

1.      It must be relevant to the problem. You need to know the demographic profile of your client in order to conduct the appropriate tests and treatment. For example, we want to measure the cognitive ability of an individual. However, the person is unable to read and write. In this case, it is inappropriate to administer the verbal test to patients who are unable to read and write. It will be better to conduct the nonverbal test.

2.      Appropriate for the patient/client. The example mentioned above can also be applied.

3.      Familiar to the examiner. The examiner should be familiar and well-versed with the exams that he will administer.

4.      Adaptable to the time available. The examiner knows when and how to adjust the time in giving a test. He must consider the submission deadline of the psychological report so he can administer an appropriate test that is appropriate as well as within the range of the time frame for compliance. For example, you cannot administer and interpret the projective tests within the day and submit it on the same day. Always consider the time frame, relevance to the problem, and the appropriateness of the test.

5.      Valid and reliable. The psychologist follows the clinical scientist model. Psychologist uses scientific methods and bases their interpretation on empirical evidence. The tests should be valid (as supported by other related tests) and reliable (free from errors).

C.      Need for Battery Testing

1.      No single test proves to yield a diagnosis in all cases or to be in all cases correct in the diagnosis it indicates.

Note: Avoid administering too many examinations because it will be a source of error. 4-5 complementary tests will do. Make sure that there is sufficient clinical evidence.

2.      Psychological maladjustment whether mild or severe may encroach on any or several functions tapped by tests, leaving other functions absolutely or relatively impaired.

Note: One test will be limited; more test can help us determine if other areas of functioning are affected.

BABY STEP TO RPsy: ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE BY ATTENDING SEMINARS

I just attended the seminar earlier entitled: COMMUNICATING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT RESULTS, a lecture series by UST Psychotrauma Clinic. Our  Resource Person is Prof. Rosalito de Guzman, PhD, RP, CSCLP. 

The topic outline was divided into four parts:

I. Psychological Assessment

A. Principles in the use of tests as diagnostic tool

B. Criteria for selection

C. Need for battery testing

II. Interpretation

A. Levels of Interpretation

B. Avoiding errors in clinical interpretation

III. Communicating Results

A. Considerations on Psychological Report in Clinical Setting

B. Aids in communication

B.1 Language

B.2 Individualized Report

B.3 Levels of Details

IV. Guidelines in Making Psychological Report

This is a long post so I will create a separate blog post. I hope you enjoy! Please read it if you intend to take the psychometrician board examination or psychologist board examination. This is a nice topic to understand the basic concepts of psychological assessment and its importance.

QUE SERA, SERA

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

I love this quote by Paulo Coelho. Most of the time, I felt like the universe is always there to provide me all things that I never thought would happen. In a span of one month, things have changed. Great things were just unveiled. I never thought those things would be possible.

I never thought those things will be offered to me. I set those things to happen in my thirties and it was offered to me this year. Thank you, Universe.

I will not disclose it to anyone right now but this is something big that I hope I can manage. I will surprise them with it. hahaahaha.

GOODBYES AND UNPREDICTABLE SIDE OF ME

Kailan ko lang na-realized, tipong kanina lang...Ayoko ng pamamaalam. Naalala ko lahat ng pangyayari simula ng high school ako hanggang sa Master's degree.

Simula pa lang nang high school ako, hindi ako namamaalam ng maayos. After kong makuha lahat ng awards sa stage at matapos na ang graduation, umalis na kami agad ng parents ko. Hindi na ako nag-stay sa room para magpaalam o magsabi ng paalam sa teacher ko. Ayoko ng malungkot.

Noong college graduation ko, naulit iyon. Pagkatapos ng recessional, nagmamadali akong lumabas ng World Trade Center para umuwi kasama ang mother ko at girlfriend ko. Hindi ako nagpaalam sa mga classmates ko habang nagpipicture pa sila sa venue.

Noong nag-oath taking ako, mabilis rin akong umuwi. Wala na akong sinayang na pagkakataon, nagpicture lang ako doon sa isang mahalagang taong tumulong sa akin nang self-review tapos umalis na ako kaagad.

Noong Master's degree, naulit ulit. Mabilis pa ako kay Flash na lumabas ng bulwagan para umuwi na ulit.

Hindi ako umaattend ng Christmas party nang college ako at ilang beses na rin akong hindi sumasama sa outing. Wala akong ganoong feeling. Hindi ko feel nang college pa ako. Siguro ayoko nga kasi talaga, masyado akong focus sa mga goals ko.

Nang maging teacher ako, kailan ko lang na-realized na importante ang mga maliliit na kasiyahan para may maibaon ka kasama ng mga kaibigan mo...pero heto ako, hindi ko binigyan ng pagkakataon ang sarili ko na gawin iyon. Marahil ayoko ng mga bagay na para sa akin masyadong emosyonal at ayoko ng mga bagay na magpapalungkot sa akin. Ayoko ng mga alaala na magpapaalala sa akin.

Ngayon lang ako bumabawi sa mga ganyan, kailan lang ako nagsasaya. Buong buhay ko, seryoso ako. Nang bata ako, oo masaya ako, pero sobrang daming problems ng family ko noon eh. Kapag sa bahay malungkot ako, sa school kulang kulang ang mga gamit ko at matagal ako nagkaroon ng mga gamit para makapag-aral ng maayos. Overall, seryoso ako. Seryoso akong tao in real life. Kung hindi ako nagkagirl-friend, hindi ko alam kung anong klaseng tao ako. HAHAHA. Siya lang kasi nagpalambot ng puso ko saka nagpakita na ayos lang ipakita ang soft side. Siya rin ang dahilan kung bakit nasa larangan ako ng sikolohiya.

Ayoko ng pamamaalam. Ayokong maging malungkot. Natatawa ako, ako pala yung taong medyo detached type pero gumagamit ng facade na extrovert. Ang galing. Hahaha. Sa ngayon, palagay ko ambivert ako pero more on facade ang extraversion ko eh. Sa mga lectures ko, true naman lahat ng sinasabi ko pero after kasi noon sobrang drained ako tapos ayoko ng may kausap kapag nasa bahay na ako. Kailangan kong magrecharge. Mukhang makapal ang mukha ko kapag naglelecture ako pero sa totoo lang maraming beses na nauubusan rin ako ng lakas ng loob na manguna sa ilang situations, minsan ayoko rin sa harapan umupo at kung minsan nananahimik ako. Nag-oobserve lang. Pero minsan lahat naman ng energy nasa akin na tipong marami akong sinasabi at shinashare sa mga nakakausap ko kahit hindi ko naman sila kilala. Ang gulo no? Hahaha pero maniwala ka, ambivert ako. I have both characteristics ng personality type na 'yan pero in real life nga, serious ako...mas lamang ang pagiging seryoso. Stick lang ako sa bagay na alam kong makakabuti sa akin. Halimbawa, minsan lang ako magmahal. Iyon lang yung girlfriend ko. Siya lang. Siya ang first ko, siya na rin sana ang last ko. Hindi ako nag-try sa iba. Wala naman na akong nanaisin kasi saka ayoko siya saktan. 10 years na kami this year. Parehas kaming first in relationship. Ito yung example na seryoso talaga akong tao na kapag importante ka sa akin, kahit magmukha akong tanga ayos lang. Papasayahin kita. Ipaglalaban kita. Ganoon.

Mukha lang mahilig mag-joke. Sa sobrang galing ko yata magpanggap, akala ng iba naughty type ako na tipong iniisip ng iba na "player" ako. NO! Stick to one 'to. Hindi porket marunong magpatawa eh nagbabago-bago na. Kapag naisip mo sa akin yan, ibig sabihin hindi mo ako kilala. lol

Iilang tao lang ang nakakakilala sa akin at ilang tao lang ang nakakaalam ng kung sino talaga ako. Yung tipong kahit hindi ako magsalita alam na nila. Sila yung mga taong trusted ko. Most of the time kasi hindi ako madaling magtiwala. As in. Though you can see in my face na okay ako sayo pero may malaking social space doon na gusto kong bigyan mo ng respeto. Kapag tinamaan mo iyon, ewan ko na lang. Kaya ko lang gawin ang mga roles na binibigay sa akin ng situation pero after noon kaya kong magdetach. That's me.

Hindi ka maniniwala na, mabilis akong mag-detach at magaling akong magpigil ng emotions ko. Kaya nga nakatagal ako kahit paano sa isang company na sobrang stressful eh. Yung tipong kahit may lumuha sa harapan mo nandoon pa rin ang walls mo at objective ka pa rin sa situation kasi kailangan mong sumunod sa protocol. Tigas, no? Sa magkakapatid ako raw ang may pinakamatigas na puso. lol. Iyan talaga ang term nila sa akin. Kapag sinabi kong ayoko, ayoko. Kapag sinabi kong gagawan ko ng paraan, gagawan ko ng paraan. Kapag mahalaga ka sa akin, babanggain ko ang iba para lang matulungan kita. Ganoon ako. Saka hindi ko binibilang yung mga nagagawa ko sa iba, wala lang. Basta kapag feel ko na gawin yun dahil yun ang role ko bilang teacher, mabuting human, o guidance counseling coordinator, gagawin ko yun...may sense of connection naman ako sa ganoon kasi sa mga naranasan ko rin ng bata ako na walang-wala kami...pero tulad ng sabi ko, hindi ko binibilang at wala sa akin yun. Ganoon lang talaga. Kaya hindi mo kailangan magpasalamat sa akin ng paulit-ulit. Isa lang ayos na tapos kapag nakita kong okay ka na saka kapag nalaman kong masaya ka sa nangyari, bayad ka na. Yun lang. Life goes on, isang story iyon na babaunin ko hanggang pagtanda, hindi ko makakalimutan yung feeling pero hindi ako mamamahay sa mga alaalang iyon ng matagal.

We are meant to explore various aspects in life. Damhin mo sila pero matuto kang magdetach kung kinakailangan. Ayos lang na maging masaya pero kung gusto mo ng privacy, ayos lang rin.

Palagay ko, dala rin kasi ng mga naranasan ko mula pa ng bata ako kung bakit rin ako ganito. Naubos na lahat ng luha at emotions ko dahil sa dami ng experiences ko. Naubos na ang luha ko at napagod na siguro ako.

To be honest, masayang-masaya ako sa mga students ko na nakatapos na...alam kong makikita ko pa sila. Hindi man ako nagpakita, kasi ng ayoko ng pamamaalam. Alam kong may next time pa naman. Saka sa buong buhay ko, yung mga parties na dinaluhan ko, sa kanila ko lang naranasan. Haha. Ang lakas nila.

Sana lang pagbutihin nila palagi. Sorry kung hindi ako nagpaalam sa inyo.

TEACHER AKO, PROUD AKO

Napakaswerte ko lang na maranasan na makaakyat ng stage sa Ynares Center, Antipolo para tawagin ang pangalan ng mga students ng kolehiyo namin. Ang makita mong martsa ang mga students mo sa entablado habang tinatawag ang mga pangalan nila kasama ang mga magulang nila, sobrang saya.

Alam mo yung pakiramdam na iiyak ka na? Alam mo yung pakiramdam na para ka na nilang naging magulang? Iba pala talaga. Binuhos ko ang puso ko sa mga batang ito at alam kong ganoon rin naman sila sa abot ng makakaya nila at ayun na nga! Nakuha nila ang inaasam na diploma.

Babaunin ko ang mga alaala na ito at lagi kong pahahalagan ang mga magiging students ko. Ang makapagpagraduate at magawa mo ng maayos ang trabaho mo bilang guro, isang masarap at malaking pagkakataon na hindi ko sasayangin. Taas noo kong ipagmamalaki na teacher ako at alam kong nabuhay ako para sa larangan na ito para makatulong sa paraan na alam ko.

Sana maabot ninyo ang mga pangarap ninyo, huwag kayong sumuko. Umiyak kayo sa ilang beses na pagdapa, kahihiyan at katangahan na mararanasan ninyo pero huwag na huwag ninyong iisipin na mahina ka. Sa panahon na isipin mo iyon, binibigyan mo ng pagkakataon na matalo ka nito.

Labanan mo kasi makakaya mo ang bawat problema. Sana palagi ninyo iisipin iyan. Hindi mo kailangan na maging famous sa buong mundo o sa Pilipinas, ang kailangan mo lang gawin...mahanap ang pagmamahal mo sa mga gawain mo...susunod na lang ang iba. Sana mahanap ninyo iyon.

Palagi ko rin pagbubutihan pa ang aking mga gagawin at mag-aaral ng mabuti para sa kanila.

Note: Hindi ako nagpaalam, I hate goodbyes.

GOODBYE, PROFESSOR

Today, I delivered my first ever eulogy. I never thought it would be that hard for me. I restrain myself from crying.

My fave professor was a man who seemed to be misperceived by most students. He was labeled as "terror prof" and when someone found out that you're one of his students, they will make a jest such as "condolence" and "GOOD LUCK."

He seemed to be stern, rigid, strict, and morose-looking but when you try to analyze and look closely to the way he talks and behaves, he's just playing a particular role. He's using a strict professor facade.

He highly influenced me to love deeply Psychology, to be particular, to love Theories of Personality. I love his subject to the point of finishing the book ahead of time and I bagged the title, "champion" in departmental quiz bee on that subject when I was in college.

I was once a quizzer and my group made it to the top 10 in a national quiz bee all because we were influenced by terror profs like him in our college.

Until now, I am applying all the things that I've learned from him. I am applying the concepts of time management by properly scheduling all the task ahead of time ( a skill that I learned when I was his secretary), to read more books, to do my best, to compete not with others but to who I was before, and to love my family even more.

I am really sad until now. To be honest, I am teary while typing my blog post.

He deserved my respect and he had a life well-lived. Thank you, professor. Others might not understand you, but your memories will always come alive in the hearts of your students. You will always be alive in our hearts.

I am a national lecturer in the Philippines and teaching psychology subjects in a reputable institution. Currently, I am also teaching Theories of Personality and Industrial Psychology at a popular review center. I travel Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to teach these subjects. If it wasn't for him, I will never achieve what I am and what I have right now.

Thank you, professor. I hope for your peaceful ascension in nirvana. We love you.

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YES TO HEALTHY DISCUSSION!

"13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher is controversial. People have different opinions on his book and the Netflix series. It create debates online.  

As one of the admins of Philippine Psychometrician Reviewer page, I think there's a need for me to speak up and share my thoughts on our page. So here's my comment:

I am finished with the series. It's pessimistic but I viewed it in a different way. It's an eye-opener. For some people, there are few things that you need to consider before watching it. *see warning posts and reviews*

As mental health advocates, our goal is to create an awareness about mental health. We can shed light on the negative consequences and impact of suicide, and how to deal with it. We are here to help the viewers interpret the series in a positive way.

Let us create a community that promotes healthy discussion instead of arguments that can lead to factions. Let us help one another.

We are all under one umbrella. We are all psych majors and mental health advocates. I believe, we need to stick to our goal, to increase the productivity and well-being of people. We need to create a huge safe space for all people regardless of their sex, gender, race, religion, and cultural background. We need to unite to make this world a better place for all...at least in our little way.

OUT AND PROUD, 2017!

Amor vincit omnia. 🤓💓

I am an advocate of mental health, well-being, and LGBT Psychology!

I got this from fierce advocate, Pierce Docena of UP Tacloban. It was a long journey for these pins to land in my hands. Haha. At last!

Viva Psychological Association of the Philippines LGBT- Special Interest Group!

For queerer and colorful future!

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LONELY

I know, I'm not the only one who felt this way. There are times when I feel so drained and empty. This time, I think it's because I'm exposed to too much people earlier.

I'm alive sometimes when I do things that I love, I'm energetic seeing awesome things in my newsfeed and happy when I'm with my loved ones. But there are times when I don't feel anything at all. It's like a big vacuum suck up my energy. Yes, weird right? Weird that I feel alone and empty even when I'm with a pool of people and seeing familiar faces. It happens, at least to me.

Fortunately, I'm a high functioning person (I think) because I get to finish some tasks, I read books, watch some films, date, and converse with different people. However, I can't just ignore this feeling. I feel empty right now.

I'm on my bed. I'm drinking my coffee and I'm trying to finish my acad book. I know I can finish this one chapter then I'll take some rest because tomorrow, I'll lecture again. Tomorrow will be different. I feel empty and tired now but tomorrow I'll be temporarily happy because I'll share what I love.

Teaching helps me divert these feelings of loneliness and emptiness. Teaching, somehow, gives me a sense of direction. It helps me realize that at least I'm significant. *I hope*

I still feel like I'm one of the faces in a crowd. A simple person who just have high ambitions and just want to share some insights from the books that I've read, training, and experiences.

Am I really that significant? My brain tells me, YES but my heart tells me...I'm empty.

By the way, let me just vent these feelings to alleviate it. I'm on my down phase. This is not so me because when you see me in person, I tend to smile a lot, talk a lot and share a lot of things. Right now, I try to divert my negative feelings by recognizing it, posting it here, and by finishing my book.

*sigh* Tomorrow. It will be different.

Note:

No, don't label me. I still think that I don't have a disorder, it's just that I experience some things that can be found in its spectra.

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READ FOR PROGRESS

"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider."

Francis Bacon, Of Studies

"Of Studies," is just a short essay. I love reading this when I was in high school and until now I thought of this when I read the comment section in any articles of PH News.

I noticed that most people, keep on saying things that aren't helpful to others. They keep on throwing muds and words that could tear one's pride. They haven't realized they are just consuming too much time for shattering one another. They haven't realized they are so different that when they opened their mouths and started talking, they won't win. Both parties already made up their minds.

It is futile to make any arguments in PH when both parties read the articles and make an argument for the sake of pointing something out, to win and not for the betterment or progress such as for judgment and consideration.

Some part of my brain hurts. Kidding.

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AVOID TOO MUCH MUSTERBATION

"Avoid too much MUSTerbation."

Oops, it's not what you think. Reread. Haha.

It's the term coined by Dr. Albert Ellis. This is a demand thinking that is closely related to "must, should, need to."

This is a self-defeating behavior. These statements "shoulds" and "should nots" often leave us feeling bad about ourselves because of unmet set of expectations.

To avoid this, challenge the statements.  For more info and other theories, see you in RGO Psychology branches!

Excited na ako, besh for RGO Psychology Season.

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REWRITING MY CHILDHOOD

Nagtataka talaga ako, pambata ba talaga 'tong mga kanta? Explain besh!

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I AM HERE

I found myself thinking about a lot of things. I know, I can't help everyone, I can't even make you feel you are significant for you don't know me personally, and I can't take your pain away, but if ever I have superpowers, I would really really like to have healing powers...

To heal all those broken hearts, souls, spirits, and even heal myself from tearing myself up sometimes.

I don't have it, sorry. I'm just an ordinary person with ambitious ideas. But I sincerely want you to know, wherever you are, I hope there someone out there (if not, I'm here) who can reach out for you from drowning in tears.

I hope that there is hope for you. There is light. There is always good things that await you. You just have to keep moving. You will find the right people on your way. Okay?

You know what is amazing about life? There is at least a sense of thrill about our future. We will never know what will happen and we all have a chance to start writing beautiful chapters of our lives. We all have an opportunity to make all those stories come true.

Yes, I might never know what you are going through but I could sense, we can all make it. Right? We can make it. We will make it through.

Good night, pals. ✊

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TIME TO BE ALIVE!

I'm so serious these days that I read cover to cover and read many books as I can though I am already familiar with the topics. I am serious than 2016 with my review lecture and I am taking my time to rehearse the topics. This year, there are RPsy reviewees which mean that I really need to take it one or two step higher if ever they will be around my lectures.

In preparation, I always take it seriously. I usually visualize myself talking in front of a crowd, anticipating questions, doing self-affirmations in front of a mirror, editing my questions, updating the topics for better lectures, and practice how I sound to the audience. In short, the rule should always better myself in every lecture and to consider my audience.

Yes, it is vital as a speaker to practice. You should not underestimate your audience. Graduates have fresh ideas and they are intelligent beings. They know more than you expect them to be so you better arm yourself with weapons.

I also need to master the timing of using humor in lectures. As I noticed, intelligent students will be bored by too much humor, a balance between the timing of using humor and serious discussion must be achieved. Sensitivity to their needs and cultural backgrounds should be considered which is why I prepare set of questions to adjust myself way better this time.

I know, I might not be the best because there are powerful lecturers than I am but I am always willing to learn and hone myself. 

Woo! I am ready and excited! I will document my journey in all branches assigned to me. This is exciting! I have some ice breakers, psych banats, puns, and video participation this 2017!

I am ready to visit Dagupan, Iloilo, Batangas, Bataan, Lipa, Zamboanga, Manila, Quezon City, Silang, Angeles, Bulacan, and Cebu for lectures!

See you, Psych majors! The roving lecturer is almost in! 

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DIY KOREAN DISH

Our DIY Korean Dish

We're craving for Korean food, "samgyeopsal." My girlfriend and I usually visit Don Day Korean Buffet restaurant at Antipolo City to eat Korean Dish once a month. This April, we decided to bring our fave samgyeopsal in our house so my mother and nephews could taste it. I had so much food. Hahaha. I really enjoyed rolling the pork belly dipped in Korean red chili pepper paste with lettuce.

We're so happy to share it with them and the food was way better when you're with loved ones. Hahaha. I really had a great time today, we just watched series and movies, eat, talk, and cuddle (chos). Haha.

You know I'm happy when I put it here in my blog for remembrance. 😉

Till next time. I hope you enjoy your Holy Week.

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TIME CAPSULE FOR 2025: 2 Years Ago of Its Creation

Time Capsule for 2025

This one was created 2 years ago! I'm excited to open this one on 2025! 😂 Ngayon palang gusto ko na buksan. Chos. Di ko na matandaan yung mahabang sinabi ko for my future self! I even included memories of 2015 to help me remember significant things noong 2015 kasi that's the genesis of amazing things that happened to my life. 🤓 Kaso ano kaya yung sinabi ko!? Di ko na talaga matandaan! 😂

Sana kung ano man yun, masaya ako sa 2025. 😉

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Dear Me, Future Psychologist. Yours truly, Dr. Y. Barry Chung

Dear Me, Future Psychologist. Yours truly, Dr. Y. Barry Chung: It’s time for the next installment of Dear me, future psychologist, a gradPSYCH Blog exclusive in which a prominent psychologist writes a letter to his/her 16-year-old self. We hope you enjoy these letters and glean some invaluable wisdom and guidance as you decide whether to enter graduate



An excerpt from his blog:

"Finally, it may be difficult to imagine your future when no one in your family tree has a college education, and you are growing up with very few resources. But looking back, I now understand that all of this experience is preparing you to be resilient, resourceful, independent, and self-motivated.  Your future achievements are built on the foundation of those who have paved your way, as well as your future mentors.  When in doubt of yourself, just trust others who see the potential in you, and say yes to them more often.  You will find out that you can do more than you thought you could."


I super relate with this blog post. As part of the minority (LGBT Community), a person who struggle for a long time to escape from poverty, and the only person who finished college (fortunately, even Master's degree), it's so hard to fight for your happiness when people around you keeps on telling you how to be someone. It's hard that you can't even eat 3 meals a day, to attend the school with all the materials and sufficient food, etc.


I am so happy that I surpassed those moments in my life (struggles in school, work, microaggressions, poverty, and other painful experiences). Indeed, nothing is permanent. You have to befriend those daily struggles for it only prepares you for something big in the future. Keep on moving forward, keep your head up, and keep your feet on the ground.

We can do this! <3

IS DEPRESSION AN EMOTION OR A DISORDER?

Yes, it is also an emotion the same way we feel grief, anger, or fear but this one is experienced in an extreme way or somehow out of control. It is also a disorder because your daily function is disrupted (revisit the AbPsych’s intro about abnormality). Depression tells us that our psychological health is not functioning well and that some needs are not being met. Hence, people feel inadequate, there is a loss of interest, disturbed sleep, and appetite, etc. You may read other articles that might help you understand my answer and they are better explanations from experts:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/lets-connect/201107/emotions-and-depression-0

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/depression

http://www.healthtalk.org/young-peoples-experiences/depression-and-low-mood/what-does-depression-feel-emotional-cognitive-experiences

WANT TO KNOW THE NAME OF YOUR PSYCH BAND?

So I was just having a cup of coffee and tried to make some fun. Hahaha! Know the name of your band!

AN EXCERPT FROM BIG QUESTIONS FROM LITTLE PEOPLE...:WHY DO WARS HAPPEN?

WHY DO WARS HAPPEN?

Alex Crawford
war reporter

Wars happen because people don’t talk enough to each other. I have interviewed militant fighters in Afghanistan who hate the West. The West is where I come from – and maybe you. It’s the part of the world that includes Britain and America. Afghanistan is a country where British and American soldiers have been battling Taliban fighters for years. When the Taliban meet me they are astonished because I am often not only the first Westerner they have met but also the first Western woman.

When we start talking about our families and our children and what many people in the West think about them and the war, their whole attitude to me changes. We realise we are not so different and we
probably want the same things. We both want peace.

Mostly wars happen because governments, which take decisions on our behalf, are frightened. A bit like when you are in the playground on your own because your mate is off school and the other ‘gang’ starts calling you names. What do you feel like doing? I bet sometimes you feel like calling them names back. And then when you get into a fight, it’s hard, really hard to be the first one to stop and admit you’re wrong. It’s just the same with different countries.

Reference:

BIG QUESTIONS from Little People . . . and Simple Answers from GREAT MINDS compiled by Gemma Harris

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THE GIRL WHO TRANSFORMED ME TO BE A BETTER PERSON

Maybe she didn't know that I'm dead serious when I told her she inspired me to become a better person. She has social anxiety (really hates to go on social gatherings and will experience headache when she stays too long) and she's introvert. Her qualities are opposite of my personality. But to tell you, it's not difficult to love a person who is a little different from you.

I am really drawn to her. She's unique. She has a morose look and serious. Most of my classmates are afraid of her. HAHAHA. I don't know why she captivated me but I had a vivid memory of her that caught my attention. I think it started when I saw her laugh for the first time! HAHAHA. She laughed at my joke with my friends. From then on, I started to initiate conversations and tried to talk to her. HAHA.

I didn't waste my time to tell her how I feel about her but It took me a while to muster all the courage to confess my feelings for her. I was so prepared that time to get friendzoned because I thought she like another guy in our room. HAHA. I really prepared my heart about the impending heart break, the idea that she might not love me back. But I still took my chance. In the midnight of July 2007, I confessed. I sent a message that says, "I like her." It was a looooong wait for me. WTH. When I received the message, I don't want to read it because I already accepted the fact that "I'm rejected."

But when I opened my inbox, I was surprised. She replied, "we're breaking free!"

She liked me and she's just waiting. 😅

She's my first and hopefully my last (we are not really expecting too much, we just let things happen and always give our best for our relationship to last). I'm her first, too. Though we have some quarrels and issues before, we grew stronger and stayed contented with our relationship. We are private persons and we don't post our pictures together in social media. By the way, we are on our tenth year this 2017. 😉

I'm not saying that love will cure her anxiety for she needs constant help but somehow a good quality relationship alleviates the problem.

If you will only love your partner and stay loyal to her, then maybe...just maybe, she might get better.

All people deserve to be loved and to be respected. We are all worth it.

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I SURPASSED MY PLATEAU

7 rounds

This time, I only made 7 rounds because I forgot to bring my water. 😂 I might faint.

I need to keep track and to lose more weight. Hahaha. 71 kg down to 63.5 kg. 😉 I surpassed my plateau that lasted for almost a month. I almost concede because it felt like all my hard work and less carbs have no effect.

I think my preps for my upcoming lecture also helped me to burn more fats. Every time I study and rehearse my topics made me so hungry. 😅

Not to mention the distress I received from organizing recognition rites and graduation rites. 😂

This is a good start for April. I am busy as usual but at least I made progress on my weight.

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