Dane Ver Merris, Ed.D., MPA's Distinguished Psychologist 2013

12 Pages·2013·2.5 MB·English

by  Emily Arents

Dane Ver Merris, Ed.D., MPA’s Distinguished Psychologist 2013

James Windell, Editor

he award for the Distinguished Psychologist areas.
T

went to Dane Ver Merris, Ed.D., at MPA’s Dr. Ver Merris has long displayed his interest in
Sixth Annual Spring Convention on April education. For instance, he utilized his role on the
12, 2013. Board of Psychology and Ethics Committee to
educate fellow psychologists. “Dane has promoted
Dr. Ver Merris recently completed his gubernatorial
the development of a continuing education
appointment to the Board of Psychology where he
requirement in conjunction with licensure in
served as Board Chairperson for several years.
Michigan, although the program could not be
“This role was the culmination of a career devoted to
established during his tenure,” Andert wrote. His
promoting ethics and defining standards of practice
commitment to education is further indicated by his
for psychologists in Michigan,” wrote Dr. Jeff
teaching role as an Adjunct Professor at Western
Andert, who nominated Ver Merris for the
Michigan University.
prestigious award.
In addition to his public roles, Dr. Ver Merris is an
Ver Merris previously served as Chairperson of the
experienced clinician who has worked in a private
MPA Ethics Committee for several years. In that
practice setting and more recently in the specialty
role, Andert pointed out, his approach to the
area of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.
investigation of concerns regarding psychologists has
He is a graduate of Western Michigan University and
always been respectful and thoughtful with an
is a member of the American Psychological
emphasis on constructive resolution. “Dane displays
Association, the National Register of Health Care
a unique balance between public protection and the
Providers in Psychology, and a long-time member of
recognition of training opportunities in ethical
the Michigan Psychological Association. He serves
standards for psychologists in need of professional
on the staff at Hope Network in Grand Rapids.
development. His approach helped set the tone for the
In accepting the award, Ver Merris said he was
Michigan Board of Psychology as a reasonable
grateful for the award and felt very honored.
adjudicative body unlike many state Boards,” Andert
“Joining MPA,” Ver Merris, said in concluding his
wrote. Andert went on to emphasize that Ver Merris’
remarks, “was one of the best professional decisions
thorough knowledge of ethical standards and
I’ve ever made.”
Michigan licensure issues have established him as
To comment, email James Windell at [email protected]
“the” person to consult with any questions in these
1
The Michigan Psychologist – 2nd Quarter 2013
Psychology is
Your Passion
Protecting You and Your
Practice is Ours
Remember the moment when your talent, training, purpose,
and commitment to helping others became your passion?
It’s that passion that inspired you to work hard and build
a successful practice.
We’re here to help protect you and your practice, so you can
worry less about professional liability and financial risk and
focus on what you do best. We anticipate the legal and
regulatory threats psychologists face daily, and we tailor
Trust Sponsored Professional Liability Insurance* to
keep you covered, even as your practice advances in size
and scope.
Follow your passion, give your all, and be
your best. We’re here for you.
Visit us at www.apait.org or call us at 1-877-637-9700 to
learn more and apply for coverage.
www.apait.org • 1-877-637-9700
* The above is a product summary only and does not include all terms, conditions or exclusions found in the policy. Underwritten
by ACE American Insurance Company, Philadelphia, PA. ACE USA is the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE
Group, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE), and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard
& Poor’s. Additional information can be found at: www.acegroup.com/us. Administered by Trust Risk Management Services,
Inc. Policy issuance is subject to underwriting.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Managing the Transitions in Life – and Your
Organizations

By Cheval Breggins, MBA – Executive Director

Is your organization experiencing change and skepticism, acceptance, importance, hope, and
transition? If your answer is no, you are in a small enthusiasm.
percentage of the population. Today, organizations
As psychologists, you encounter clients who are
including the Michigan Psychological Association, are
transitioning and traveling through the three phases.
facing swift changes like never before. Competition,
Are you transitioning? Has the development of the
politics (new regulations and laws), economics, social
Affordable Care Act caused you to be in or between
conditions, and technology drive the organization’s
transition phases? If you answered yes, where are you
need to change or become irrelevant. Internal and
on the transition road and what emotions are you
external customers have a variety of needs, values, and
experiencing?
expectations that must be understood and addressed.
Do not feel bad, for this transition is normal. During my
Entities must possess the ability to manage change,
eighteen-month tenure as the executive director of
while continuing to meet these needs.
MPA, I have witnessed MPA end ways of thinking and
William Bridges is the author of Managing Transitions,
operational processes and create new beginnings.
which went into its third edition in 2009. Bridges states
Depending on the subject matter, MPA can be located
that change is fast, situational, and happens without
in and between the ending, neutral, and new beginning
people transitioning. Transition is slow, psychological,
phase. One of many examples, which occurred during
and is a three-phase process where people gradually
2012, was the emphasis placed on non-membership
accept the details of the new situation and changes that
dues revenue. This required a cognitive shift from an
come with it.
MPA that will live or die financially as an organization
The three phases are ending, neutral zone, and new based solely on membership revenue to an MPA that
beginning. Between the ending and neutral zone phase, will be financially viable by diversifying revenue. This
people experience denial, shock, anger, cognitive shift resulted in the establishment of a non-
frustration/stress, and ambivalence. Between the neutral dues task force, development of an integrated marketing
zone and the new beginning phase, people experience plan, and the creation of a finance committee.

Bridges suggests that leaders implement the following interventions to assist with transition:
• Communicate individual behavior change
• Identify and understand who will lose what
• Sell the problem
• Get in touch with the customer
• Talk to employees and ask what problems they have with the change
• Talk about the transition and let people know its human to feel
2
The Michigan Psychologist – 2nd Quarter 2013
• Hold regular team meetings even before the change
Transition results in organizations moving through a life cycle that begins with Dreaming the Dream and moves into
Launching the Venture, Getting Organized, Making it Big, Institutionalizing, Closing In, and Dying. The Laws of
Organization Development include:
• The people most comfortable in one phase experience the most setbacks in the next phase
• The things that made one phase the most successful are usually those that have to be let go in the next phase
• When you see pain in an organization, people are probably going through an organization transition
• Don’t go half way
You may say to yourself that organizations must have a life cycle and a life development that is parallel with people like
you and me. You are correct because organizations are comprised of people with thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Just
as you may ask clients to manage the transitions in their life, transitions in the life of an organization must also be
managed.
I welcome your input, questions and concerns about MPA; you can contact me at [email protected] or call me at
517-391-0182.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT:
DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY

William N. Nicholson, Ph.D.

These are exciting and challenging times for These changes not only open more doors for
psychology. With the Affordable Care Act just psychology, they also demonstrate the value of
around the corner, psychology will move ahead into psychology. Psychology has something to offer for
an integrated health approach for Americans. No all society.
longer will mental health be sidelined as it has been I am proud to serve as president of the
in the past. The Affordable Care Act includes mental
Michigan Psychological Association this year. I
health in the total plan. This also means parity on the became a member of MPA in 1975, 38 years ago. I
national level.
have never been disappointed with the organization. I
Psychology has already begun being am currently very proud of the Board and the
integrated in physical health systems. Some dedicated members of MPA committees. It is a great
psychologists are now in primary care. There is a organization.
new proposal for a behavioral cardiac program in one
Michigan hospital to improve outcome measures. The
References
American Hospital Association has published a study
Bringing Behavioral Health into the Care
showing quality and cost improvement when
Continuum: Opportunities to Improve Quality, Costs
behavioral health becomes part of the medical care
and Outcomes (January, 2012). Trendwatch.
approach (Bringing Behavioral Health into the Care
Washington, D.C.: American Hospital Association.
Continuum, 2012). Psychologists in integrated health

care not only improve quality of treatment and
outcomes, but also reduce health care costs over time. To comment on this column, contact William N.
Nicholson, Ph.D. at [email protected]
3
The Michigan Psychologist – 2nd Quarter 2013
Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award Goes to Brighton Animal Hospital

The Brighton Animal Hospital not only provides high as well as competitive health and family benefits, and
quality pet health and wellness services, but they also regular staff recognition. The company,
treat their employees with special consideration. Braciszewski said, works hard at helping the staff to
Because of the humane care of its staff, the Brighton maintain a balance between work and family.
Animal Hospital was awarded the Michigan Like other Psychologically Healthy Workplace
Psychological Association’s Psychologically Healthy nominees, the Brighton Animal Hospital was
Workplace for 2012. evaluated on their efforts in the following five areas:
Providing pet healthcare since 1956, the Brighton ● Employee Involvement
Animal Hospital was selected for the MPA award
● Work-Life Balance
based on their concern for people – especially their
● Employee Growth and Development
own people. The business services include a wide
● Health and Safety
range of pet care, including dental care, radiology,
ophthalmology, senior medicine, general surgery, ● Employee Recognition
behavioral counseling, and weight management “The business fosters an atmosphere of respect and
programs. They have been a member of the American promotes staff input,” Braciszewski said.
Animal Hospital Association since 1994.
In accepting the Psychologically Healthy Workplace
In presenting the award at the 2013 Spring Award on behalf of the Brighton Animal Hospital,
Convention at the Henry Center in East Lansing on co-owner Dr. Katherine Lawrence, DVM, said that
April 12, 2013, Terry Braciszewski, Ph.D., Chair of she was honored to accept the award. “Our staff is
the MPA Business of Practice Network, emphasized exceptional,” Lawrence said. “Our people are
that the Brighton Animal Hospital offers flexible passionate about what we do; We love doing what
schedules to its nine full-time and 16 part-time staff,
we’re doing.”

Share Your Story

Are you a widow? Would you like to share your story with other widows?
Now you can. James Windell and Kristin Meekhof are working on a book entitled When Your Husband Dies: 7
Challenges Widows Encounter. The book will be based on Meekhof’s experiences during and after her husband’s
death due to cancer, as well as the experiences and stories of dozens of other widows. The authors are especially
looking for stories related to widow’s changes in job or career, dating and remarriage, the widow’s own physical
problems (post-widowhood), and the inappropriate comments people say to them.
If you’re a recent widow (of, say, five years or so), you can share your story by contacting Jim at
[email protected] or Kristin at [email protected].
4
The Michigan Psychologist – 2nd Quarter 2013
Add Mediation
to your
Professional Skills
with Mediation Training & Consultation Institute
Providing Divorce Mediation Training for over 25 years
Approved by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office
2013
Divorce and Custody
Mediation Training
40-hour workshop
August 19-23
For more information:
1-800-535-1155
learn2mediate.com
Zena D. Zumeta J.D., Trainer
BOOK NOTE
Waiting for the Archbishop:
Memoirs of a Former Priest in Transition
by Dennis Ortman, Ph.D.

Dennis Ortman, Ph.D., a Sterling Heights psychologist, psychology and the spiritual wisdom of the East and
MPA member and former priest in the Archdiocese of West.
Detroit, recently released his memoirs of how he His story can offer insights and inspiration to anyone
became a priest and how he decided to leave the active exploring the deeper meaning of the twists and turns of
ministry.
their lives. Ortman’s latest book not only presents a
A celibate Catholic priest for 14 years, Ortman fascinating story of personal conversion, it also offers
committed what he refers to as “the unpardonable sin.” insight for anyone negotiating a transition in life. How
He fell in love with a woman and had to make a soul- can someone face the numerous turning points in life
wrenching decision. He left the priesthood, married, with confidence, wisdom, and grace? This book offers
and began a new career as a psychologist. His story guidance for that treacherous inner journey.
recounts in Waiting for the Archbishop: Memoirs of a “I wanted to invite personal reflections on the meaning
Former Priest in Transition the inner struggles he faced of religion today and how a deepening spirituality can
coming to his decision and the influences on his contribute to health and wholeness,” Ortman said
entering and leaving the priesthood.
recently. What the book has done so far, he said, is that
His personal odyssey, which began in an alcoholic “It has opened discussion on the issue of celibacy and
home, took him around the world. Studying theology in its questionable benefit for the Catholic Church today.”
Rome, he experienced the grandeur, dark side, and
Dennis Ortman has a graduate degree in theology from
inner workings of the Catholic Church. Then, inspired
the Gregorian University in Rome and a doctorate in
by a meeting with Mother Teresa, he worked for a
clinical psychology from the University of Detroit-
summer in India among the poorest of the poor of Mercy. He has published three self-help books on
Calcutta with her religious order. While in India, recovery from dual diagnosis and infidelity. In addition
Ortman encountered the wisdom of the East that to working as a psychologist in private practice for 20
stretched and challenged his faith. Returning to Detroit
years, he has given workshops around the country on
and working as a parish priest in the Archdiocese of
the meeting of Freud and Buddha, a mindful approach
Detroit after the hope and promise of the Second
to therapy and addiction, and recovery from dual
Vatican Council and social unrest of the 1960s, he diagnosis and the trauma of infidelity.
experienced the disillusionment of many American
Waiting for the Archbishop: Memoirs of a Former
Catholics. However, in his new career as a
Priest in Transition was published by St. Johann Press
psychologist, he tried to find the common ground of
and is available from Amazon.com.
To contact Dennis Ortman, email him at [email protected]

5
The Michigan Psychologist – 2nd Quarter 2013
How Not to Say the Wrong Thing

It works in all kinds of crises – medical, legal, even existential. It's the 'Ring Theory' of
kvetching. The first rule is comfort in, dump out.
Susan Silk, Ph.D. and Barry Goldman

When Susan had breast cancer, we heard a lot of Kvetching Order. One of Susan's patients found it
lame remarks, but our favorite came from one of useful to tape it to her refrigerator.
Susan's colleagues. She wanted, she needed, to visit Here are the rules. The person in the center ring can
Susan after the surgery, but Susan didn't feel like
say anything she wants to anyone, anywhere. She can
having visitors, and she said so. Her colleague's kvetch and complain and whine and moan and curse
response? "This isn't just about you."
the heavens and say, "Life is unfair" and "Why me?"
"It's not?" Susan wondered. "My breast cancer is not That's the one payoff for being in the center ring.
about me? It's about you?" Everyone else can say those things too, but only to
The same theme came up again when our friend people in larger rings.
Katie had a brain aneurysm. She was in intensive
care for a long time and finally got out and into a
step-down unit. She was no longer covered with
tubes and lines and monitors, but she was still in
rough shape. A friend came and saw her and then
stepped into the hall with Katie's husband, Pat. "I
wasn't prepared for this," she told him. "I don't know
if I can handle it."
This woman loves Katie, and she said what she did
because the sight of Katie in this condition moved her
so deeply. But it was the wrong thing to say. And it
was wrong in the same way Susan's colleague's
remark was wrong.
Susan has since developed a simple technique to help
people avoid this mistake. It works for all kinds of
crises: medical, legal, financial, romantic, even
existential. She calls it the Ring Theory.
Draw a circle. This is the center ring. In it, put the
name of the person at the center of the current
trauma. For Katie's aneurysm, that's Katie. Now draw
a larger circle around the first one. In that ring put the

name of the person next closest to the trauma. In the
case of Katie's aneurysm, that was Katie's husband, When you are talking to a person in a ring smaller
Pat. Repeat the process as many times as you need to. than yours, someone closer to the center of the crisis,
In each larger ring put the next closest people. the goal is to help. Listening is often more helpful
Parents and children before more distant relatives. than talking. But if you're going to open your mouth,
Intimate friends in smaller rings, less intimate friends ask yourself if what you are about to say is likely to
in larger ones. When you are done you have a provide comfort and support. If it isn't, don't say it.
6
The Michigan Psychologist – 2nd Quarter 2013
Don't, for example, give advice. People who are being supportive to her principal caregiver may be
suffering from trauma don't need advice. They need the best thing you can do for the patient.
comfort and support. So say, "I'm sorry" or "This
Most of us know this. Almost nobody would
must really be hard for you" or "Can I bring you a pot complain to the patient about how rotten she looks.
roast?" Don't say, "You should hear what happened
Almost no one would say that looking at her makes
to me" or "Here's what I would do if I were you." them think of the fragility of life and their own
And don't say, "This is really bringing me down."
closeness to death. In other words, we know enough
If you want to scream or cry or complain, if you want not to dump into the center ring. Ring Theory merely
to tell someone how shocked you are or how icky expands that intuition and makes it more concrete:
you feel, or whine about how it reminds you of all the Don't just avoid dumping into the center ring, avoid
terrible things that have happened to you lately, that's dumping into any ring smaller than your own.
fine. It's a perfectly normal response. Just do it to
Remember, you can say whatever you want if you
someone in a bigger ring. just wait until you're talking to someone in a larger
Comfort IN, dump OUT. ring than yours.
There was nothing wrong with Katie's friend saying And don't worry. You'll get your turn in the center
she was not prepared for how horrible Katie looked, ring. You can count on that.
or even that she didn't think she could handle it. The This article was originally an Op-ed piece appearing
mistake was that she said those things to Pat. She
in the Los Angeles Times on April 7, 2013. To
dumped IN. comment on this article, contact Susan Silk, Ph.D., at
Complaining to someone in a smaller ring than yours [email protected]

doesn't do either of you any good. On the other hand,

Who Knew My Op-Ed Piece Would Get this Kind of Response?
Susan Silk, Ph.D.
To say I didn’t expect to get the reaction to this piece financial planners, from Jehovah’s Witnesses to
that we got is an understatement. orthodox Jews, from chronic pain to infertility, and it
is now listed at APA help.org.
When my husband Barry and I heard that the Los
Angeles Times was going to publish our article, I The theory developed from a personal experience.
hoped it would resonate with lots of people. For About 12 years ago, my now completely healthy and
myself, I thought I couldn't hope for a better legacy happy 23-year-old niece was diagnosed with non-
than to be remembered as the author of the Hodgkins lymphoma.
“kvetching order."
I struggled with how I could be most helpful. It
I didn’t expect what happened next. Hundreds, then occurred to me the most useful thing I could do was
thousands, of people “liked” it and, according to the to run interference with the grandparents. They could
LA Times tracking system, to date it was shared on ask questions, obsess, kvetch, vent, and so on with
social media more than 189,000 times. A Google me rather than with their daughter, who had her
search shows it has been posted on websites hands full.
dedicated to everything from funeral homes to
7
The Michigan Psychologist – 2nd Quarter 2013
It also became clear to me that my sister-in-law, my friend was sick” or “If only my friends had this rule
niece’s mom, didn’t have the energy to answer when I was sick.” Others get bogged down in the
questions for the purpose of comforting the details: “Suppose my brother and I are in the same
questioner. I learned to edit myself by asking “How ring because we’re brothers, but I have always been
will this help?" when addressing the immediate closer to my parents, and I don’t have any kids….”
family. Others are concerned to show that they, personally,
do not require any advice in this area. These are
For the past decade, I've been sharing this in my
people who kindly understand and forgive those of us
practice. And it's really true that lots of my patients
who may make an awkward comment from time to
read the article in the LA Times and reminded me that
time.
they had a hand drawn version of the rings on their
own refrigerators. I’m now sure there must be something in the
The response from readers has been enormously zeitgeist. Obviously, we’re not the only ones who
gratifying. Who knew it would strike such a have been thinking about this. in April of this year
responsive chord in so many people? Letty Cottin Pogregbin published her book How to
Be a Friend to a Friend Who's Sick.
The majority of comments are from people who are
To comment on this article, email Susan Silk, Ph.D.
grateful for the simple rule and the easily understood
at [email protected]
graphic. Many say “If only I had this rule when my

Available
Office Space – Excellent part- or full-time office space for mental health professionals. Spacious
windowed offices, shared conference and waiting rooms, and WIFI. Located on Telegraph south of
Square Lake Road. Easy access to Woodward, I-75 and M-59. Excellent parking, collegial; potential
client referrals, Call Richard B. Traitel, Ph.D. 248-334-9000

BOOK REVIEW
Brainwashed. The Seductive Appeal
of Mindless Neuroscience
by Sally Satel and Scott Lilienfeld

Reviewed by Steven J. Ceresnie, Ph.D.

Fifty Shades of Gray Matter was the first title Sally 2. The Buyologist Is In: The Rise of Neuromarketing
Satel wanted, but she had to go with Brainwashed. The
3. Addiction and the Brain-Disease Fallacy
Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience.
4. The Telltale Brain: Neuroscience and Deception
The book has six chapters and an epilogue:
5. My Amygdala Made Me Do It: The Trials of
Neurolaw
1. This Is Your Brain on Ahmadinejad: Or What is
Brain Imaging?
8
The Michigan Psychologist – 2nd Quarter 2013