Emily and Dr. Haskins by Behrens and Carozza

After graduation, Emily approaches her teachers in the Clinical Psych program. She expresses a good deal of frustration and an ensuing “emotional low” following her clinical experience. Nonetheless, she is adamant that she wants to be a clinician and informs the teachers that, on the basis of a recommendation letter from a Comp Lit professor and an interview at a local graduate school, she has registered for a Ph.D. level course in Clinical Psych, starting as a non-matriculated student. She also asks her professors for letters of recommendation as she plans to apply to the program as a Ph.D. student.

Most of her professors know she can do graduate level work; however, some in the Clinical Psychology Department are hesitant to encourage these plans. Her clinical professor, Dr. Haskins (Dr. H), is an excellent counselor herself and has determined that Emily does not have, nor can she acquire, the clinical acumen to pursue such a career. Other professors see Emily as odd, but are so impressed with her research skills and motivation and hard-working habits that they are less certain about putting up obstacles to her plan.

Meanwhile, Emily begins the course as a non-degree student and is immediately overwhelmed. Her depression grows; she withdraws from friends and cannot focus in class. She does not reveal her feelings to her professors, but a friend sees Dr. H and offers a glum picture of Emily’s emotional state.

Questions

1. What should Emily do at this point?
2. Should her undergraduate professors get involved?
3. What are Emily’s short-term and long-term options?

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