Introduction to This Blog

I am not a professional blogger. In fact, this is the first blog I ever put together. What I am is a Clinical Psychologist from the Philippines. My practice is in Quezon City, under the banner of PsychConsult, Inc. I am one of the founding directors of this group practice (see www.psychconsult.com.ph). Starting June 2010, I will also be a full time teaching staff of the Department of Psychology of the Ateneo de Manila University.


So, why did I decide to put together this blog? From among the many reasons I have in doing this, I guess they all boil down to why I really chose to become a clinical psychologist. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. As the practice of Clinical Psychology, doing academic research, and teaching have their pre-defined audiences, I figured that this medium has the potential of reaching out to yet another set of eyes and ears.

Now, who are my intended readers? I really wanted a blog for stake holders and consumers of mental health services in the Philippines. It is primarily for people who want to further improve their knowledge and quality of lives in the areas of psychological wellbeing. An inherent subgroup from this potentially large audience includes people who have various psychological concerns and would like to know more about them. For example, you might think that you are suffering from a mental illness or have been diagnosed as such, and would like to know more about it. Or you could have a relative or friend who was recently diagnosed and would like to understand more about it. You might have a child with special needs and struggle with this reality. Yet another group that I intend to write for includes both aspiring and established clinical psychologists, peers who would like to know my thoughts and struggles as I carrying out this profession in the Philippine context. In the end, it is for and about the Filipino audience, both in the Philippines and abroad, that I hope to be writing.

Now that I have explained why I have decided to put together this blog and to whom I hope to be writing, what are the sort of topics I will be covering in this blog? I intend the content of my blog to include one of the following:

1. Fostering and nurturing personal psychological wellbeing and mental health;

2. Highlighting information and online resources related to psychological wellness and specific disabilities and mental health concerns;

3. Discussing topics that aim to provide support for parents and family members of those who have specific disabilities or mental health concerns;

4. Elucidating common misconceptions about psychology and the applied field of clinical psychology;

5. Clarifying the role of the clinical psychologist; and

6. Narrating the struggles and questions of practicing this profession in Asia, and in the Philippines in particular.

I must say that I am quite excited to begin this new endeavor. I hope that I can be relevant to the needs of those out there who spent time reading blogs, and those I can encourage to begin to do so. If you can, do follow my weekly blog or check this blog every so often. Do give me feedback so that I can improve my blog over time. You can also suggest some topics or ask questions that you think I can cover, and I will try my best to entertain your request. Happy reading!