When I am going to various appointments, people invariably ask me about my occupation, to which I have learned to say, "retired."
I put in my 35 years, and now I am doing my own thing, which has been enjoying life and writing about those often unique and much valued experiences both past and present.
They usually press me for details so, leaving out the years, I worked in human resources. I tell them I was a psychologist primarily working with children and adolescents. Every time I divulge that information, the response is "that's too bad because we could really use your services in this area."
It sort of makes me almost feel guilty for retiring, but not quite.
However, as I survey the Central PA region, I have found that we are hurting for psychologists and psychiatrists, especially those who are trained to work with younger populations. This trend has also been identified in many areas across the U.S.
It is my hope that as more people enter college they will consider the psychological sciences as a viable career path. I can honestly say that I found my clinical work with children, adolescents and adults to be both challenging and rewarding.
As our world grows more complex, heaping additional stress upon us, we will need qualified mental health professionals to guide us through the barrage of assaults that our environment hurls at us.
Those individuals who offer an open door and a helping hand for working through life's difficult issues bring true value to our overall health and well being.
Pamela J. Lindsay
Hollidaysburg
