Working with the Brain in Psychology

Working with the Brain in Psychology: Considering Careers in Neuropsychology seeks to assist students in their career exploration, by introducing them early, in the contemplative stage of career planning, to the fascinating branch of psychology known as neuropsychology. The text spends considerable time differentiating neuropsychology from alternative career paths, and provides personal accounts, contributions from neuropsychologists in various settings, and case examples of different patient populations to illustrate what it is like to train to become and work as a neuropsychologist. This text begins by describing what neuropsychology is, how it is situated within psychology, and for whom it could be a good fit. Suggestions are provided about how to engage in self-assessment in order to help choose a career. It goes on to review over a dozen similar and overlapping careers to illustrate how neuropsychology stands out. Quotes by professional neuropsychologists bring to life what "a day in the life" looks like in different settings, and the kinds of populations with whom neuropsychologists work are illustrated with case examples. The book then outlines how one becomes a neuropsychologist, including how to re-specialize from a different field. It also gives an honest appraisal of some potential challenges with this career, and ends with anticipated future directions in the specialty to which to look forward. This book will be useful primarily for psychology-minded undergraduates and college graduates thinking of going on to graduate school for psychology, as well as for high school students interested in the brain and psychology. This book is further aimed at those considering a change of career from a related field into neuropsychology, as well as the guidance counselors and college career centers that assist with career planning.

"We wish this book had been there to share with all those curious minds that we have taught who wondered about the brain. This book is a necessary companion for both students interested in psychology's fastest-growing and most exciting specialty, clinical neuropsychology, and all of us that want to provide direction and wisdom about the wonders of the brain and the many opportunities for careers that accompany a vocation dedicated to the brain and those afflicted with brain disease."Antonio E. Puente, Ph.D., ABN, AAPdN, Past-president, American Psychological Association, Professor of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington andAntonio N. Puente, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology, George Washington University"Drs. Schaefer and Bertisch have filled a void in American education by targeting an intriguing STEM career in clinical neuropsychology as an aspirational goal for high school and for undergraduate college students. The authors have performed a masterful job in providing a detailed and systematic pathway to eventual success in this pursuit at a stage in student’s educational development often devoid of specific guidance. This book not only will be invaluable to students and to their families, it will have the extended benefit of opening a pipeline for qualified professionals to treat the many health and behavioral problems confronting our society across the lifespan from childhood through advanced age."Allan Yozawitz, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology, Fellow, American Psychological Association "Schaefer & Bertisch have created an accessible and illuminating guide! Working with the Brain in Psychology: Considering Careers in Neuropsychology is engaging, clear, and covers an extensive range of topics. This is an essential book for any student considering career paths in clinical fields. It is an especially valuable resource for faculty and academic advisors to share with their students. The optimism, candor, and balanced perspective in this guide will allow readers to return to this book often as they develop their careers."Barbara J. Luka, Ph.D., Psychology & Integrative Neuroscience Academic Advisor, Binghamton University

Dr. Lynn A. Schaefer is Director of Neuropsychology at Nassau University Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the APA and National Academy of Neuropsychology, and co-Chair of the Scholastic Committee for the New York State Association of Neuropsychology. Her interests include remediation of neurobehavioral disorders, educational outreach, and capacity.Dr. Hilary C. Bertisch is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She is a Fellow of the National Academy of Neuropsychology and Co-Chair of the Scholastic Committee of the New York State Association of Neuropsychology. Her interests are in the areas of psychosis and brain injury.