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Psychology in the Real World

Practical considerations for practicing psychology in school, work, and life

Altruism
“Don’t Be a Sh*tty Person”

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on November 27, 2023

Whomever we blame, the world is an objectively threatening place for young people. They are begging us to stop being nasty to others. If we can’t do that, then where are we headed?

Whomever we blame, the world is an objectively threatening place for young people. They are begging us to stop being nasty to others. If we can’t do that, then where are we headed?

Infertility
The Cruelty of Natalism

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on June 15, 2023

Personal Perspective: Trying to survive without children within a context of natalism is like trying to survive in a world without gravity; it's not made for you.

Personal Perspective: Trying to survive without children within a context of natalism is like trying to survive in a world without gravity; it's not made for you.

Anxiety
An Antidote to Self-Blame

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on March 25, 2023

It’s one thing to examine our role and behavior in a situation; it’s another to take it so personally that we drown in self-blame.

It’s one thing to examine our role and behavior in a situation; it’s another to take it so personally that we drown in self-blame.

Relationships
A Love Letter to Psychology Students

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on January 10, 2023

I can talk about teaching issues until I’m blue in the face. But it’s time to put that aside and focus on the good. This is a love letter to psychology students.

I can talk about teaching issues until I’m blue in the face. But it’s time to put that aside and focus on the good. This is a love letter to psychology students.

Psychology
How Are Psychology and Social Work Different?

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on October 31, 2022

Many students of psychology wonder how social work is different and vice versa. Given that I teach both, I thought I’d share a few key differences between the disciplines.

Many students of psychology wonder how social work is different and vice versa. Given that I teach both, I thought I’d share a few key differences between the disciplines.

Psychology
To Ph.D. or Not to Ph.D.

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on September 30, 2021

Every semester, students ask me if they should aim for a Ph.D. or a master’s degree. “How do you feel about research?” I ask them.

Every semester, students ask me if they should aim for a Ph.D. or a master’s degree. “How do you feel about research?” I ask them.

Stress
How to Handle Stress and Anxiety in College

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on July 31, 2021

College produces stress. It just does. Deadlines, grades, performance pressure…if you’re not feeling it, are you even in college?

College produces stress. It just does. Deadlines, grades, performance pressure…if you’re not feeling it, are you even in college?

Psychology
Congratulations, Graduate! Now What?

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on June 14, 2021

Here’s my advice to graduating students who come into my office feeling like they should have it all figured out, but they just don’t know where to go from here.

Here’s my advice to graduating students who come into my office feeling like they should have it all figured out, but they just don’t know where to go from here.

Relationships
Why Psy? The Benefits of Studying Psychology

Ashley Maier, MSW, MPA on May 22, 2021

An introductory psychology course may fill a prerequisite you don’t yet know is in your future, improve your relationships, help you train your pet. You name it.

An introductory psychology course may fill a prerequisite you don’t yet know is in your future, improve your relationships, help you train your pet. You name it.