Winning the Professional Development Grant

By Chelsey Bowman

As an aspiring psychologist, BU offers a wealth of courses across multiple colleges that fulfill my educational, clinical, and research interests and BU is also situated in arguably the best city for psychological training. It was through my coursework at BU and clinical training that I simultaneously discovered my passions for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and evaluation research. While previously practicing these elements in silos, I have recently been able to merge these interests through my work with Professor Amie Grills and her NIH-supported research. And yet, as I enter my sixth year of graduate studies at BU, I feel extremely grateful that such a wonderful and expansive university recognizes and supports students’ passion beyond Comm Ave.

Although I learned and practiced CBT alongside expert clinicians, I was curious to understand the roots and evolution of CBT from its source. Dr. Aaron Beck, the developer of CBT, and his team at the Beck Institute host intensive seminars on applying CBT to different populations and disorders. With the support of the office of Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs, I was able to spend three days in Philadelphia learning from Dr. Beck and other psychologists at the Beck Institute. The seminar debunked common misconceptions about CBT, offered live demonstration of skills, and discussed the evolution of the therapy as it has expanded and been applied as the treatment of choice to a variety of disorders. The experience was invaluable as a confirmation of my own previous excellent training at BU, my desire to continue utilizing and evaluating CBT in the treatment of children with anxiety, and my passion for teaching about CBT and other evidence-based treatments. I am excited to apply what I learned to my ongoing research and clinical work, as well as to incorporate it into a day-long introductory session on CBT to be offered to master’s students.

The opportunity reminded me of the importance of looking beyond BU. At times graduate school can feel all-consuming, which can be both fantastic and overwhelming. I have found that seeking both opportunities directly through BU and opportunities supported by BU has strengthened my commitment to my work and reminded me that what we learn on campus and in Boston has the potential to greatly influence systems beyond us.