CSPP Student Profile: Jason Jones

Jason Jones is a second year Clinical Psychology PhD student at Alliant’s San Francisco campus. Even though Jason was interested in psychology as an undergraduate, he was skeptical of it as a career. He described himself then as a “non-believer in a normalizing science.” It was through his work in education, as a teacher, that he gained a new perspective on psychology and reignited his interest. He taught English and History to middle school students and taught one year of GED courses.

“While working with at risk populations in education I became more interested in the barriers those people faced. I thought: what if those are internal barriers, how can one address those? I became increasingly intrigued by those questions and saw that a lot of those people had therapists, and saw that it had an impact on them. Through that I was able to see the real impact psychology was having on people’s lives.”

So when Jason entered CSPP, even thought he didn’t have specifically clinical experience, he did have hands-on experience working with different populations, which was valued by his professors.

“One thing is, even thought they are not straight clinical experiences, a lot of those experiences are welcomed by the professors. I’ve been able to share them and have new insights into them based on what I learned in class. You get a chance to learn from others’ clinical experiences.”

Jason came into the program with little-to-no research experience. “I had done basic research during undergrad for papers, but really that’s it. Since starting at CSPP, I feel like I have a really good grip on how to read research. There’s also a lot of hands-on training as far as data collection, management and statistical programs. I have friends in my classes who did have research experience coming here and they’re challenged too. Everyone’s needs are met.”

Jason did come to his first semester with some preparation, reading many of the texts that were on the recommended reading list CSPP sends out to its incoming students. “I found those really helpful coming in. It was definitely a confidence boost."

Jason’s first research project focused on LGBT male couples and predictors of relationship longevity and satisfaction. His advisor, Dr. Robert-Jay Green is the Executive Director of the Rockway Institute, a national center for LGBT research and public policy, based on the San Francisco campus. Jason built upon an existing study, following up with participants of a study that was conducted by a CSPP student ten years ago (and was also chaired by Dr. Green).

For his practicum this year, Jason is working at the Family Institute of Pinole (his first choice) with adults and children. “It’s multidimensional family therapy and it’s home-based. It’s very exciting.”

So why CSPP and why the PhD Program? Jason wanted to be in the Bay Area and attend a small school, but one that didn’t focus exclusively on research. He was also looking ahead to a career and knew CSPP would help him professionally.

“I liked the fact that a lot of people in the psychology profession know about CSPP. I could carry that reputation with me throughout California - the brand and the name appeal. There is also an emphasis on multiculturalism. If you're going to work in California you need adequate multicultural training and that was emphasized up front with CSPP."