MSP reaches out periodically to alumni to discover more about the work that fulfills their passion for clinical psychology. Life After MSP is our feature column that highlights the career journey of our grads.
Name: Amy Hanes (PsyD ’16)
Job Titles: CEO/President/Psychologist (Thrive Therapy Group)
Describe your work in clinical psychology:
I operate a behavioral health group practice. Much of my time in clinical psychology is spent working with adults. I primarily treat patients with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic health issues, sensory processing sensitivities, binge eating disorder, and traumatic brain injuries. A large portion of my work is focused on psychological testing evaluations with adults related to ADHD, ASD, pre-surgical evaluations, and diagnostic testing.
What do you like about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is being able to positively influence someone’s life, creating an opportunity for them to realize their value. Providing acceptance for the first time in someone’s life. Empathizing with them when no one else does. Ultimately, I enjoy what my patient’s teach me every single day.
How did MSP prepare you for success?
MSP prepared me for success by teaching me to “Trust the Process.” I heard this often as I struggled through the demands of the doctoral program, while wondering if I had enough in me to continue. I knew the hard work was worth it, regardless of how demanding it became. Hard work makes the outcome more rewarding.
My choice in externships and internships were beneficial in preparing me for professional practice.
What advice would you give to current students?
Learn as much as you can from professors, supervisors, and colleagues, there is a wealth of knowledge out there, and everyone knows things you do not. Learn your passions in the field and spend time learning how to use your unique gifts to help others.
