It also can help to remind yourself that these catastrophic thoughts aren’t “expressions of facts,” Rajaee said. Rather, they’re “expressions of fear”—our brain’s way of trying to protect us, she said.This makes sense. “We are in a catastrophic situation, so some level of catastrophic thinking feels appropriate,” said Jenn Hardy, Ph.D, a psychologist with a private practice in Maryville, Tenn. “The last thing that our anxiety needs to hear is some type of patronizing and dismissive reassurance.” Instead, Hardy suggested acknowledging that your concerns have validity in our current climate.
Concern: You feel disconnected and lonely.
You miss seeing your parents, taking walks with your best friend, and eating lunch with your coworkers. Whatever travel plans you had—like visiting your family in the spring—are now canceled. And you’re (understandably) devastated. The good news is that we can bust loneliness by getting creative. Maybe even deeper ways. For example, tap into technology by using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime to virtually play games together, said Sheva Rajaee, MFT, founder of The Center for Anxiety and OCD in Irvine, Calif.Or try these additional connection boosters with your loved ones, which come from Clinton Power:- I know this is an unpopular opinion.
- But can we stop buying plants from Costco? Or any other windowless wholesale club
- Consider buying plants that are sold outdoors, that are not wrapped in plastic/kept
What sort of a work mate are you?
“I’m quite extroverted, which means I am energised being around people,” Ann-Marie tells us. “I like making strong connections with others at work, am friendly and supportive to teammates. I enjoy socialising with colleagues outside of work too.”
Work Psychology Group specialises in developing innovative and practical based solutions for organisations using the latest research. Get in touch to find out how we can help you and your business.
What sort of a work mate are you?
Here at Work Psychology Group (WPG), we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Which is why, over the past year we’ve been strengthening our team by welcoming several brilliant new starters.
At the beginning of 2021, we welcomed Consultant Psychologist Amelia Powell along with Psychologists Melissa Washbrook and Elis Sugiyarto.
But now, we’d like to say a very warm welcome to our latest recruit – Ann-Marie Smith – who joins WPG as our Senior Consultant Psychologist.
Ann-Marie brings with her an abundance of knowledge, including her experience in leading large and complex projects within selection and assessment, leadership development, organisational change, employee engagement and diversity and inclusion.
It was Ann-Marie’s desire to work in a research-led organisation which led her to joining WPG.
As Ann-Marie tells us: “The impact and scale of the work attracted me, as well as the fast-paced consultancy environment.”
To get to know our new colleague a little bit more, we asked her a few questions…
Why did you want to become an Organisational Psychologist?
Ann-Marie says: “I was interested in being able to apply psychological knowledge, theory, and practice to organisational issues in the workplace.
“I’m naturally curious about human behaviour and wanted to be able to examine the ways in which people behave as individuals and within groups.”
What’s the best thing about your job?
“I enjoy helping to improve the effectiveness of organisations and being able to make real positive changes to individual’s working lives,” Ann-Marie says.
“In particular, the design of psychological assessments to help organisations match individuals to the requirements of a job.”
What are your pre-WPG career highlights?
Ann-Marie says: “Obtaining a Master of Science degree in Occupational Psychology and winning Best Postgraduate Project of the Year award from Birkbeck, University of London. Gaining a qualification in Test User: Occupational Ability & Test User: Occupational Personality.”
Furthermore, Ann-Marie has designed and project-managed a values-based psychometric assessment for a large middle eastern airline company to be used for sifting in a recruitment process. It was completed by over 9000 candidates.
She has also analysed the diversity/adverse impact of an assessment centre process for a large UK healthcare provider, designed and project-managed an assessment centre process for a sizeable global IT company, conducted competency-based interviews and ran 1:1 personality feedback session with candidates.
Ann-Marie adds: “On top of that, I’ve conducted a concurrent validation study to evaluate the effectiveness of hires into sales roles for a colossal US client.”
What are your areas of expertise and interests?
“I am particularly skilled in quantitative research methodologies such as adverse impact analysis, psychometric test design, and the criterion-related validation of assessment processes,” Ann-Marie says.
“I enjoy working on talent assessment projects; helping organisations and individuals identify their suitability for roles. I am also interested in equality, diversity and inclusion and have been involved in several complex evaluation projects. I am keen to pursue more work in this area.”
Why is diversity and inclusion so important to you?
“I feel passionately about reducing selection bias and discrimination in organisations and promote inclusive organisations where talented people can join and advance through the organisation regardless of their gender or background,” Ann-Marie says.
“Research has shown organisations with diverse talent are more innovative and see better business results.”
What makes you cross?
Ann-Marie says: “Messy spreadsheets and poor filing systems.”What sort of a work mate are you?
“I’m quite extroverted, which means I am energised being around people,” Ann-Marie tells us. “I like making strong connections with others at work, am friendly and supportive to teammates. I enjoy socialising with colleagues outside of work too.”
Work Psychology Group specialises in developing innovative and practical based solutions for organisations using the latest research. Get in touch to find out how we can help you and your business.
