Clarification on my professional background

I woke up this morning to find my PM box flooded with people letting me know about Scott Wylie's continued attempts to cause harm to me and this community. I want to clarify, for the record, since Scott Wylie never saw fit to ask me himself (and never seemed to have any issues with my credentials while working here, which I think speaks volumes -- it's only become an issue for him when it suited his needs).

I've been running Psych Central for over 12 years now. My bio has always been on the site in the "About Us" section. We have had a disclaimer on the site since nearly day one about who I am and what I do here.

The term "psychologist" is a protected word regulated by individual U.S. states (and outside of the U.S., it may or may not be regulated, depending upon the specific country), which means there are 50 different laws and 50 different ways of interpreting those laws. When I lived in a previous state, I discussed this issue with the then president of state's licensing board and had an attorney review the statutes to ensure I was in compliance. That state was more liberal in one's use of the word "psychologist," as long as one didn't hold one out to be practicing psychological services for a fee.

We have the disclaimer and the bio here because this is a fairly frequently asked question. If someone hasn't read them, I usually refer a person to them to explain what my background and training is.

So in Massachusetts, where I live, I am not a psychologist. If you ever thought I was a psychologist while I lived in Massachusetts, I apologize. Please, read the disclaimer. I do have a doctorate in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University, as well as a master's degree from the same institution.

DocJohn

Personally, to me, I wouldn't care if you were a high school dropout. I'm so thankful for the work you've done and the caring and patience you've shown to all of us here at Psych Central. I don't know much about other sites, but in my search to find a home, this one was found to be the best for me.

Thank you DocJohn for all you do. I'm so sorry people can be so petty and mean.

I find it disgusting that you are being attacked afterall that you have done, are doing for psychology world-wide.

Could Dr. Wylie be reported to the APA for his bad behaviour?

(((((((((((((DocJohn)))))))))))))))

I suppose there will always be those around who like to rock the boat and cause hate and discontent at times. It is an unfortunate happening.

Thank you for posting this thread. I, myself, never felt that there was ever an issue about your credentials as a psychologist (whether practicing or not) or the fact that you are a caring human being who is trying to help the community at large by availing information to us that we can investigate and use to our advantage in our quest for better health.

Thank you for all you do!

With hugs and appreciation,
Jean

Thanks, DocJohn.

Your actions have consistently spoken to me loud and clear these last few years. You've never surprised me. I've never so much as read a cruel or unprofessional word typed...publicly or privately. You are a model host and administrator...but also a friend to those in need who has the knowledge through his skills to make it work - allowing for people to help themselves with knowledge, care and through relation. What a gift you give to many. I, for one, am blessed to benefit the "route" you've chosen to take in your life in, Dr. Grohol.

I don't understand the actions of some that seem want to hurt or cause misery.

As you've shown us yourself, time and time and time again consistently and over years, others can show themselves in another light in just a short period of time.

KD

Doc John , as long as I have been a member here, YOU have supported us and never disrespected any of us in anyway, yes you have corrected when a post is inappropreate (happen maybe 2 times ) but you did it with kindness and respect.
As ppl say " Put him on ignore" hahahaha, keep your humor and you have the world forever
Thank you for giving us " Groholville"
Love and respectfully
Angie

This became an issue only when Dr. Wylie found the following claims for John being a psychologist, and was concerned about them.

John has clarified with me that once he moved to Mass., he ceased referring to himself as a psychologist due to State laws. I did think Boston was in Mass. (see first link) but *shrug* I am not American.

I accept John's case but I do not like the badmouthing of Dr. Wylie either.

http://www.helphorizons.com/care/Author.asp?ID=4

http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A44T8C0ZE69GF

http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/re...s.cfm?ID=35225

I'm with wanttoheal on this one. I couldn't have said it any better.

Personally, to me, I wouldn't care if you were a high school dropout. I'm so thankful for the work you've done and the caring and patience you've shown to all of us here at Psych Central. I don't know much about other sites, but in my search to find a home, this one was found to be the best for me.

Thank you DocJohn for all you do. I'm so sorry people can be so petty and mean.

First, DSF, the second link states that he's a psychology expert.

The other two links are maintained by other websites and written about John Grohol, as opposed to something he wrote and maintained for himself.

Enough is enough. Any defense (not bad-mouthing - I think those shoes are being worn by others) is due to allegations fueled by what? Anger, lack of professionalism, jealousy? I'm just guessing what the reasoning might be...

In my opinion, a personal and almost malicious attack has come from this. It can only leave one to guess the reasons why...

KD

Thanks for using my first name in public KD!!!!!!

Please remove ASAP.

Let me be clear, I am not supporting or not supporting either party here.

Just find it strange that these questions even come up.

Me too, DSF, me too. It does bring about those types of questions, doesn't it?

It's really good to read that you maintain you're not supporting either party!

KD

Can you remove my first name from your posts please KD.

I am as confused as anyone right now.

I'm sorry this is happening to you docjohn.

I have huge trust issues and think I challenge most people -- some fail the challenge horribly by mirroring my discontent (a former member here).... but you, you didn't do that with me--- that says more than anyone could ever imagine. You are an upstanding human and I think some are just too jealous and feel too low and want to bring others down because of it.

I agree with all that have posted in a supportive way to you!

well, not too good at self-expression- so-- I hope this message is clear as to where I stand.

Thank you for all you do here for so many people-- and from just one--- thank you for showing me how some people can be trustworthy.

mandy

I've removed your real name. I wasn't aware that you didn't use it publicly. Sorry about that.

KD

DocJon,

I'm new here so I don't know the history with this person that left and it really doesn't matter anyway.

I surfed the net to find a place where a professional would be willing to give advice, opinions, etc. Not one site was available without a fee, except this one.

I'm sorry that this is happening. In my experience through the years with various things, I have seen where a couple of bad situations can ruin a good thing. Everyone is sue happy and that is why there are so many laws, regulations, etc.

Personally, in my job at a major health insurer, we spend alot of money on ensuring compliance to the 5 million laws that have been imposed. Please don't take me wrong, there are people who do get hurt and there are people out there that do very wrong things. But when they do, they ruin it for all those people who do good things. You obviously are aware of this because you have to have so many disclaimers.

I hope that this incident does not jade you to the wonderful community that you have built that is so desperately needed. I admire your work and appreciate that this is available to me.

Tranquility

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mandyfins said:

I have huge trust issues and think I challenge most people -- some fail the challenge horribly by mirroring my discontent (a former member here)....mandy

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Sorry this has happened to you - to whom are you referring?

You know very well who I'm referring to...... or do you have a hold on him-- such that you can not see reality?

to clarify, I was speaking of the former member to which this post is addressing.........

mandy

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mandyfins said:
You know very well who I'm referring to...... or do you have a hold on him-- such that you can not see reality?

to clarify, I was speaking of the former member to which this post is addressing.........

mandy

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Thanks for the clarification!

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kimmydawn said:
First, DSF, the second link states that he's a psychology expert.

The other two links are maintained by other websites and written about John Grohol, as opposed to something he wrote and maintained for himself.

Enough is enough. Any defense (not bad-mouthing - I think those shoes are being worn by others) is due to allegations fueled by what? Anger, lack of professionalism, jealousy? I'm just guessing what the reasoning might be...

In my opinion, a personal and almost malicious attack has come from this. It can only leave one to guess the reasons why...

KD

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perhaps Dr. Wylie should start his own site then we could continue peacefully here
Angie

probly not suppose to be here but Doc John we want you to know we believe in you an we know you believe in us an can me, Laura an Billy call you Uncle Doc John Please
Amy

Having been a part of the mental health community since 1986, I personally am appalled that anyone else who has a degree would act like Wylie did here. I am personally and professionally offended by him. And, yes, I let John know when I sensed that all was not right with Wylie's responses and attitude towards posters.

I've taken, personally, a lot of flack from my stance concerning him. Well, his chickens have come home to roost now and I hope that the entire community here can settle down and get back to what this site is about, support.

It is disrespectful and very rude to bite the hand that feeds you. John has been nothing but respectful and supportive to the members here who are here for the right reasons. He has removed unsupportive members when the community here has been affected negatively by them.

I hope that Wylie gets a review from the state board where he resides. I'd hate to see all of his work and study wasted, but psycyhology is not a field that you should go into if you aren't interested in helping others. Perhaps getting his head out of the clouds would be a start for him.

And, DSF, I think I would let sleeping dogs lie. We all know your support for him and I can't see you being able to change this community in a positive manner with your continued arguing and posturing.

Here's for PC getting back to what we're here for. Supporting one another and leading with an open heart.

Fayerody................

I really annoyed that this guy is having a go at the doc. What is the problem here, Doc John provides something wonderful.

Drunk..................i think you should step back.