Leaders in Psychology Endorse Steven Reisner
“The right candidate for the right moment.”
“APA has faced the greatest crisis in its history and now has the opportunity to become a better, more humane, more responsive and more transparent organization. Our responsibility now is to reaffirm our values and principles, listen to concerns of the new generation of psychologists, and ensure that APA is the kind of association that young psychologists want to join.”
— Steven Reisner, candidate for APA President
We, the undersigned, believe that, in this unique moment in its history, APA needs a President who can be trusted to move the organization forward. Steven Reisner is the only one among the APA presidential candidates who consistently sounded the alarm about APA’s involvement in interrogation abuse. He has been a leader in the movement to reset APA’s ethical compass. And he is the one candidate members can count on to ensure that APA stays the course on reform.
STEVEN J. REISNER helped write the new APA policy that will keep psychologists from participating in abuse. He has been a member of APA’s Council of Representatives through these difficult times, and was selected by APA’s leadership to be part of APA’s new Blue Ribbon Ethics Commission, which is working to assure APA’s relevance and integrity into the future.
After the Hoffman report was released, young psychologists questioned whether to remain in the organization. As one Early Career Psychologist put it, “I am disturbed, but not surprised.” ECP and student affiliates have long felt that APA is out of touch with their needs and values; their membership has been dropping at twice the rate of regular membership. We believe a vote for Steven Reisner will reassure young psychologists that APA is listening to their concerns.
Steven has been a recognized public advocate for psychological science and practice as a force for social justice, human welfare and the public good. He is a psychologist that other psychologists, both within the organization and outside of it, trust to navigate APA through this difficult time. We believe that, under his leadership, APA will come through the current crisis a stronger, more respected and more effective organization.
You can watch Steven’s candidate video here and learn more about his leadership, experience, and policy positions here. But the bottom line is this:
We urge you to cast your vote for STEVEN J. REISNER, when your ballot arrives on September 15th.
Signed (affiliations are for identification purposes only):
Phil Zimbardo
Past President, American Psychological Association
Mary Pipher
Author of Reviving Ophelia and Letters to a Young Therapist
Stephen N. Xenakis
Brigadier General (Ret), U.S. Army
Former Erik Erikson Scholar, The Austen Riggs Center
Robert Jay Lifton
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Psychology, The City University of New York
Chuck Ruby
Lieutenant Colonel (retired)
Executive Director, International Society for Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry
Marybeth Shinn
Past President, Divisions 9 & 27
Stuart Oskamp
Past President of Divisions 9 and 34
Sally Shumaker
Past President, Divisions 9
Thomas Teo
President, Division 24
Suzanne Kisrchner
Past President, Division 24
Barbara Held
Past President, Division 24
Wade Pickren
Past President, Division 26
Richard H. Price
Past President, Division 27
Julian Rappaport,
Past President, Division 27
Kirk Schneider
President, Division 32
Ilene Serlin
Past President, Division 32
David N. Elkins, PhD
Past President, Division 32
Bernice Lott
Past President, Division 35
Marilyn Charles
President, Division 39
William MacGillivray
Past President, Division 39
Mary Beth Cresci
Past President, Division 39
Nancy McWilliams
Past President, Division 39
David Ramirez
Past President, Division 39
Laurie Wagner
Past President, Division 39
Lewis Aron
Past President, Division 39
Frank Summers
Past President, Division 39
Nathan Stockhamer
Past President, Division 39
William H. Gottdiener
Past President, Division 39
Gordon Herz
Past President, Division 42
Steven James
Past President APA Divisions 44 & 45
Former trustee APF
Daniel Christie
Past President, Division 48
Richard Wagner
Past President, Division 48
Paul Kimmel
Past President, Division 48
Rachel M. Macnair
Past President, Division 48
Marc Pilisuk
Past President, Division 48
Mike Wessels
Past President, Division 48
Member, PENS Task Force
Nina Thomas
Past President, New Jersey Psychological Association
Member, PENS Task Force
Jean Maria Arrigo
Member, PENS Task Force
Antonia Bercovici, Ph.D.
Past President, California Psychological Association
Roy Aranda,
President, New York State Psychological Association
Walter Hillabrant
Past President, District of Columbia Psychological Association
Gordon Lee
President, Psychologists for Social Responsibility
Yosef Brody
Past President, Psychologists for Social Responsibility
Luisa M. Saffiotti
Past President, Psychologists for Social Responsibility
Bradley Olson
Past President, Psychologists for Social Responsibility
Roy Eidelson
Past President, Psychologists for Social Responsibility
Stephen Soldz
Past President, Psychologists for Social Responsibility
Bryant Welch
Past Executive Director – APA Practice Directorate
Ghislaine Boulanger
Co-founder Psychologists for an Ethical APA
Elliot Jurist
Editor, Psychoanalytic Psychology
Susan C. Warshaw
Editor-In-Chief, Journal of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
[/cmsms_text][cmsms_heading type=”h1″ font_weight=”400″ font_style=”normal” text_align=”default” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″]Personal Endorsements[/cmsms_heading][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Jason M. Thompson” subtitle=”University of California, San Francisco”]I entered the field of clinical psychology with the conviction that psychologists are powerfully positioned to create significant positive change for individuals, families and society; of psychology as a tool for social justice. Regrettably my graduate training (2010-2015) coincided with increasingly undeniable revelations of the APA’s complicity in the CIA’s illegal torture program at Guantanamo Bay. Prior to and throughout graduate school, the APA’s authority was consistently cited as the foremost arbiter of best practices in psychological research, practice and training. I attended an APA-accredited graduate school, and APA-accredited internship program, on the basis of that purported professional authority. To my mind the torture complicity revelations fundamentally undermined the moral and ethical legitimacy of the APA, and posed a significant threat to public trust in psychology as a profession with a commitment to the alleviation of suffering or at minimum to the principle do no harm. I felt dismayed, disoriented, and ashamed of my association with the APA, and considered disowning any formal affiliation with the organization. At the same time I was grateful for the brave advocacy of psychologists such as Steven Reisner in rejecting psychologists’ participation in torture and critiquing the APA’s complicity in the federal government’s torture program. I remain convinced that the solution to a corrupt APA is an APA reformed by its members of conscience. I believe that the APA, as the voice of American psychology, has a role and a responsibility to adopt a key national and international role in preventing violence, and that on the strength of his track record of social responsible advocacy Dr. Reisner is the ideal candidate to lead APA in that vital endeavor.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Cynthia Baum-Baicker” subtitle=”Board Chair, Scattergood Foundation for Behavioral Health. Past President, Div 39 Section VIII”]I want an APA back that I can trust and I truly believe Steven Reisner is the person to lead the charge.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary P. Ludwig” subtitle=”LMSW”]Dr. Reisner shows great promise as a candidate of the American Psychological Association. I was particularly impressed by Dr. Reisner\’s ease in public speaking skills at a professional symposium, which I believe is a strong asset for the office for which he is running.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Sarita Overton”]I have struggled with being a member of APA for years. As a clinician that works with individuals with a history of trauma, I felt a deep mistrust of the lack of response of the APA to the issue of torture. Now we know the results of the investigation and I remain uneasy about my membership. Dr Reisner in his last run for the APA presidency was very forthright on what he saw going on and what he was proposing to do to help. I voted for him last time and will again this time. If there is not a serious and honest change in APA , I cannot remain a member. I value being a part of an organization of colleagues and used to be very proud of my membership. I believe Dr Reisner can restore the APA and set it back on the path to regain respect.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Dennis Debiak” subtitle=”President-Elect, Division of Psychoanalysis (39)”]Steven Reisner has been a tireless advocate for reform in psychology for more than a decade, and his efforts have contributed to the beginning of a sea change at APA. Electing Steven as President of APA is the next crucial step toward ensuring that power in our field is more equitably distributed and that we continue to reflect deeply on our ethics.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Barbara Melamed” subtitle=”University of Hawaii, Psychology Clinical Affiliate, Private Practitoner”]
Steven may appear radical..and he is .if you believe we need to replace war with PEACE…Steven believes in change for the better of mankind. He will help psychologists replace Xenophobia with finding common ground as a solution to our problems. He knows the needs of people and clinicians…We need his voice at the top of APA. He has the experience on being respected by our APA Council members, your representatives, even by those who may question some of his opinions. He will mobilize our membership…increase the involvement of younger psychologists just starting out…and relieve us of our guilt in supporting the use of our science to injure those who are thought to be political enemies by distorting the use of sleep deprivation, noise accumulation, and waterboarding which should embarrass us all. and is against Human Rights International Political Rights Laws endorsed by the United States of America go to apa.org and vote right now YOU COUNT!
[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Sarita Overton”]I have struggled with being a member of APA for years. As a clinician that works with individuals with a history of trauma, I felt a deep mistrust of the lack of response of the APA to the issue of torture. Now we know the results of the investigation and I remain uneasy about my membership. Dr Reisner in his last run for the APA presidency was very forthright on what he saw going on and what he was proposing to do to help. I voted for him last time and will again this time. If there is not a serious and honest change in APA , I cannot remain a member. I value being a part of an organization of colleagues and used to be very proud of my membership. I believe Dr Reisner can restore the APA and set it back on the path to regain respect.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Dennis Debiak” subtitle=”President-Elect, Division of Psychoanalysis (39)”]Steven Reisner has been a tireless advocate for reform in psychology for more than a decade, and his efforts have contributed to the beginning of a sea change at APA. Electing Steven as President of APA is the next crucial step toward ensuring that power in our field is more equitably distributed and that we continue to reflect deeply on our ethics.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Martha Davis” subtitle=”John Jay College of Criminal Justice CUNY (ret.)”]I have rejoined the APA in order to vote for Steven Reisner for President and to convey my support and appreciation to the outgoing Presidents and Board of Directors who have done so much in the past year to restore the ethical and professional standing of our association. Steven will be fair, serious, respectful of the diverse needs of the various divisions, and dedicated to making the APA the association that new and experienced psychologists contribute to with enthusiasm.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Michael D. Knox ” subtitle=”Chair, US Peace Memorial Foundation Fellow APA and APS Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of South Florida”]
It’s time for a more humane, ethical, and socially responsible APA. Steven is the leader to take us there.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”William MacGillivray”]I strongly support his candidacy.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Anneliese Singh ” subtitle=”The University of Georgia, Georgia. Safe Schools Coalition, Trans Resilience Project”]I have been inspired but Dr. Reisner\’s leadership over the years, as he has fought for and led efforts toward real social justice change within APA. It is the time, now more than ever, to have a leader who can be accountable to our members and steer our association in the direction of truth and justice – that is the psychology I can believe in again.[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Phil Zimbardo” subtitle=”Professor Emeritus, Stanford University” link=”http://www.zimbardo.com/”]
During the years I have known Steven Reisner, I have been impressed with his commitment both to the profession of psychology and to the furtherance of human rights. He is also smart and decent, so he has earned my endorsement for APA President.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary Pipher” subtitle=”Author of Reviving Ophelia”]
I have been concerned for several years about the inaction of the APA in the face of the repeated reports of psychologist involvement in U.S. torture. Steven Reisner, in contrast, has risen to confront the challenge to the moral integrity of our profession. That’s why I support Steven for President of the American Psychological Association.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Leonard S. Rubenstein” subtitle=”Past President, Physicians for Human Rights”]
I am convinced that with Dr. Reisner as President of APA, the Association will no longer have to be defending inaction but will instead be at the forefront of the struggle for professional independence, autonomy, and integrity. I therefore urge you to vote for him.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Jean Maria Arrigo”]Steven Reisner is our best hope for transparency at APA, broad participation by members, genuine negotiations among parties with unreconciled interests, and an APA future with scientific integrity.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Deanne Bell”]Steven Reisner’s vision and passion for psychology to be in service of well being and the creation of just communities is the kind of leadership the APA urgently needs.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary A Duryee”]Dr Steven Reisner has been an extremely effective voice for the independent and ethical practice of psychology. His leadership of the APA would provide an enormous boost of energy and integrity. He is without doubt the best candidate for supporting the true mission of the APA.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Serdar M. Degirmencioglu” subtitle=”International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development; European Community Psychology Association”]I am no longer a member of APA, because of its recalcitrance on the issue of torture. I would love to be able to come back to the organization, and will, if Steven Reisner were President.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Julie Kostrey”]Dr. Reisner envisions a profession of psychology that plays a leading role in the promotion of human healing, justice, and connection. I share his vision and support his candidacy.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”David Trexler Gatta”]If Steven Reisner is elected, I will have hope that I might one day have the sense that APA really represents me, both as an advocate for psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, and as a concerned citizen.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Harold Kooden, Ph.D.”]I am an early career Psychologist who is sick and tired of the APA status quo. They do nothing to promote the practice of Psychology except for their own benefit. Psychologist are becomming extinct being replaced by MFT,s, LSW’s and LPC’s who are practicing with half the education. What is APA doing about it? What I have been faced with is an antiquated licensing system and ever increasing educational debt with very little opportunity to make more than an employee at McDonalds. This is not what I signed on for. All I ask for is to be able to help those in need and support my family. Is that too much to ask? Dr. Reisner “gets it” that’s why he gets my vote!!![/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Nancy Hoffman”]Dr. Reisner’s candidacy is crucial for the value of our profession. He may be the representative that truly has the knowledge and where with all to advocate for our profession. It will be refreshing to watch someone on our side advocate against the law makers that stifle our practices, dictate our treatment with no inherent understanding of our mission. I hope he wins.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Andrew Greer”]If you don’t stand for the relief of suffering for all sentient creatures you are not a psychologist. If you don’t believe the relationship is the most important part of psychological practice you are not a psychologist. Torture is for the weak who have given up on thinking. I will rejoin APA if Reisner is elected.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Betty Phillips, Ph.D.”]As a minority Latino, I strongly support your candidacy for APA president. Also, I congratulate you for taking a public stand against torture and the role of psychologist on it.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Carlo Zuccarini”]Steven Reisner is smart enough to lead APA and thoughtful enough to consider the challenges we face professionally. We would be well served to have him lead APA and he has my vote.[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][/cmsms_column][/cmsms_row][cmsms_row data_padding_bottom=”20″ data_padding_top=”0″ data_color=”default” data_width=”boxed”][cmsms_column data_width=”1/1″][cmsms_heading type=”h1″ font_weight=”400″ font_style=”normal” text_align=”default” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″]Personal Endorsements[/cmsms_heading][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Jason M. Thompson” subtitle=”University of California, San Francisco”]I entered the field of clinical psychology with the conviction that psychologists are powerfully positioned to create significant positive change for individuals, families and society; of psychology as a tool for social justice. Regrettably my graduate training (2010-2015) coincided with increasingly undeniable revelations of the APA’s complicity in the CIA’s illegal torture program at Guantanamo Bay. Prior to and throughout graduate school, the APA’s authority was consistently cited as the foremost arbiter of best practices in psychological research, practice and training. I attended an APA-accredited graduate school, and APA-accredited internship program, on the basis of that purported professional authority. To my mind the torture complicity revelations fundamentally undermined the moral and ethical legitimacy of the APA, and posed a significant threat to public trust in psychology as a profession with a commitment to the alleviation of suffering or at minimum to the principle do no harm. I felt dismayed, disoriented, and ashamed of my association with the APA, and considered disowning any formal affiliation with the organization. At the same time I was grateful for the brave advocacy of psychologists such as Steven Reisner in rejecting psychologists’ participation in torture and critiquing the APA’s complicity in the federal government’s torture program. I remain convinced that the solution to a corrupt APA is an APA reformed by its members of conscience. I believe that the APA, as the voice of American psychology, has a role and a responsibility to adopt a key national and international role in preventing violence, and that on the strength of his track record of social responsible advocacy Dr. Reisner is the ideal candidate to lead APA in that vital endeavor.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Cynthia Baum-Baicker” subtitle=”Board Chair, Scattergood Foundation for Behavioral Health. Past President, Div 39 Section VIII”]I want an APA back that I can trust and I truly believe Steven Reisner is the person to lead the charge.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary P. Ludwig” subtitle=”LMSW”]Dr. Reisner shows great promise as a candidate of the American Psychological Association. I was particularly impressed by Dr. Reisner\’s ease in public speaking skills at a professional symposium, which I believe is a strong asset for the office for which he is running.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Sarita Overton”]I have struggled with being a member of APA for years. As a clinician that works with individuals with a history of trauma, I felt a deep mistrust of the lack of response of the APA to the issue of torture. Now we know the results of the investigation and I remain uneasy about my membership. Dr Reisner in his last run for the APA presidency was very forthright on what he saw going on and what he was proposing to do to help. I voted for him last time and will again this time. If there is not a serious and honest change in APA , I cannot remain a member. I value being a part of an organization of colleagues and used to be very proud of my membership. I believe Dr Reisner can restore the APA and set it back on the path to regain respect.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Dennis Debiak” subtitle=”President-Elect, Division of Psychoanalysis (39)”]Steven Reisner has been a tireless advocate for reform in psychology for more than a decade, and his efforts have contributed to the beginning of a sea change at APA. Electing Steven as President of APA is the next crucial step toward ensuring that power in our field is more equitably distributed and that we continue to reflect deeply on our ethics.[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Sarita Overton”]I have struggled with being a member of APA for years. As a clinician that works with individuals with a history of trauma, I felt a deep mistrust of the lack of response of the APA to the issue of torture. Now we know the results of the investigation and I remain uneasy about my membership. Dr Reisner in his last run for the APA presidency was very forthright on what he saw going on and what he was proposing to do to help. I voted for him last time and will again this time. If there is not a serious and honest change in APA , I cannot remain a member. I value being a part of an organization of colleagues and used to be very proud of my membership. I believe Dr Reisner can restore the APA and set it back on the path to regain respect.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Dennis Debiak” subtitle=”President-Elect, Division of Psychoanalysis (39)”]Steven Reisner has been a tireless advocate for reform in psychology for more than a decade, and his efforts have contributed to the beginning of a sea change at APA. Electing Steven as President of APA is the next crucial step toward ensuring that power in our field is more equitably distributed and that we continue to reflect deeply on our ethics.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Martha Davis” subtitle=”John Jay College of Criminal Justice CUNY (ret.)”]I have rejoined the APA in order to vote for Steven Reisner for President and to convey my support and appreciation to the outgoing Presidents and Board of Directors who have done so much in the past year to restore the ethical and professional standing of our association. Steven will be fair, serious, respectful of the diverse needs of the various divisions, and dedicated to making the APA the association that new and experienced psychologists contribute to with enthusiasm.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Michael D. Knox ” subtitle=”Chair, US Peace Memorial Foundation Fellow APA and APS Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of South Florida”]
It’s time for a more humane, ethical, and socially responsible APA. Steven is the leader to take us there.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”William MacGillivray”]I strongly support his candidacy.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Anneliese Singh ” subtitle=”The University of Georgia, Georgia. Safe Schools Coalition, Trans Resilience Project”]I have been inspired but Dr. Reisner\’s leadership over the years, as he has fought for and led efforts toward real social justice change within APA. It is the time, now more than ever, to have a leader who can be accountable to our members and steer our association in the direction of truth and justice – that is the psychology I can believe in again.[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Phil Zimbardo” subtitle=”Professor Emeritus, Stanford University” link=”http://www.zimbardo.com/”]
During the years I have known Steven Reisner, I have been impressed with his commitment both to the profession of psychology and to the furtherance of human rights. He is also smart and decent, so he has earned my endorsement for APA President.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary Pipher” subtitle=”Author of Reviving Ophelia”]
I have been concerned for several years about the inaction of the APA in the face of the repeated reports of psychologist involvement in U.S. torture. Steven Reisner, in contrast, has risen to confront the challenge to the moral integrity of our profession. That’s why I support Steven for President of the American Psychological Association.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Leonard S. Rubenstein” subtitle=”Past President, Physicians for Human Rights”]
I am convinced that with Dr. Reisner as President of APA, the Association will no longer have to be defending inaction but will instead be at the forefront of the struggle for professional independence, autonomy, and integrity. I therefore urge you to vote for him.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Jean Maria Arrigo”]Steven Reisner is our best hope for transparency at APA, broad participation by members, genuine negotiations among parties with unreconciled interests, and an APA future with scientific integrity.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Deanne Bell”]Steven Reisner’s vision and passion for psychology to be in service of well being and the creation of just communities is the kind of leadership the APA urgently needs.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary A Duryee”]Dr Steven Reisner has been an extremely effective voice for the independent and ethical practice of psychology. His leadership of the APA would provide an enormous boost of energy and integrity. He is without doubt the best candidate for supporting the true mission of the APA.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Serdar M. Degirmencioglu” subtitle=”International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development; European Community Psychology Association”]I am no longer a member of APA, because of its recalcitrance on the issue of torture. I would love to be able to come back to the organization, and will, if Steven Reisner were President.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Julie Kostrey”]Dr. Reisner envisions a profession of psychology that plays a leading role in the promotion of human healing, justice, and connection. I share his vision and support his candidacy.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”David Trexler Gatta”]If Steven Reisner is elected, I will have hope that I might one day have the sense that APA really represents me, both as an advocate for psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, and as a concerned citizen.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Harold Kooden, Ph.D.”]I am an early career Psychologist who is sick and tired of the APA status quo. They do nothing to promote the practice of Psychology except for their own benefit. Psychologist are becomming extinct being replaced by MFT,s, LSW’s and LPC’s who are practicing with half the education. What is APA doing about it? What I have been faced with is an antiquated licensing system and ever increasing educational debt with very little opportunity to make more than an employee at McDonalds. This is not what I signed on for. All I ask for is to be able to help those in need and support my family. Is that too much to ask? Dr. Reisner “gets it” that’s why he gets my vote!!![/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Nancy Hoffman”]Dr. Reisner’s candidacy is crucial for the value of our profession. He may be the representative that truly has the knowledge and where with all to advocate for our profession. It will be refreshing to watch someone on our side advocate against the law makers that stifle our practices, dictate our treatment with no inherent understanding of our mission. I hope he wins.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Andrew Greer”]If you don’t stand for the relief of suffering for all sentient creatures you are not a psychologist. If you don’t believe the relationship is the most important part of psychological practice you are not a psychologist. Torture is for the weak who have given up on thinking. I will rejoin APA if Reisner is elected.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Betty Phillips, Ph.D.”]As a minority Latino, I strongly support your candidacy for APA president. Also, I congratulate you for taking a public stand against torture and the role of psychologist on it.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Carlo Zuccarini”]Steven Reisner is smart enough to lead APA and thoughtful enough to consider the challenges we face professionally. We would be well served to have him lead APA and he has my vote.[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][/cmsms_column][/cmsms_row][cmsms_row data_padding_bottom=”20″ data_padding_top=”0″ data_color=”default” data_width=”boxed”][cmsms_column data_width=”1/1″][cmsms_heading type=”h1″ font_weight=”400″ font_style=”normal” text_align=”default” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″ animation_delay=”0″]Personal Endorsements[/cmsms_heading][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Jason M. Thompson” subtitle=”University of California, San Francisco”]I entered the field of clinical psychology with the conviction that psychologists are powerfully positioned to create significant positive change for individuals, families and society; of psychology as a tool for social justice. Regrettably my graduate training (2010-2015) coincided with increasingly undeniable revelations of the APA’s complicity in the CIA’s illegal torture program at Guantanamo Bay. Prior to and throughout graduate school, the APA’s authority was consistently cited as the foremost arbiter of best practices in psychological research, practice and training. I attended an APA-accredited graduate school, and APA-accredited internship program, on the basis of that purported professional authority. To my mind the torture complicity revelations fundamentally undermined the moral and ethical legitimacy of the APA, and posed a significant threat to public trust in psychology as a profession with a commitment to the alleviation of suffering or at minimum to the principle do no harm. I felt dismayed, disoriented, and ashamed of my association with the APA, and considered disowning any formal affiliation with the organization. At the same time I was grateful for the brave advocacy of psychologists such as Steven Reisner in rejecting psychologists’ participation in torture and critiquing the APA’s complicity in the federal government’s torture program. I remain convinced that the solution to a corrupt APA is an APA reformed by its members of conscience. I believe that the APA, as the voice of American psychology, has a role and a responsibility to adopt a key national and international role in preventing violence, and that on the strength of his track record of social responsible advocacy Dr. Reisner is the ideal candidate to lead APA in that vital endeavor.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Cynthia Baum-Baicker” subtitle=”Board Chair, Scattergood Foundation for Behavioral Health. Past President, Div 39 Section VIII”]I want an APA back that I can trust and I truly believe Steven Reisner is the person to lead the charge.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary P. Ludwig” subtitle=”LMSW”]Dr. Reisner shows great promise as a candidate of the American Psychological Association. I was particularly impressed by Dr. Reisner\’s ease in public speaking skills at a professional symposium, which I believe is a strong asset for the office for which he is running.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Sarita Overton”]I have struggled with being a member of APA for years. As a clinician that works with individuals with a history of trauma, I felt a deep mistrust of the lack of response of the APA to the issue of torture. Now we know the results of the investigation and I remain uneasy about my membership. Dr Reisner in his last run for the APA presidency was very forthright on what he saw going on and what he was proposing to do to help. I voted for him last time and will again this time. If there is not a serious and honest change in APA , I cannot remain a member. I value being a part of an organization of colleagues and used to be very proud of my membership. I believe Dr Reisner can restore the APA and set it back on the path to regain respect.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Dennis Debiak” subtitle=”President-Elect, Division of Psychoanalysis (39)”]Steven Reisner has been a tireless advocate for reform in psychology for more than a decade, and his efforts have contributed to the beginning of a sea change at APA. Electing Steven as President of APA is the next crucial step toward ensuring that power in our field is more equitably distributed and that we continue to reflect deeply on our ethics.[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Sarita Overton”]I have struggled with being a member of APA for years. As a clinician that works with individuals with a history of trauma, I felt a deep mistrust of the lack of response of the APA to the issue of torture. Now we know the results of the investigation and I remain uneasy about my membership. Dr Reisner in his last run for the APA presidency was very forthright on what he saw going on and what he was proposing to do to help. I voted for him last time and will again this time. If there is not a serious and honest change in APA , I cannot remain a member. I value being a part of an organization of colleagues and used to be very proud of my membership. I believe Dr Reisner can restore the APA and set it back on the path to regain respect.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Dennis Debiak” subtitle=”President-Elect, Division of Psychoanalysis (39)”]Steven Reisner has been a tireless advocate for reform in psychology for more than a decade, and his efforts have contributed to the beginning of a sea change at APA. Electing Steven as President of APA is the next crucial step toward ensuring that power in our field is more equitably distributed and that we continue to reflect deeply on our ethics.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Martha Davis” subtitle=”John Jay College of Criminal Justice CUNY (ret.)”]I have rejoined the APA in order to vote for Steven Reisner for President and to convey my support and appreciation to the outgoing Presidents and Board of Directors who have done so much in the past year to restore the ethical and professional standing of our association. Steven will be fair, serious, respectful of the diverse needs of the various divisions, and dedicated to making the APA the association that new and experienced psychologists contribute to with enthusiasm.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Michael D. Knox ” subtitle=”Chair, US Peace Memorial Foundation Fellow APA and APS Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of South Florida”]
It’s time for a more humane, ethical, and socially responsible APA. Steven is the leader to take us there.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”William MacGillivray”]I strongly support his candidacy.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Anneliese Singh ” subtitle=”The University of Georgia, Georgia. Safe Schools Coalition, Trans Resilience Project”]I have been inspired but Dr. Reisner\’s leadership over the years, as he has fought for and led efforts toward real social justice change within APA. It is the time, now more than ever, to have a leader who can be accountable to our members and steer our association in the direction of truth and justice – that is the psychology I can believe in again.[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][cmsms_quotes mode=”grid” columns=”2″ animation=”fadeIn” animation_delay=”500″][cmsms_quote name=”Phil Zimbardo” subtitle=”Professor Emeritus, Stanford University” link=”http://www.zimbardo.com/”]
During the years I have known Steven Reisner, I have been impressed with his commitment both to the profession of psychology and to the furtherance of human rights. He is also smart and decent, so he has earned my endorsement for APA President.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary Pipher” subtitle=”Author of Reviving Ophelia”]
I have been concerned for several years about the inaction of the APA in the face of the repeated reports of psychologist involvement in U.S. torture. Steven Reisner, in contrast, has risen to confront the challenge to the moral integrity of our profession. That’s why I support Steven for President of the American Psychological Association.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Leonard S. Rubenstein” subtitle=”Past President, Physicians for Human Rights”]
I am convinced that with Dr. Reisner as President of APA, the Association will no longer have to be defending inaction but will instead be at the forefront of the struggle for professional independence, autonomy, and integrity. I therefore urge you to vote for him.
[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Jean Maria Arrigo”]Steven Reisner is our best hope for transparency at APA, broad participation by members, genuine negotiations among parties with unreconciled interests, and an APA future with scientific integrity.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Deanne Bell”]Steven Reisner’s vision and passion for psychology to be in service of well being and the creation of just communities is the kind of leadership the APA urgently needs.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Mary A Duryee”]Dr Steven Reisner has been an extremely effective voice for the independent and ethical practice of psychology. His leadership of the APA would provide an enormous boost of energy and integrity. He is without doubt the best candidate for supporting the true mission of the APA.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Serdar M. Degirmencioglu” subtitle=”International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development; European Community Psychology Association”]I am no longer a member of APA, because of its recalcitrance on the issue of torture. I would love to be able to come back to the organization, and will, if Steven Reisner were President.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Julie Kostrey”]Dr. Reisner envisions a profession of psychology that plays a leading role in the promotion of human healing, justice, and connection. I share his vision and support his candidacy.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”David Trexler Gatta”]If Steven Reisner is elected, I will have hope that I might one day have the sense that APA really represents me, both as an advocate for psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, and as a concerned citizen.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Harold Kooden, Ph.D.”]I am an early career Psychologist who is sick and tired of the APA status quo. They do nothing to promote the practice of Psychology except for their own benefit. Psychologist are becomming extinct being replaced by MFT,s, LSW’s and LPC’s who are practicing with half the education. What is APA doing about it? What I have been faced with is an antiquated licensing system and ever increasing educational debt with very little opportunity to make more than an employee at McDonalds. This is not what I signed on for. All I ask for is to be able to help those in need and support my family. Is that too much to ask? Dr. Reisner “gets it” that’s why he gets my vote!!![/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Nancy Hoffman”]Dr. Reisner’s candidacy is crucial for the value of our profession. He may be the representative that truly has the knowledge and where with all to advocate for our profession. It will be refreshing to watch someone on our side advocate against the law makers that stifle our practices, dictate our treatment with no inherent understanding of our mission. I hope he wins.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Andrew Greer”]If you don’t stand for the relief of suffering for all sentient creatures you are not a psychologist. If you don’t believe the relationship is the most important part of psychological practice you are not a psychologist. Torture is for the weak who have given up on thinking. I will rejoin APA if Reisner is elected.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Betty Phillips, Ph.D.”]As a minority Latino, I strongly support your candidacy for APA president. Also, I congratulate you for taking a public stand against torture and the role of psychologist on it.[/cmsms_quote][cmsms_quote name=”Carlo Zuccarini”]Steven Reisner is smart enough to lead APA and thoughtful enough to consider the challenges we face professionally. We would be well served to have him lead APA and he has my vote.[/cmsms_quote][/cmsms_quotes][/cmsms_column][/cmsms_row]