Invitation from the chair to become a Div. 43 fellow

Being an APA fellow in couple and family psychology allows someone to be honored and recognized for the contributions made nationally and internationally in our field.

From John Bakaly, PhD, Div. 43 fellows chair:

Becoming a fellow is a wonderful way to frame your work, to cap your achievements and to propel you towards more substantial recognition as a couple and family psychologist. This is the opportunity to honor all of your significant achievements in and to the field of couple and family psychology. As a fellow, one introduces oneself and ones work to the many other fellows in APA and in Div. 43. As members of Div. 43, we make many scientific and practice-based contributions that grow our field. We share common interests in systemic thinking, viewing the problem relationally and understanding the many contexts of people’s lives, just to name a few. As a division, we wish to honor Div. 43 members and those who are fellows in other divisions for their contributions to the field of couple and family psychology.

Fellows in Div. 43 also mentor and set the standards for other couple and family psychologists, especially those in their early career to follow. Div. 43 is responsible for nominating our division members for their contributions and achievements based on basic requirements for all members.

The following are two very important APA criteria for becoming an Initial Fellow that were presented to the Fellows Chairs at APA’s convention in San Francisco by the Fellows Committee of APA:

  • Evidence of unusual/extraordinary and outstanding/significant contributions or performance in the field of couple and family psychology; and
  • National and/or international impact on the field or profession of couple and family psychology beyond a local, state or regional level.

My role as fellows chair and the role of the Fellows Committee is to help you to think through, consider and present the impact of your contributions and achievements throughout your career. We wish to match your work to those requirements described above. We are here to guide you through this process and help you narrate your story of contributions and achievements in the field of couple and family psychology.

The Process

We have provided a checklist of requirements for you to read and confirm to help you decide if you meet the basic requirements to be nominated as a fellow for APA and for Div. 43. Please begin by referring to the Div. 43 Fellows checklist. (PDF, 88KB) 

Contact me if you are thinking of applying, and I will gladly discuss any questions, thoughts and/or concerns that you have.

Additionally, those interested in applying must:

  • Submit a letter of interest, can be written in an email, addressed to me that describes your initial thoughts as to how you and your contributions meet these requirements on the checklist.
  • Email me the confirmed Fellows Checklist, your CV and your letter of interest.
  • Upon review by the committee, a decision is made whether to approve continuation on to the online application to be a fellow in Div. 43. We will carefully review your letter of interest, CV and the checklist to help determine whether your contributions fit the criteria that APA is looking for in a fellow
  • After approval to start the online application, I and members of the committee are happy to consult with you in the writing of your self-statement, choosing and interacting with your three endorsers to create the best applications possible.

Finally as fellows chair, I write a statement that presents you as the best applicant for APA fellow.

This has been a brief introduction to the process. Please visit the Div. 43 fellows page or my article in the Div. 43 newsletter for more information. The Div. 43 fellows page also contains my contact information. Finally, please contact me if you have any interest in becoming a fellow, and I will gladly talk with you.

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