An in mage of the diagram of the brain was supplied by Google. This image contained all the lobes in the brain. Abby looked over and identified each lobe of the brain and what it does in the body. Example: auditory lobe for hearing, etc. Using the textbook "Psychology", Abby read briefly, via the chapter titles, what each center does. Then using a second textbook "History of Psychology", Abby chose 5 different periods in time and read about: 1) imaging; 2) autism; 3) failure to thrive; 4) Myers - Briggs: theories on personalities; 5) behaviors and abnormalities. Each area had a date when it was "invented" and a brief description of what it was.

Abby and I discussed executive function skills which stem from the frontal lobe. We discussed behavior modification which can assist in disorders of executive function skills. We then saw a YouTube lesson on brain scans used to detect anxiety, panic disorders, alcoholism, homelessness and OCD.

Today we discussed personality and how it is defined, the impact of nature versus nurture. We incorporated the bell curve to demonstrate how our personality has a standard or mean and when there are emotions that are too far to the left or right, they become a disorder.

Today we discussed the two assigned articles. The first being "gut and anxiety" and the second, "A different approach to psychotherapy." The gut and anxiety explained research that has been conducted showing a correlation to the stomach and anxiety. The second article provided an interview with a local therapist who has designed his office and practice around a spa like environment in order to ease patients in to a setting that doesn't feel so clinical. Abby and I discussed both at length.

Today we listed emotions from the morning. We used the umbrella as an example to demonstrate how emotions flow like rain drops. We experience multiple emotions throughout the day and our ability to move past them supports our personality and normalcy. It is when we become stuck and unable to refocus that one may need treatment for a disorder. Today we introduced two terms, sensitization and desensitized.

In the absence of Abby, I prepared lecture notes, made copies and sourced articles for future classes.

In the absence of Abby, I composed notes for next session. Made copies of literature for next class.

Today the session focused on emotions. We defined emotions, listed types of emotions and discussed similarities and differences among cultures. We discussed emotions being a learned behavior or innate. We started to explore how a therapist interacts with patients and having no reaction to the client who may be emotional during a session.

Today we conducted a mock interview between a therapist and a client. During the session we discussed the process to welcome a client, working to make them feel comfortable and willing to discuss their purpose for coming in to the office. I explained the initial meeting and interview is where the therapist conducts the "intake"and from the intake a report is generated. Following each session a report is generated. Next class we will discuss the report and at what point a diagnosis would be generated.

Today we opened the session by having Abby freely listing the topics and vocabulary recalled from last year. She brought forward a list of more than 30 words including theories, diagnosis, use of the DSM_iv-R. She also used the example of the "umbrella" that was used as a visual last semester. She has a good foundation from the intro to psychology to begin with this semester in general psychology.