Lea Stephany, France
Could you please tell us a little about you and your background?:
My name is Lea Stephany, I am a first-year Master student in Psychology at the University Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès. Since the beginning of high school, I have been interested in behavioural science and wished to pursue my studies in a subject related to that field. Later on as I chose psychology, the lack of information and lessons about other behavioural sciences in the undergraduate years pushed me to read a lot on my own, and to start an independent learning on subjects such as linguistics, cognitive and behavioural therapies for instance. As I went through my Erasmus exchange in Turkey, I had become a fervent defender of CBT. But throughout this exchange, I met many people from diverse backgrounds, and I went through a period of questioning and rethinking. I became aware of certain flaws in the traditional CB approach, and became interested in mindfulness, metaphors, and acceptance. I started once again an independent learning on these subjects, and as I came back to France to carry on with my first year of Master, I had the opportunity to work on the study of a Mindfulness Acceptance and Commitment Based Group Therapy. Throughout my curriculum I had the opportunity to study in 3 different universities. I spent my first undergraduate year at the university of Strasbourg (France) and then moved to Toulouse (France) where I was selected in third year to go on an exchange program to Izmir (Turkey). Being able to study in different universities was of great benefit for my personal experience, as the professors often approached common psychology subjects from a different perspective. Some of the courses that I attended at Yasar University in Izmir even came in profound contradiction with my own assumptions. Facing divergence in basic opinions pushes me to question myself, and these divergences are often the motor of my reflexion.
How did you become interested in CBS?:
I think I always was interested in CBS! Since my early teenage years, I was interested in language and its effect on people as well as brain processes, behaviours and so on. Many questions that I asked myself about the impact of bilingualism, voice hearing processes, the use of metaphors through literature, music in our heads etc…, motivated me to make researches on my own, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to know! Many of these questions, that stayed with me along the years, were partly answered by the study of the Relational Frame Theory. I now believe that RFT is a major psychological theory that allows us to explain numerous human behaviours, and that its contribution to a better understanding of human functioning is only starting.
Could you tell us about your research and application interests?:
Throughout the past year, I worked on a research project which aimed to compare two groups of patients struggling with anxiety syndromes. We compared the evolution of the symptoms as well as the changes in the psychological flexibility at post-therapy and at long term. The results were very interesting, as we discovered that patients who took part in the therapy up to 4 years before, and who continued practicing the exercises and the techniques taught in the therapy, saw their psychological flexibility increase even after the therapy. Even though the group was small, it was great to come up with positive results allowing us to take into account the importance of follow up sessions and of the weekly practise of the exercises. As for my application interest, I wish to be accepted in the University of Grenoble, which hosts a Master’s degree specialised in third waves psychotherapies. And after the acquisition of my M.A., I aim to carry out abroad internship’s to perfect my practical experiences.
Could you tell us about your experience at the World Conference this year?:
Going to Seville in June was a completely unique experience. After working on ACT and RFT for only a year, being suddenly propelled in this bright environment was more than I could ever hope. I was able to assist to workshops wonderfully presented, to meet open minded, diverse and kind people, to express myself freely, question, and be answered, and most of all, I felt fully welcomed in the ACBS community, even though I had begun only shortly.
Was there anything that stood out to you about the CBS community?:
Yes. The main thing that stood up for me was the total rupture with the conventional hierarchical system. As a student, only recently discovering the professional world, it seems to me that French society has profound roots in the respect and courtesy due to higher ups, and depending on your social and economic status, a set of implicit rules are meant to be followed. If my first experience with the ACBS community was so unforgettable, it may be thanks to the open and horizontal relations that took place in the World Conference. Being able to step up to anyone, say hello and introduce myself, no matter one’s reputation, amazed me and enabled me to gain confidence in myself.
What will you be taking back from your experience that might be helpful to you?:
Besides the great deal of unvaluable knowledge acquired by attending the conferences and workshops, I came back to Toulouse with the deep motivation of pursuing my studies on ACT and RFT. The encounter with professionals coming from all over the world, who shared with me their practises and experiences, reinforced my will to learn more, practise and exchange on ACT. I also came back with a huge list of books and articles to read, websites to explore, and podcasts to listen! I am now as motivated as ever to continue on this path, and proof at hand: I will be going to an ACT workshop in Lyon in mid-October !
Do you have anything else that you would like to share with the community?:
I am more than thankful to have been given this opportunity, and hope that many other students will benefit from the diversity scholarship. I can only thank the whole ACBS community for providing me with these unforgettable memories, and hope the amazing community spirit stays on trend!
Are you wondering how you can help to disseminate CBS in the developing world through scholarship opportunities like this? Please consider donating to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund via Paypal by using the button below. Your donation will help us continue to bring increased diversity to our annual conferences by providing funds for individuals who come from diverse backgrounds and who would not be able to attend an ACBS conference without this added financial support.
Every dollar/euro/yen goes to helping those in need -- not a nickel goes to administration. Money collected for this fund is distributed by an ACBS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. Scholarships are awarded based on need and merit.
Please note that this contribution does not qualify as a tax-deductible charitable contribution, according to USA tax law ... but it's a nice thing to do.