Dr. Andrew Berry is a 2007 graduate of Forest Institute, and
he is now happy to call himself a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist.
In a few short years, Berry has accomplished a lot. That’s
partially because he was the first person in the country to participate in the
American Board of Professional Psychology’s
early entry program.
According to ABPP’s website, graduate students, interns, and
residents may apply for the program that puts you on the fast-track towards
earning your board certification.
"I encourage everyone to look into it. It’s very doable. I applied to the program before I ever
finished my residency,” said Dr. Berry.
To give you an idea of the speed of the process, Berry
became a licensed psychologist in the state of New York in September of
2008. Just eight months later, in
May of 2009, he earned his board certification.
His success has created a buzz by the ABPP itself. Berry is now featured on the organization’s
website as an example of someone who went through the program and showed what
it takes to complete it. You can read
what he has to say about the early entry program here.
Berry currently practices at the Post Graduate Center for Mental
Health in New York City.
On top of his already busy schedule, Berry is also a 4th
year candidate in interpersonal psychoanalysis at the William Alanson
White Institute. Berry says he is on track to become certified in psychoanalysis by late spring of
2012.
He says his passion for psychoanalysis grew after looking at
Sigmund Freud’s work in 1985.
"That was a rush that I’ve never felt before. I’m fascinated by the realm of the unconscious,”
said Dr. Berry.
Berry notes that the newer model of psychoanalysis has
proven much more effective than the older one because it takes into account the
relationship between the patient and the analyst.
He says its enjoyable to work in this field because psychoanalysts rarely retire and that they only "get
older and better at what they are doing.”
In reflecting on his time at Forest, Berry advises students
to take a proactive approach in their education, and more importantly their
plans for post graduation.
He says luckily Forest "offers a great education on a day in
the life of a clinical psychologist.”
On the home front, Berry’s wife Kimberly recently received her CPA license and he is now enjoying life as a daddy. In December of 2009, the couple welcomed
their first-born, Sharra Lyyn Berry, into the world.