The Boulder Model in Academia: Struggling to Integrate the Science and Practice of Psychology

Abstract

For many professionals, the Boulder model captures the ideals of clinical psychology. Unfortunately, it can be extremely difficult to integrate science and practice in many work settings. The present paper provides several recommendations for encouraging the scientist-practitioner model in academia. Faculty can strive to integrate teaching, research, and clinical services in weekly activities. First, it is important for the professional to retain a strong and clear focus on clinical psychology, without straying into allied fields. Second, it is essential for anyone who works in academia to learn to juggle many different activities that demand the professional’s time. Third, it is important to maintain a consistent focus on specific areas of interest in order to cultivate them into domains of expertise. Fourth, it is helpful to appreciate the synergism whereby work in one area can enhance the other domains. Fifth, it is helpful to integrate several activities into one multi-purpose task. Finally, it can be useful to view professional involvement in many different activities that could help to advance the field.