FEATURED TRAINEE - SARAH EMERT, MA

Sarah is a doctoral candidate in the clinical health concentration at the University of Alabama. She is currently working on her dissertation, as a doctoral candidate, aiming to identify characteristics related to the severity of insomnia identity and to differences between two treatment seeking groups (i.e., complaining good sleepers and complaining poor sleepers) on aspects related to their insomnia complaint.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN BSM?

During my undergraduate at The University of Arizona I began working in a research lab under the supervision of Dr. Patricia Haynes. I began helping with data entry on two projects at the Southern Arizona VA. Participants included Veterans with PTSD, depression, and sleep problems. I was fascinated by the seemingly infinite relationships between sleep, psychology, and physiology.

WHO ARE YOUR BSM MENTORS?

Patricia Haynes, PhD (undergraduate); Kenneth Lichstein, PhD (graduate); James Geyer, MD (graduate); As well as additional colleagues and collaborators.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?

I would love to become a practitioner, using BSM as part of my therapy "tool box". Additionally, I want to continue researching the concept of insomnia identity, and ways in which we can modify and possibly enhance BSM and CBT-i for our clients.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE FIELD OF BSM IN 10 YEARS?

I would love to see BSM and its therapeutic components becoming more common place within the community and better utilized as a first line technique, especially for individuals with insomnia.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO AWAY FROM THE OFFICE?

I love to cook. I also like to rock climb, attend concerts, read non-fiction novels, and let's not forget watching TV.

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT VACATION OR DREAM VACATION DESTINATION?

I enjoy traveling and better understanding cultures of the world, so anywhere I have yet to visit (hopefully with amazing food) is definitely on the list of my dream destinations.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL HOBBIES OR TALENTS?

Before graduate school I spent a lot of my free time as a musician. I was most recently in a Brazilian percussion ensemble and played Steel Drums in high school.

WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE HELPED SHAPE YOUR TRAINING IN BSM?

Although many things have shaped my training, working with Drs. Lichstein and Geyer at the sleep medicine center in Tuscaloosa is among my top BSM learning experiences. I worked there as a student psychologist primarily conducting CBT-i with individuals with insomnia during my clinical placement last year.

WHAT RESOURCES HAVE HELPED TO ADVANCE YOUR TRAINING?

The aforementioned clinical placement, being able to attend national conferences, and learning and collaborating with other researchers are among many on this list. However, having a fantastic mentor who has helped inspire me and achieve my goals has definitely been my most valued resource.