Psychological Services Center

To:Sharon Tyson~ Ph.D. Director of Training

St. Mary's Medical Center

McAuley Behavi,oral Health Services 450 Stanyan Street

San Francisco, CA 94117

Dear Dr. Tyson:

I am delighted to write in support of Ashlelgh Kirk. who is applying for a pre-doctoral internship. Since September Ashleigh has been an active and thoughtful participant in the weekly didactic Seminars and the weekly adult intake case conference (both of which I lead). In addition, I have been her primarysupervisor. What is most remarkable about Ashleigh is that although she is an accomplished clinician with over a decade of experience, she actively and enthusiastically avails herself of educational opportunities, even when they cover familiar ground. For example. in the fall didactic seminar focusing on principles of psychodynamic therapy. Ashleigh focused on psychodynamic formulation and on theoretical and technical implications that distinguish work

with individuals with borderline-level functioning,the population with which she is most familiar, from those with neurotic-level functioning. In the case conference she has consistently offered insightfull observations regarding

clinical material presented and has been supportive of useful interventions

made by fellow students whose clinicl experience ranges from one to four

years.

In individual supervision Ashleigh's experience quickly became apparent as she adroitly, concisely, and vividly identified and conveyed critical aspects of each client's presenting complaints, mental status. and response to her interventions. Ashleigh is accomplished in a range of techniques and has employed them effectively and in a way that is exquisitely attuned to the client's level of ego functioning at a given moment. She has worked effectively with couples and with individuals, at moments of crisis (e.g. before and after a violent episode, dissociative episode. or panic attack), and in ongoing psychotherapy. Ashleigh has used individual supervislion to develop her skill in articulating the conceptual framework that guides her moment-to-moment understanding of her clients and her selection of interventions.

Because of her considerable experience and ongoing interest in working with individuals with histories of sexual and physical abuse, Ashleigh has been developing her understanding of complementary and overlapping roles of trauma and fanasy in the development of character structure.

Suzanne R Pallak PhD

Director of Training

Testimonials 3