Below are common questions posed to Dr. Callahan by students and her response.

If you'd rather cut to the chase, you can review her curriculum vitae (CV) or listen to a more casual conversation via a podcast interview.

1) What do your students call you?

Typically, undergraduates call me Dr. Callahan but I view graduate students as emerging professionals and, thus, depending upon their comfort level some refer to me as Jennifer (my preference) while others prefer to use Dr. Callahan. I am occasionally referred to as Dr. Ruggero, but I rely on my maiden name in the workplace. If you spell my first and last name backwards it would be: Refinnej Nahallac. Or, if you prefer Pig Latin if would be Enniferjay Allahancay. Although it would be quite hard to pronounce, in binary code my name is: 01001010 01100101 01101110 01101110 01101001 01100110 01100101 01110010 00100000 01000011 01100001 01101100 01101100 01100001 01101000 01100001 01101110. According to the US Census Bureau, 'Jennifer' is the 21st most popular first name while the surname 'Callahan' is the 617th most common. Since the US has more than 332 million residents, there are more than a few people likely to respond (287 to be exact) to the stimuli of 'Jennifer Callahan' being called out. In sum, you're taking your chances with whatever variant you call me as to whether I, specifically, will respond. If you are now curious about your own name, click here.

2) Characterize your professional theoretical framework.

I am strongly committed to evidence-based practice as a foundation for care. I use the best available evidence in concert with my clinical expetise to engage in shared decision making with clients, taking into account their values, expectations, and preferences. I do not assume that what I am doing is working with any particular client. An advocate for the importance of clinical expertise, I faithfully track progress at each session with my clients, actually examine the data each time, consider the role of measurement error, and make adjustments to the course of treatment provision as needed. From a theoretical standpoint, I could be described as an integrative psychotherapist with the mindset of a local clincial scientist. I have no expectation that last sentence will resonate, or even make sense, to someone without doctoral training in psychology but include it for any really curious colleague who might happen upon this page for some reason.

3) A very common question is essentially a variation on the theme of, "Say something smart to impress me."

Sorry; I find that I am most impressive (and impressed) when I am listening rather than talking...

4) What are your long-term plans within the field of psychology? OR Do I have to do what you do?

For the most part, I am doing precisely what I hope to be doing for the remainder of my career. I enjoy the combination of teaching, research, administration, and practice and have a hard time envisioning professional happiness with any of those elements missing. Because I enjoy such diverse aspects to my work, I do not expect that my students will follow any one particular career path. I do expect my students to (1) be grounded in sound evidence regardless of career path, and (2) pursue personal excellence.