2022 Treasurer Candidate Statements

Douglas Knutson, Ph.D.

2022 SCP Treasurer Candidate Statement on APA Ballot

Question: How would your skills and vision help you to contribute to and lead SCP’s efforts to uproot anti-Black racism in SCP and beyond?

I have discovered through my research and clinical work in affirming care for diverse LGBTQ+ people that affirmation rests in a space somewhere between knowing and not knowing. It is important to know current terminology, research findings, practice guidelines, and recommended approaches to clinical care. It is also important to leave space for people to define their own terminology, to be statistical outliers, to push back against guidelines, and to be unsettled by recommended interventions.

As a White, gay, cisgender man, with a broad range of privileged identities, I would bring this affirming, ally orientation to my role as treasurer. Based on my existing knowledge, I would suggest changes to the budget intended to reduce White supremacy and anti-Black racism. I would also maintain open communication with individual sections, members, and leadership about their needs and perceptions. Working from this space of advocacy and awareness, I would do my best to support and nurture important ideas and changes.

Mark Taracuk, Ph.D.

2022 SCP Treasurer Candidate Statement on APA Ballot

Question: How would your skills and vision help you to contribute to and lead SCP’s efforts to uproot anti-Black racism in SCP and beyond?

Anyone who knows me would say one of my favorite questions is “What is the function of this?” As a detail-oriented person, I want to apply this same critical and detailed eye to my work as SCP Treasurer, which is a role that requires careful attention to detail.

I will work to run our logistics and operations smoothly so that we can make sure our funds, membership fees, donations, and resources are being adequately, appropriately, and sufficiently utilized. I will do this always addressing the values of our division and our focus on uprooting anti-Black racism. I enjoy generating practical solutions, so I look forward to partnering with fellow SCP leaders to find creative, innovative, and unique ways to implement Jernigan & Associates’ strategies and recommendations for SCP.  As a detail-oriented person, I often reflect on social justice through the lens of Lee Anne Bell’s definition: social justice is a vision of society in which all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure. I can’t always see the vision clearly due to a variety of factors including daily noise and my own privilege. But I will continue to use my time and talents to affirm the inherent dignity of Black individuals and communities and to advance counseling psychology further into paving the way for physical and psychological safety and security for all.