Cynthia Sturm, PhD 
Portland – Retired May 2021 

Thank you to the CPSC for this opportunity to reflect on my professional career and retirement transition.

In 1982, I arrived in Portland for my internship at the VA Medical Center, having been trained as a scientist-practitioner at the University of Montana. My career as a clinical psychologist in the Portland area continued until I retired in May 2021. Primarily I worked with adults and couples in my private practice, specializing in PTSD. I also enjoyed teaching and consultation in the areas of ethics and professional issues. I met many wonderful colleagues through various leadership roles in OPA, including the Ethics Committee and APA Council Rep, and I was also fortunate to serve on APA committees including the Board of Professional Affairs and the APA Ethics Committee. When I retired in May 2021 it was not how I envisioned finishing my career – in isolation from colleagues and clients due to COVID.

Now more than a year into retirement most of the responsibilities of practice are in the rearview mirror. However, I still see the world through a broad psychological lens and continue learning. For instance, I have more time to immerse myself in consciousness research through the Institute of Noetic Science (IONS) to which I have belonged for 40 years. I am active in a Rock Art Research group through the Oregon Archeological Society and go on field research trips to the Gorge and Montana and present papers at conferences. My research, writing, and presentation skills still come in handy! I am finally freer to express my creative personality and mindset in artistic endeavors. This summer I am volunteering at 4^th Quarter Farm near my home; they grow flowers to distribute to low-income seniors in assisted living facilities.  For those of you nearing retirement, the seeds of most of my current interests were planted in past years, but now they have more time to bloom.