October 2011

October 2011
Dr. Jayme Albin, Ph.D

B.B.A.,’95

Q & A:

• What was your favorite class, professor, and fondest memory of Hofstra?
  My favorite class was my Business Communication class; it gave me the most practical advice in gaining someone’s attention and communicating my agenda. It taught me practical skills and provided me with important basic insights on how people think and interact in business environments. As a psychologist, I recognize the value of teaching people direct, practical skills and offering valuable insights into the actions of others. My fondest experience at Hofstra was completing my honors thesis on emerging American Depositary Receipts. This was the most challenging academic experience I had endured up to this point. It not only challenged me to think outside the box, but also made me come to terms with any feelings of being out of my comfort zone.
• What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
  My first job was working for a commercial bank managing 401k plans. Outside of my job duties, I was asked to lead a Series 6 and 7 preparation class to senior-level bank employees. They asked me to lead the class because I had just graduated with a high GPA in banking and finance from Hofstra and the current teacher (a vice president at the bank) was too busy. From the experience of teaching the class, I recognized my desire to teach and work closely with people. It also taught me the true value of enjoying what you do and feeling rewarded by contributing to others. This experience sparked my mission to become a psychologist.
• What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
  Currently I am a clinical psychologist and wellness coach. I have a private practice as well as health and behavior consulting firm in Manhattan. I combine cognitive behavior therapy and yoga techniques to teach people how to achieve balance and fluidity in their lives.  I am also a certified yoga instructor. After I graduated from Hofstra, I explored many options for a career, including business and law. I spent time considering what motivated me in life, what type of day-to-day interactions I enjoyed and what I was best at.  I also looked long term at what would keep me interested and which careers would evolve with me. A few years after graduating, I applied for a volunteer position at a therapeutic nursery for emotionally troubled children. The commitment was three mornings a week (7 to 11 a.m. for a year). I worked the schedule out with my employer and also attended psychology classes at the community college in the evening.  After that commitment, I went on to obtain a master’s degree in developmental psychology from Columbia University and then a Ph.D. in clinical health psychology from Yeshiva University.  In 2003 I started my private practice. In 2010 I enrolled in a 200-hour yoga training program to enhance my skills and bring new interventions into my therapy practice.
• What advice would you give current Hofstra students?
  Don't worry about selecting the “perfect” major. Select something that relates to your interests as best as you can, but recognize that a lot of your career will be about what you do with your degree, not what the degree will do for you. Try to get the most out of any class you are taking.
• In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
  Collaborative
• How has your business degree from Hofstra helped you succeed at your career?
  My degree sets me apart from others in my field. I bring a different mind and skill set to the table. It's particularly helpful when doing organizational coaching or consultancy for a brand or product. I also use my knowledge to run my own business.
• What made you decide to specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)?
  As a person with a business background I like to think in terms of models. When I was introduced to CBT as a paradigm for psychotherapy, I was immediately drawn to how well the model behind the treatment conceptualized each person’s unique relationship with the world. The model behind the treatment approach accounts for learned attitudes, actions, emotions and biology. To me the model makes sense and is something others grasp with ease. I also like the direct skill-building element of CBT, as well as its ability to address symptoms on multiple levels. Also as a science person, CBT appealed to me because it has been rigorously researched to the point that it proves to be the most effective and efficient form of therapy for a variety of disorders and symptoms.
• What is the most interesting topic that you have worked on?
  The most interesting topic I get to work on is researching and developing behavior therapy protocols that incorporate state-of-the-art technology. For example, such programs have included virtual reality scenarios (e.g., airplanes and subways), computerized neurological/ biofeedback and social networking platforms.  Currently I am working on a digital weight maintenance program/book that will give direct feedback based on your daily weight. In 2008 I published a book on using virtual reality and biofeedback to treat fear of flying.