Artifact Summary Based off Webpage

http://www.calcoastalcounseling.com/index.html

The homepage of this site immediately sets the tone for the audience.

In a large font “California Coastal Counseling” heads the top. Underneath in the same color the words “Psychotherapy, counseling, coaching” are clearly stated leaving no room for misinterpretation of the intent for this site.

The pictures scrolling are of men and women of various ages smiling, giving the impression that the services provided help make their clients happy. Although there are age and gender differences in the pictures there is not variety in ethnicity.  I plan on asking the therapist I interview if there was a planned reason for that.  The perception of one ethnicity represented could be misunderstood to mean that they do not support services to non “White” clients.  This may be a strategy for a particular demographic(s), but I do not think it’s the intent.

The conventions seem to be on par for the services provided. There is an intro to what their services can help with, containing highlighted in bold “Buzz” words catching the attention of the reader. I think this is great because it doesn’t allow the audience to wander. It is direct and pointed. Again, I think this helps the reader know the emphasis this specific therapist is keen to. By having bold words, one’s pathos/emotions are engaged.

On her homepage she has two pictures of herself. And while both pictures are warm and welcoming, I am not sure why there is a need for two. I will ask about that.

The therapist I am choosing to work with is an African American woman, which makes my previous inquiry about the scrolling pictures even more confusing.

Mrs. Williams (MFT) definitely gives me the impression she is knowledgeable based on her therapist license info readily displayed with the “Verified by Psychology Today” stamp. She also follows the traditional convention(s) of having a “Learn More” section. This further helps the reader feel the depth of knowledge. Within the “Learn more” section one could choose to click on different tabs further engaging the reader and bringing more information.

In more than one place.. The reader can contact the office to make an appointment or receive a newsletter. This shows a welcoming to new clients and a sharing of information.

Although this homepage may be organized in its own unique fashion, I think it is fitting of the genre of most therapists. 

People do not contact a therapist unless they typically are having emotional strain… The “Testimonial” and “About” tabs along with the bold words are a straight shot to ethos and pathos! By expressing her background in the about section the reader feels warm and trusting of the therapist. The testimonials confirm the confidence one wants in their therapy and the positive outcome they are looking for. I can clearly sense the therapist wanted her readers to feel safe and confident she could bring forth the services the clients need.

Ethos is very present in her “About” section. After reading I felt 100% positive this therapist in particular was working with a high level of ethics and care for her clients. She was wise to share the leadership roles she has and recognitions she’s has received. I don’t think many readers would doubt she is a professional and has the support of her professional community. She also states how many years she has been practicing which further reinforces her knowledge and credibility.

The logos aspect of her website is interwoven throughout. She does not seem to directly solicit her business.. but after reading her site, one can’t help but connect enough to see that if you are dealing with emotional stresses.. she can help. I think this falls into the logos category because it would be difficult to not logically conclude she has the skill set and desire to help you (the reader).

Her use of language is professional yet not intimidating.. I think this is great since many could be nervous to explore therapy! Her tone seems very relaxed in nature and non-threatening. This style of approach is wise since the topic of her profession is sensitive and needs to be presented in a gentle fashion. I look forward to receiving hard copy artifacts to further analyze.

Week 4 readings

I like pages 114-119 of Everything's an Argument. I often find starting a writing piece to be one of the more challenging aspects of writing in any capacity. Within the above-mentioned pages there are great suggestions to think about prior to writing. I especially liked the sections on "The claim" and "Evidence of the claim". I have a habit of announcing evidence of a claim as opposed to sharing specifics to support such claims. I also tend to be a bit esoteric in my writing, which can be challenging for a reader if I am not clear and pointed or at bare minimum presenting supporting statements. Reading page 396 was great because it presented multiple thoughts for me to be aware of next time I am finding myself stuck or not sure why I am not clear. 

I also am often confused by the marketing/advertisements I notice. I rarely see a direct correlation of ad to product. Of course the professionals of marketing know what they are doing but I seem to not "Get it" many of the times. Though Bob Dylan does not automatically seem the best fit for Victoria's Secret, I think he is great. Just like his music, women and their relationship to their body and undergarments are not always clear and meant for just anyone to be aware of or understand for that matter. There is poetry to Bob Dylan, a navigation of emotions, a visual experience within his lyrics. The mystery of what a woman wears is in itself a visual experience. The perversion of my imagination in combination with the beauty of "The female" is poetic though not always graceful... Bob Dylan sings in a tone that is not always graceful but nonetheless magical.

Email Draft 1 ( Request for Artifacts)

Dear Mrs. Williams,

My name is Jordan Robinson and I am a student at Antioch University of Santa Barbara. I currently majoring in Liberal Studies with a concentration in applied psychology. Although I am gainfully employed at the moment, upon graduation and further education beyond, I hope to explore becoming an active therapist.

I am contacting you because I need to gain education and understanding as to what it takes to be successful in your field. Specifically I would like to acquire 3-5 writing artifacts you use in your business now if available. This will help me formulate follow-up questions I will have at a later point.

I recognize you are busy and time is valuable, however, I would appreciate your consideration of my request. I am looking forward to receiving your artifacts and can make myself available to pick them up at your convenience

Thank you very much!

Week 2 Reading Blog

Social media, one of my least desired aspects of current culture. Although I understand the benefit and convenience of the Facebook's, Twitter's, Instagram's in todays market, I really have a hard time embracing them. On average, I receive no less than 30 emails a day. Not all need to be responded too right away, but I am still being inundated when I don’t want. Its not that these sites are inherently bad, but I tend to feel an absence of authenticity through such outlets. None the less, this is the modern moment and I am better embracing them than fight the flow.

            I did; however, pick-up on a few tips I think will be helpful for me. Receiving so many emails a day and sharing information back and forth I often get lost in email land. Conversations are often like books, they have chapters. Long email exchanges are similar. By changing the subject line in an email I will be able to better reference information I am wanting from a particular point. 

            I appreciated the section giving tips for business blogging. Some of the tips seem obvious and simple. Though they very well might be, the small things we do in life often go over looked. One reason I do not enjoy blogging is the frequency it needs to be. After reading this chapter I have a better understanding of why it’s necessary to keep regular frequency. People are quick to lose attention and focus, so it’s good to bring new and relevant content as often as possible. "Pruning your sources" is another tool I will remember. It is true, some websites or blogs etc. are no longer relevant to me. Making time to clean up what is essential versus what is non-essential is key.

Sometimes “Asking for the order” is forgotten when we are writing request. I know I have forgotten that component before. Requesting a specific action at the end of an email is an awesome reminder of the call to action!

This weeks reading of Understand Rhetoric did a good job of illustrating the value of knowing what personality to present with different forms of communication. The examples are silly but make the content easy to digest and light hearted. Two thumbs up.

Week 1 Readings Blog

I really enjoy the relaxed conversational style “Understanding Rhetoric” was written. Not only does the book feel relaxed in nature but it also allows me to comprehend with greater ease.  “Text books” often feel dry and underwhelming, however, the graphic novel stylized pages and conversation tone keeps my attention.  I love learning visually so this catered directly to that aspect of me.

I am not a fan of public speaking. Though I am not the worst, I am certainly not the best, nor do I want to do much about it.  When I read, “Cicero also taught his students to imagine the parts of their speeches as rooms in a building” I totally connected. Speeches contain various subject matter and points, much like the character each room in a building possesses. Adopting this perspective will definitely be implemented next time I find myself having to speak publicly to a large group.

I found “Everything’s an Argument” a bit dry but the author makes a good point in bringing up the notion, all written word is meant to convey a thought the writer wants the reader to accept on one level or another. While I think using the word “Argument” stretches the definition, I understand the point and respect it as such.

Mini Intro

As the years progress, the challenge of writing about whom I am or who I think I am becomes more difficult. Not only does the rabbit hole run deeper but also the reflection gets more vivid. However, I will do my best at presenting a broad stroke with maybe a few fun facts. 

I have lived in Santa Barbara since the summer of 1999. I am originally from The Bay Area. Although home is where the heart is, I do love being a part of Santa Barbara.  One of the features I tend to really enjoy is the architecture and the architectural lay out. This may be one of the reasons I decided to make a living being a Realtor. I have been helping Buyers and Sellers with the negotiations of their homes for the past several years.  When not in work mode, which is more often than should be, I enjoy a host of leisure and enriching activities ranging from being an active abstract artist, physical fitness (Karate, running, gym, hiking), writing poetry, reading, and of course traveling. I am a vegetarian, but I am still an undercover foodie. I love to eat. Further reason I must stay physically active.

I tend to connect to individuals and the world around me in a spiritual/holistic sense. This does not excuse me from being short and curt at moments, but I usually take a meditative approach to connecting.  I would describe myself as a Christian/Buddhist/Hindu hybrid. I have foundations in Catholicism, but as I have matured my views have expanded to the eastern philosophies and religions.

I have received a few accolades and accomplishments that I tend to be private about, however, I think this chapter of my life might call for putting the trophies on the shelf. Humility is great, but we all deserve to shine. With that.. I hope I can be a positive person in the lives of those I encounter and my current classmates.

Do your best and forget the rest!