In a new feature we will be profiling a random member of MOPA on a monthly basis. We begin with July and Dr. Elbert "El" H. Bolsen:
I retired from an active practice in 2006 however I maintain my license and active membership with MOPA while teaching in a graduate program for counselors at the Webster University, Rolla Metro Campus. I know that seems strange to say “Rolla Metro” but that is the designation Webster gives to the Rolla Campus. I also am a co-facilitator for Veracity, which is a group that serves men who are charged with domestic violence. Both of those activities require keeping my license active rather than in a retired status. I also teach for Columbia College at Rolla but that position does not require an active license.
In 1972 I completed a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology at what was then Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. I spent a year at Fulton State Hospital with six months of that time being my internship and with the following six months being my choice to stay at that location for further training. In 1994 I completed the Doctorate of Naturopathy (ND) through the Clayton School of Natural Healing, located at Birmingham, Alabama. That school later became Clayton College of Natural Health. I applied natural healing principles in my practice following the completion of the ND. I no longer actively practice naturopathy but I do share such principles in the teaching that I do.
My practice through the years included all ages in service through community mental health clinics, hospitals, and a crisis intervention center. The last 15 years of my 35 years of practice focused mostly on child and adolescent services with the final three years specializing in civil case psychological evaluations. I primarily assessed child custody issues, determination of parental rights issues, and special service needs in children. I diagnosed, made recommendations for mental health services, and made recommendations to the court. Outside of child services I also did evaluations for Social Service Income Maintenance for Medicaid Determinations during the years of doing only psychological evaluations. I was in my thirties when I entered graduate school with previous years serving as a Child Welfare Worker (now known as Social Service Worker) and as a minister.
My “retirement” is teaching for Webster University, teaching for Columbia College, co-leading a domestic violence group, and serving as Lead Faculty Member for Columbia College at the Rolla Campus. I love all that I do and appreciate the fellowship and sharing with other psychologists in the state.
I guess my hobby must be teaching, since I do so much of that, but I do love being out of doors for walks as well as for working on my property. The outdoors activity is limited since a heart attack, four stints, and a pacemaker but I do still get out and stay active. I love reading and find myself being especially interested in spiritual reading as I become older. I like to travel, see the country, and enjoy recreational activities. I love to attend country music related shows. My farming family roots still come through even though I have never personally managed a farm.
