The accidental politician

The author describes his journey to political office, with a focus on the ways in which training and experience as a clinical psychologist have benefited and hindered his political work. He believes that psychologists have skills needed in legislatures to address difficult public problems. Psychologists' desire for scientifically based information, their training in ethics, and their capacity to view that information from several points, of view make them very valuable as problem definers and solvers in a political context. The author encourages other psychologists to run for off-ice.