Serving Syracuse, Utica, Auburn, Oswego and surrounding communities

The CNYPA Snapshot is our new bi-monthly blog that features a different psychologist within the CNYPA membership. The intended audience includes our fellow CNYPA members, as well as the general public – both of whom may be interested in obtaining psychologically-minded information and fostering connections with the wonderful psychologists who serve Central New York’s diverse population.

CNYPA Snapshot: Jake S. King, PhD

Jake S. King, PhDWork Location
RKA Psychological Associates in Watertown, NY

How did you become interested in the field of Psychology?
I first figured out I liked listening to people and trying to help when I was pretending to be my friends’ therapist on AOL Instant Messenger in middle school. When my college Psychology classes added a scientific approach into the mix, I was hooked.

Briefly describe your area of specialty:
I’m a neuropsychologist. Most of my work involves evaluating people to get a better understanding of why they are having difficulties with emotions, thinking skills like memory or concentration, work/school, or daily tasks. I then explain the findings to the patient and do my best to offer helpful recommendations. I see adults with a range of conditions, including dementia, head injury, insomnia, stroke, and PTSD.

Based on your specialty, what is one piece of advice for our readers?
Our emotions, thinking skills, and bodies are deeply intertwined. A small change in one area can improve the others, too.

Can you provide a recommendation for how our readers can begin to implement your piece of advice?
Starting and practicing a small new habit can make things better. Maybe grand life changes work sometimes, but more often, I’ve seen things get better for people with baby steps added up over time. This could be a short walk a couple times a week or socializing a little more, while being nice to yourself when the new habit falters. Behavior change is hard, so feel good for even small changes.

If you weren’t a psychologist, what would you be?
If Hollywood’s idea of the multiverse is real, I think all the Jakes that went to college would have been drawn into Psychology sooner or later. Otherwise, I think I would have been in retail or food service. When I worked these jobs in the past, I enjoyed the dozens of daily little social interactions. Each one felt like a little story and I enjoyed getting to know the regulars.

Readers can contact me at (315) 788-3332.