My first press appearance
was in the New York Times in 2008 for the Happiness Makeover. A reporter interviewed me
about the profession of happiness and on Thanksgiving Day, I saw a photo of
myself in a major news publication.
Since then, my work has
been featured on
Television
PBS, CBS, FOX & news I have consulted on
has appeared on numerous local news channels around the country.
Magazines
Health Magazine, Self
Magazine, Shape Magazine, Dr Oz Magazine, Sunset Magazine, and a French Travel
Magazine
Newspapers
New York Times
Michigan
West Virginia
Bhutan
India
I have been asked to
promote different causes and consulted on national topics like the future of
happiness in America.
Usually when I am consulted
by the media, there is someone who follows up to check the facts regarding any
issue before it is launched into national publication or air time.
In my debut of the Dr Oz
Magazine in the article of 8 Bright Ways to Feel more Positive, unfortunately there have been a few minor or major non facts depending on how
you look at it mis-facts.
The journalist told me I would be interviewed for the topic of optimism.
After a 30 minute
conversation, I was satisfied I gave a number of serious
scientific advances in this topic area.
When the publication was on
the newsstand, in every Whole Foods in America, I was a bit astounded at what I
saw.
When I turned to page 138,
I observed the following:
1) I was called a
Psychologist.
2) My book was mentioned as
if it was already released.
3) My name and comments
were used to sell something.
If a fact checker were to
have notified me prior to publishing this, I would have said…
1) I am a Happiness Expert, instead of a Psychologist. My training is
not of clinical psychology nor am I licensed to diagnose, let alone been
trained in the disease model of mental health. To set the record straight, my PhD is in organizational psychology
with an emphasis in positive psychology and leadership. This has been my focus
in my undergrad is in industrial and organizational psychology with an emphasis
in employee happiness. So after studying and teaching happiness for 18 years specifically
which is not taught in traditional clinical programs, the proper way to refer
to my profession is that of a Happiness Expert instead of a Psychologist.
2) I am so excited for my book to be released! It is published and ready for you yet I am working on finishing
touches before it is ready to be available. If I was notified by a fact
checker, I would have requested a word ‘forthcoming’ be put before my book was
released.
3) Usually if my name or expertise is used to sell something, I
am notified. I have no opinion on the art supplies promoted on page 138 with my
comment yet I do endorse art as a way to express yourself. If I was notified by
a fact checker then I would have done due diligence in the product being
endorsed.
In the world of media,
after my involvement in a variety of ways, I noticed the importance of fact
checking when it comes to large scale communication.
The Dr Oz magazine was my
only experience thus far that failed to fact check, I understand this to be the
first issue so perhaps the publication will learn for the second edition.
In the meantime, I
contacted the journalist and the editor and asked for the changes to be made.
All in all, I AM HAPPY GRATEFUL AND OPTIMISTIC about the Dr Oz magazine and Dr Oz. Though I do adhere to the importance of fact checking before publicizing.
As happiness science
continues to evolve, your source of truth is of utmost importance.
I will
continue to speak out for a voice in leadership, positive psychology, global
psychology and the media.
Dr Aymee Coget
Sustainable Happiness Doctor
Author of Forthcoming Book : Sustainable Happiness in 5 Steps
sfhappinessdoctor at gmail dot com
