President's Welcome

At the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology (WSPP), our motto, “Being known and learning to know others,” embodies our principles of empathy, connection, and community.
These principles are reflected in everything we do, guiding our mission and shaping our learning community.
Being known emphasizes the importance of each individual’s unique identity and experiences being celebrated at WSPP.
We believe that when students, faculty, and staff feel recognized and valued, they are more engaged and motivated to contribute their best. Mentorship plays a crucial role in this, providing personalized guidance and support that helps students grow and thrive in their professional and personal lives. At WSPP, we pride ourselves on the ability to build sustaining and enriching mentorship relationships between students and faculty. These mentorships form a crucial part of our holistic training model, where individualized mentoring relationships are highly valued.
Learning to know others highlights our commitment to understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of those we serve.
Central to this is a curiosity-driven approach to psychology, where we encourage our students to explore and appreciate the complexities of human behavior. By fostering a deep-seated interest in the stories and experiences of others, we promote cultural humility and empathy. This approach creates a more inclusive and supportive environment, essential for effective mental health care and education. Our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that we address the varied needs of our community members.

A Message from Our President:
For over 40 years, The Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology (WSPP) has provided students like you with an enriching and transformative learning experience, grounded in a philosophy that combines scholarship, ethics, and compassion.
At WSPP, we believe in the power of community. Our institution is a nurturing ground where practicing clinical psychologists offer mentorship and instruction, not just to develop your professional skills, but to foster your personal growth. We are committed to guiding you in becoming a psychologist who gives back to your community, promoting mental health and well-being.
Our promise to you is unwavering support. As your teachers, supervisors, advisors, and mentors, we are dedicated to providing the best of ourselves to help you thrive. We are passionate about creating a supportive environment where you can grow both professionally and personally. At WSPP, you will be known for your unique strengths and contributions, and you will learn to know and appreciate the diverse perspectives of others.
While this website offers an overview of our APA-accredited doctoral program, the true essence of WSPP is best experienced in person. We invite you to visit us and see firsthand the vibrant community and supportive atmosphere that make WSPP a special place.
Join us at WSPP, where your commitment to becoming a clinical psychologist meets a dedication to fostering community – a place where you can feel known by those around you while you are learning to truly know those around you all while empowering individuals to build better futures.
Warm regards,
Brian Smothers, Psy.D.,
President – Professor
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