Take All Prisoners

Forensic psychology is the interaction of the practice or study of psychology and the law. Psychologists interested in this line of applied work may be found working in prisons, jails, rehabilitation centers, police departments, law firms, schools, government agencies, or in private practice, to name a few. Read More

In my last post, I the reviewed the narcissistic family model originated by authors Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman and Robert M. Pressman in their book The Narcissistic Family: Diagnosis and Treatment. I promised to review the author's model of recovery and recommendations for improvement. Read More

At what age should a child be culpable for his actions? Twelve year-old Jordan Brown and his family are anxiously awaiting an answer. Jordan is the prime suspect in the 2009 murder of his father's 26 year-old fiancé, Kenzie Houk, who was also 8 months pregnant at the time of her death. Her unborn son died as well.  Jordan was 11 years old when he was arrested for murder.  Read More

The prevalence rate of some behavioral disorders in the United States is growing. Most concerning is that many of these conditions appear in early childhood and are linked with at-risk behaviors including dropping out of school, early sexual experiences, violence and drug use. Sustained behavioral problems are associated with a poorer long-term prognosis. Read More

Certain personality traits may create better perpetrators and, unfortunately certain cues may create better victims. In a study by Wheeler, Book and Costello of Brock University, individuals who self reported more traits associated with psychopathy were more apt to correctly identify individuals with a history of victimization. Read More

Some time ago I borrowed the book, The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout, Ph.D., from a friend of mine, also a psychologist, who recommended it for its unique take on Sociopathy. It is a warning to unsuspecting readers that some of the world's most destructive individuals are not behind bars, but are our neighbors, parents, spouses, teachers, children, co-workers and friends. Read More

So you think you're on the straight and narrow path of life. You've never been arrested or sent to jail; in fact, you think you're very different from the people who have. Not so fast.

Maybe you are not yet aware of your criminal thinking. Read More

My daily routine involves completing rounds, seeing each of these patients and determining whether or not their level of care should be stepped down or if they should be discharged and returned to the hands of custody officers. In conjunction with my team, I also determine whether or not the condition is severe or chronic enough to warrant a referral to the Department of Mental Health. Read More

Although some people choose to be outcasts of society, others are forced. Beginning in our early years, most of us want to ‘fit in' with our peers and be a part of a group. In order to do so we look, think and behave in certain ways. This process continues and becomes even more complicated as we age. There are others, however, who have either no desire or capability of ever fitting in. Read More

Before I started my job at the prison, I was under the impression that I would be working in a secure office with a personal guard - one who would escort my inmate patients to and from their cells, all the while attending to my security. I was wrong. Looking back, I don't know how I came upon this vision. After all, I had seen Silence of the Lambs. Read More