FPSY6511 Week 1 Discussion Treatment of Forensic Populations and Professional Goals

Discussion: Treatment of Forensic Populations and Professional Goals

The feelings generated when treating an individual in a forensic setting can range from sorrow to fear and nearly every emotion in between. Working with people who have been discounted by their own families and by society provides the forensic psychology professional with an opportunity to make a difference in the life of the person being treated as well as society at large. Unfortunately, such rewards can be hard earned. Treating forensic populations can be challenging, both professionally and personally. Forensic psychology professionals working in these settings must be comfortable with their surroundings, and recognize the benefits of doing this work as well as the risks that may be present.

The psychology professional working in forensic settings not only must have the clinical skills to practice in these settings but also must have a solid understanding and appreciation for the differences that forensic treatment settings present. They must also have tools for navigating the field of forensic psychology. You will find that the knowledge base, concepts, and strategies for treating forensic populations do not exist in a bubble and, therefore, you can apply what you learn in this course to different aspects of your professional career.

To prepare for this Discussion:

•             Review the Course Introduction and Syllabus. Reflect on the focus of this course as well as the concepts and strategies that will be addressed. Think about how these items relate to your professional identity and goals.

•             Review Chapter 1 “The Scope and Purposes of Correctional Treatment,” in the course text Correctional Counseling and Treatment.  Reflect on the focus of this course as well as the concepts and strategies that will be addressed. Think about how these items relate to your professional identity and goals.

•             Review Chapter 12, “Group Counseling in Corrections,” in the course text Correctional Counseling and Treatment. Pay particular attention to treatment strategies and approaches for forensic populations.

•             Reflect on your personal values and beliefs, and consider how they will impact your work in forensic settings.

•             Think about the areas of professional practice that are of interest to you as well as the areas that present challenges to you.

•             Think about the concepts, strategies, and treatment approaches related to forensic populations that you read about this week. Consider how they might affect your professional goals and the attainment of these goals.

•             Reflect on your professional goals and consider how this course might help you meet them.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief description of your professional practice goals. Explain how you plan to apply the concepts and strategies covered in this course to the achievement of these goals. Finally, identify specific challenges that completing this course will enable you to address. Be specific.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.