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How does a pro cope with what they hear?
As a Forensic Psychologist, how do you cope internally with some of the extreme behaviours one would experience working in this profession?
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2 answers
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Kim’s Answer
Jennifer,
You will learn to compartmentalize. There's all sorts of technique tips on the internet, here is one source. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanblair/2012/06/26/5-steps-of-compartmentalization/2570b77d1a62
Basically, you learn to not let it get to you. You get better at it over time. You lock it away in part of your brain and only think about it when you are working on that particular case. Can it creep out? Sure. But you try to keep it locked up.
hope this helps!
Kim
You will learn to compartmentalize. There's all sorts of technique tips on the internet, here is one source. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanblair/2012/06/26/5-steps-of-compartmentalization/2570b77d1a62
Basically, you learn to not let it get to you. You get better at it over time. You lock it away in part of your brain and only think about it when you are working on that particular case. Can it creep out? Sure. But you try to keep it locked up.
hope this helps!
Kim
Updated
Elsa’s Answer
Hi Jennifer,
Great question! For any line of work where you may encounter difficult or extreme behaviors, it is important to have a strong support system. Though you may not be able to share details of your work with others outside the situation for privacy purposes, it is important to be able to leave work and verbalize to someone else how a difficult situation made you feel. That way, as you are dealing with a hard scenario, you can have the assurance that you will be taking care of yourself and your emotions at a later time, while being able to give your full attention to the present moment.
If your job allows, it is also good to be able to debrief with your team and colleagues about how you are feeling (again, without divulging anything that you should not be), and especially your direct supervisor. Furthermore, finding a support group or a counselor or therapist are great options, time and finances permitted.
If you are interested, there are also some good resources available on coping and emotional regulation; I've included one below that contains an overview of many different types of emotions and coping if it is helpful.
https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-regulation-worksheets-strategies-dbt-skills/
Finally, reconnecting yourself back to your purpose of your work, what you love about your profession, and focusing on the positive impact that you are having can often help you keep the big picture in mind.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Elsa
Great question! For any line of work where you may encounter difficult or extreme behaviors, it is important to have a strong support system. Though you may not be able to share details of your work with others outside the situation for privacy purposes, it is important to be able to leave work and verbalize to someone else how a difficult situation made you feel. That way, as you are dealing with a hard scenario, you can have the assurance that you will be taking care of yourself and your emotions at a later time, while being able to give your full attention to the present moment.
If your job allows, it is also good to be able to debrief with your team and colleagues about how you are feeling (again, without divulging anything that you should not be), and especially your direct supervisor. Furthermore, finding a support group or a counselor or therapist are great options, time and finances permitted.
If you are interested, there are also some good resources available on coping and emotional regulation; I've included one below that contains an overview of many different types of emotions and coping if it is helpful.
https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-regulation-worksheets-strategies-dbt-skills/
Finally, reconnecting yourself back to your purpose of your work, what you love about your profession, and focusing on the positive impact that you are having can often help you keep the big picture in mind.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Elsa