2 answers
Jennifer
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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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?
#any
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2 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1662
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
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
Congratulations on over 1,100 answers helping students Kim. The new success of yours is yet another milestone in your success story. You are for sure going to attain new heights with lot more successes.
Doc Frick
Thanks John! I almost quit when there were no trumpets when I hit the 1000 mark. Joke. Out of curiosity, do you work for CV or you're another dedicated volunteer?
Kim Igleheart
I'm another dedicated volunteer, like yourself. Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Doc Frick
Thank you !
Jennifer
Agree John. It's nice to have company!
Jennifer, don't let the fear hold you back. You have to meet the challenges head-on. I let fear of public speaking hold me back for 25 years, and, once I finally did it, learned that I enjoyed it!
Kim Igleheart
Elsa Roberts
Graduate student
2
Answers
Whittier, California
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
And continuing along that line of dealing with mental health, it's also important to take care of yourself - diet, exercise, sleep. Some meditate. some run. All keys to stress management. And, should you need professional help, get it - there's no shame in that.
Kim Igleheart
Elsa..thank you. That was an outstanding answer. I appreciate that you provided resources and made the context of your response so insightful.
Jennifer