Trauma and Forensic Evaluation
An article by Goldenson, Brodsky, and Perlin, discusses the role of trauma regarding the process of the forensic evaluation. The authors discuss the various roles in the process and how trauma can impact their experiences. They delve into the evaluators and their role, discussing the parameters of their processes to maintain a high ethical standard and the integrity of their work. In discussing the role of empathy, a substantial factor in the evaluation process, the authors state that, “Here, we hold that empathy and objectivity are not mutually exclusive, that conveying empathy is not just reserved for psychotherapy, and that experiencing empathy for the examinee is not inherently a form of deception or bias” (Goldenson et al., 2022, p. 229). They note the potential effectiveness of empathy as long as it is utilized properly and professionally. It allows for the examiner to build a better working relationship with the client and allows a more productive space for information to be given. The authors discuss the limitations of using empathy as well, stating that, “FMHEs are tasked, then, with striking a delicate balance between experiencing and conveying sufficient empathy while maintaining sufficient distance, restraint, and boundaries” (p. 230). This further reinforces the importance of boundaries in such a professional relationship, and how strenuous it can be for the evaluator to balance normal emotional responses with the neutrality required from evaluators.
Another point of discussion the authors touch on is the evaluators own experiences with trauma. As professionals in a field riddled with traumatic experiences, often dealing with their own traumatic experiences, the weight of such heavy topics can have a negative impact on evaluators. A solution to this issue that the authors mention is that, “The very human potential for emotional reactivity highlights the importance of a FMHE having self-awareness, insight, and resolution related to their own history of adversity or vicarious trauma in order to manage the tensions that arise in evaluating examinees with trauma histories” (p. 230). Dealing with that trauma, especially as a career, can be incredibly overwhelming, and the authors highlight the importance of reflection with evaluators so that they can adequately cope with the stressors. The reflection is also important to providing the best work for the individuals being evaluated. Being aware of one’s own trauma, and trauma information in general, also leads to more effective client interactions. This is highlighted when the authors mention that, “A trauma-informed approach does mean that the evaluator needs to attend carefully to the research on complex trauma and its potential influence on psychometric tests” (p. 231). Trauma can affect numerous aspects of the evaluation process, so it is imperative for key players to be aware of the ways trauma can manifest. The main concept of the article is effectively stated by the authors highlighting that, “Adopting trauma-informed practices not only may afford examinees dignity and respect, but also will likely improve the quality of forensic mental health assessment” (p. 234). Education and awareness of trauma is beneficial to every role in the criminal justice system as it can strengthen and improve the criminal justice process.
References
Goldenson, J., Brodsky, S. L., & Perlin, M. L. (2022). Trauma-informed forensic mental health assessment: Practical implications, ethical tensions, and alignment with therapeutic jurisprudence principles. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 28(2), 226-239. https://doi.org/10.1037/law0000339