PSYCHOTHERAPIST'S ANXIETY - LIABILITY OR ASSET - WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE OFFENDER-PATIENT

• NCJ Number: 15068
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1974) Pages: 1-17
• Author(s): M COX
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 17 pages
• Corporate Author: Institute for the Study and Treatment of Delinquency
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. BASED ON A PAPER READ AT THE FORENSIC SECTION OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS, JULY 6, 1972.

Annotation

A BRITISH PSYCHOTHERAPIST DISCUSSES THE OPTIMUM USE OF CERTAIN ANXIETIES WHICH ARE INHERENT IN THE THERAPEUTIC SITUATION FOR THE PHYSICIAN, ESPECIALLY WHEN WORKING WITH THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS.

Abstract

A THERAPIST PROPERLY REGARDS HIS OWN ANXIETY DURING THERAPY AS AN INDICATOR FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION. HOWEVER, THE EXTREMES OF TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH ANXIETY ON THE PART OF THE THERAPIST ARE LIABILITIES TO HIMSELF, HIS COLLEAGUES, AND HIS PATIENTS. TOO MUCH ANXIETY CAN INHIBIT THE PATIENT'S OWN ABILITY TO EXPRESS FEELINGS AND RELATE EVENTS WHOSE EXPOSURE ARE NECESSARY TO HIS RECOVERY. TOO LITTLE ANXIETY CAN CAUSE THE THERAPIST TO LOSE SENSITIVITY TO THE POINT OF PERMITTING VIOLENT AND DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN GROUP SETTINGS WITH OFFENDERPATIENTS. DISCUSSED ARE THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES APPROPRIATE FOR OFFENDERS IN PRISON, HOSPITAL, AND OUT-PATIENT SETTINGS. ALSO DISCUSSED ARE THE RELATIONSHIP AND COORDINATION BETWEEN THE THERAPIST AND OTHER STAFF INVOLVED WITH THE OFFENDER'S CASE.