Counselling

Question 1

What is the difference in aims/agenda’s between a therapeutic versus forensic setting?

Answer 1

In a therapeutic setting the aim is much more to do working with people’s psychological needs where as in a forensic setting, it appears much more related to trying to provide security and protection for the public.

Question 2

True or false: Specifically helping individuals with their personal problems and mental health issues does not always seem a top priority in the forensic setting

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What is the main purpose and goals of a forensic, prison system?

Answer 3

Punishment and rehabilitation of the offender, with the main purpose to prevent re-offending, are the central goals in the criminal justice system, especially in a secure prison context

Question 4

What are the main types of forensic settings can you get?

Answer 4

Secure hosptials, prisons

Question 5

Can the difference in agenda’s between the therapeutic and the forensic setting be a reflection of the mad or bad debate? If so, why?

Answer 5

Yes - (mad – treatment, bad – punishment and protection of the public) and often lead to tensions for mental health practitioners working therapeutically in forensic settings.

Question 6

What are the two aims that don’t always work together in a therapeutic and forensic setting?

Answer 6

To focus on both the specific needs of their clients as well as risk management and protection of the public – two aims that are not always easily compatible.

Question 7

True or false in relation to clients in prison and why?:Risk assessment and security considerations will inevitably influence treatment planning and interventions and will also have an impact on the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client

Answer 7

True - due to services policies around sharing information for risk management, it can often be hard for therapeutic relationships to be created/ maintained and for clients to find the therapy helpful

Question 8

True or fale: Dependent on the client’s individual security classification in a prison, therapists will need to follow certain security protocols when offering therapy sessions in secure settings.

Answer 8

True - each client will be classified as a certain level of risk and volatility and this can affect the therapeutic structure

Question 9

Is the therapeutic relationship in forensic settings impacted by risk and security considerations? If so, why?

Answer 9

Yes - there are risk protocols that have to be followed and security considerations to protect the therapist