Archives for May 2014

Social anxiety disorder is becoming more common to find amongst our human population. It is easy to get worked up in situations that come up on a daily basis. Interviews, work meetings, birthday parties, social gatherings…it is even possible to feel anxiety when you know the people you are with and are in a setting that is familiar to you. How do you cope with anxiety? For each person it can be different. Finding what is right for you can take some time but will eventually pay off by helping to ease your nerves in any situation.

1. Reaching out to people you feel comfortable with may help in certain situations. You can talk through your fears and they can be there to help ease the unknown. Having a person of trust present as someone to lean on can take your mind in a different direction from where it could be if you were alone. Don’t be scared to contact a therapist if you feel what’s going on in your life is just too much to handle.

2. If having a close friend around to talk to and go out with is not a suitable option, joining a local (or internet-based) support group will help. There are a few types of support groups that can be of use. People with similar anxiety issues may help to reflect and share common feelings thus alleviating the thought of being alone in your feelings and actions. Together, you can come up with solutions to work through your problems and also make new friends to work together in doing so. Public speaking groups may also help with easing anxiety. It is an intense job to have attention on oneself in front of one or two people, and incredibly intense in front of an entire room. If this class can help to conquer a larger fear, it may be the key to getting through smaller everyday situations. If you want to get through your anxiety set your goals high and stick with your decisions.

3. When feeling anxious, bringing your mind to a new realm helps to calm your body down. If there is an event or activity that is on your mind constantly, try running, biking or going to an exercise class. Exerting your energy in a different direction will take the focus off of your current worries and direct them into a new one. Consider creating goals within your workout. Set your mind to work hard to achieve these and leave your anxiety behind. If exercise isn’t your thing, try a hobby. Either one that inspires you or a new one of interest.

4 & 5. Sleep is imperative, as is a healthy diet. Both of these contribute to a better self-being. When lacking in either of these areas our brain is not at its best and can more easily be brought to a state of mind that you are trying to avoid. Keeping your body in a healthy state all around is always a positive solution for any situation.

All of these methods can help prevent and control anxiety symptoms. The mind is a powerful instrument and it is best to remind yourself that your anxiety is short-lived and can be overcome. Most of the ideas that we worry about are rarely cases that come into play and can be avoided if we focus on positive attributes of the situation and breathe.

Due to a multitude of hit tv dramas, including Criminal Minds and CSI, forensic psychology has become well known to the public as an exciting and psychic ability for some to have. These tv dramas portray extreme personalities and behavioral habits that can be misconstrued when dealing with real life. The perspective that most of the dramas place individuals in (both the psychologists and the offenders) are maximized in emotions, evidence and behaviors.

A true forensic psychologist is an individual who applies clinical skills towards legal institutions and/or people who come into contact with the law. Any individual who comes in contact with the law can be treated and questioned by a forensic psychologist.

Although investigative psychology began in the mid 1980’s, forensic psychology is a relatively new field of study and there are still many attributes to be defined. A lot of the studies have to do with the individual’s mind and behavior, which scientifically result in pockets of research that need strengthening. Important skills like clinical assessment, interviewing, report writing, strong verbal communication skills and case presentation are the foundation to the practice. Like many other psychologists, it involves research studies, assessments, consultations and the design and implementation of treatment programs. Because forensic psychology deals with the law it also requires investigations and expert witness courtroom testimonies.

The field of study for forensic psychologists can be trying. In order to secure a job in this field one must have a PhD or a PsyD degree from an APA accredited or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) accredited doctoral program. Along with a PhD or PsyD degree, an individual must secure one year of an APA or CPA accredited predoctoral internship and an equivalent of two years of sequential, supervised professional experience overall. Some schools offer a Masters in this area but it is not always validated when trying to find a spot in this job market.

The reason for such high studies and experience are due to the job requirements. Forensic psychologists assist in a wide variety of legal matters including the mental state of criminal defendants (insanity, competency, etc.), jury selection, child custody/family law, violence risk prediction, mediation/dispute resolution, discrimination, civil damages, social science research (e.g., recovered memory), and civil commitment. All of these matters have a large impact on multiple lives and society. If an individual is deemed “insane” they may not be held responsible for a serious crime they may have committed. Each state has their own requirements towards an act such as this, but it is the forensic psychologist’s job to determine his or her mental state at the time of the crime (not how the person is functioning at the present moment). A plethora of research and information during and after the crime is needed to determine these results.

While forensic psychology pulls from other law and psychological practices, it continues to have a rare body of research that addresses questions and issues that no other area of psychology explores with an ingenious approach.