Reflection on Clinical and Diagnostic Interviewing Essay Example
Forensic psychology is often alluded to as the intersection of the criminal justice system and psychology. However, since the meaning is rather broad, it can also encompass areas such as correctional psychology and police psychology, which differs significantly from forensic work. Thus, the question that poses itself is; “What is the distinction?” To answer this question, a forensic psychology student must understand the definition and specialization requirements that he/she intends to practice. One goal of training and education in forensic psychology is to ready psychologists to work as specialists in clinical forensic issues. Clinical forensic populations include both the civil and criminal subpopulations.
The problems that these two populace present span the whole clinical spectrum. One duty of a forensic psychologist is to assess a criminal to help decide whether he/she w
...as sane during the commission of a crime or not, whether he/she is qualified to stand trial, as well as to ascertain the chances of reoffending. The accomplishment of these tasks necessitates a forensic psychologist to be a proficient interviewer. Therefore, my expectations in this course with regard to acquiring the skills necessary for clinical and diagnostic interviewing are quite high.
I have taken part in several interviews in the past in which I have been cross-examined as well as functioned as the cross-examiner in a good number of them. Many of these interviews fared on well and to some extent, I found them quite educative and motivating. However, there were several cases especially when I was the interrogator where things did not augur so well both for the other party and myself. In such situations, there were misunderstandings and at times quarrels between my interviewee
and me or vice-versa and I often suspected the cause of such wrangles was a deficiency in my interviewing skills.
These have always been discouraging moments and at times they have almost pushed me over the edge, and I almost relinquished my ambition to become a forensic psychologist. At such times, it was the cheering words of my family and friends that kept hope alive in my person. Were it not for these souls by my side just at the right moment I would not be where I am today. I owe them one. I have always looked forward to making up for the loopholes in my interrogation skills so as to be perfect in this area and be an expert forensic psychologist. I expect that in taking this course, I will realize this goal. I cannot tell if the past will affect my learning experience, but I hope it will not. As a forensic psychologist, I will need perfect interviewing skills to perform my job efficiently.
One last area that I believe will have an impact on my learning experience is my personality. Though composed, I may at times become quite temperamental especially when stressed up, and such mood changes will undoubtedly affect my learning as it has often done in the past. This weakness has always been a big challenge in my interviewing, and I have always loathed myself for it. My family and friends have always been at my beck and call at such times of emotional breakdowns, and I know they will yet always be with me. Nonetheless, I also look forward to overcoming this infirmity personally. Others have done it, and I
am confident I can do it. I will work on my personality to make it right. I will not allow it to stand between me and my ambition in life.
