The Dark Side of the Mind

1. Forensic Psychology: It's "Just Us"

There is no them and us, it is just us.

Beyond stereotypes. Forensic psychology applies psychological principles to the legal system, focusing on understanding the people involved in crime – both offenders and victims. Contrary to popular media portrayals like 'Cracker' or 'Criminal Minds', it's less about detective work or pathology and more about assessing mental processes behind criminal acts and advising on appropriate responses. The field in the UK is predominantly female, despite public perception.

Challenging assumptions. The author's early experiences, like watching cowboy films with her Gran and seeing criminals as "badjuns" from another planet, instilled a simplistic good-versus-evil view. However, working in the field quickly revealed that the line between 'us' (law-abiding citizens) and 'them' (criminals) is far blurrier than society likes to believe. Dehumanizing offenders makes us blind to those who move among us, holding positions of trust and authority.

A human focus. Forensic psychology is fundamentally about people. A large part of the job involves trying to reduce reoffending by understanding the mental processes behind criminal acts and attempting to help individuals change their behavior. It also involves advising courts, parole boards, police, and mental health teams on complex cases, profoundly affecting people's lives.

2. The Flawed Systems of Justice and Care

It’s a role that’s wedged awkwardly between the criminal justice and mental health systems.

Overburdened and confused. The criminal justice and mental health systems are described as old, confused, and struggling to work together effectively. This awkward relationship leads to significant challenges in providing adequate care and rehabilitation for individuals who fall between the cracks, often having both mental health issues and criminal histories.

Detention over prevention. Funding priorities often favor secure services (prisons, secure hospitals) over early intervention, community support, and mental health crisis services. This means money is spent on detention rather than preventing problems from escalating. The focus shifts to containing individuals after crimes have occurred, rather than addressing underlying issues beforehand.

Impact of cuts and overcrowding. Savage cutbacks to staffing budgets and chronic overcrowding in prisons lead to a breakdown in rehabilitation work. Prisoners spend more time on lockdown with less meaningful contact, leading to hopelessness and increased mental health problems. The system struggles to fulfill its basic duty of care, as seen in high suicide rates and inadequate support for vulnerable inmates.

3. Trauma and Abuse Shape the Dark Side

Between half and three-quarters of people receiving mental health care report having been either physically or sexually abused as children.

Deep roots of distress. Psychological distress and criminal behavior are frequently linked to stressful events and life circumstances, particularly abuse or other forms of trauma. Childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, can have profound and lasting psychological effects, shaping an individual's worldview and coping mechanisms.

Cycle of violence. Domestic abuse, often a precursor to intimate partner homicide by women, is a gendered crime disproportionately affecting women and perpetrated by men. The dynamic in abusive relationships is intense, creating a cycle of violence, remorse, reconciliation, and terror. Victims often feel trapped, believing their circumstances are their fault and leaving feels impossible.

Manifestations of trauma. Unresolved trauma can manifest in various ways, including mental health issues and destructive behaviors. Alison's meticulous cleaning compulsion stemmed from childhood criticism and anxiety, exacerbated by her abusive husband's torment. Marcus's auditory hallucinations and belief in possession were rooted in his grandmother's abusive religious practices and later life stressors.

4. Diagnosis: A Limited Lens on Human Pain

Referring to mental illness suggests that a mental health problem is qualitatively different from your garden-variety emotional pain or confusion, and results from an underlying brain disease.

Arbitrary labels. Psychiatric diagnoses, while sometimes helpful for accessing support, can feel restrictive and fail to capture the complexity of human experience. Diagnostic manuals contain ever-expanding lists of disorders, but the criteria can be subjective and influenced by context, as demonstrated by the Rosenhan experiment where 'normal' behaviors were interpreted as symptoms in a psychiatric setting.

Medicalizing trauma. Describing mental health problems as 'illnesses' can negate the fact that psychological distress is often a plausible reaction to difficult life circumstances, such as poverty, abuse, or social disadvantage. This approach risks medicalizing trauma and overlooking the social and environmental factors that contribute to suffering.

Resistance and insight. Some individuals, like Marcus, resist diagnostic labels, viewing them as oppressive or inaccurate. His assertion that his issues were "just pain" highlighted how 'symptoms' can be manifestations of suffering. True insight may involve understanding the roots of one's distress in life experiences, rather than simply accepting a medical label.

5. Power and Control Drive Criminal Acts

When behaviour serves no practical purpose, it most likely serves a psychological need.

Beyond practicality. Criminal actions, especially those that seem senseless or go beyond the immediate goal (like theft), often serve a psychological need for the perpetrator. These behaviors can be driven by a desire for power, control, or a need to relive or reinforce a sense of dominance.

Psychological trophies. Offenders may keep 'trophies' from their crimes, not necessarily as fetish items, but as physical anchors to the event and the feelings of power associated with it. These objects allow them to access the fantasy and excitement of the crime, reinforcing their sense of control over others.

Seeking dominance. The need for power and control can manifest in various ways, from Maurice's sadism and offence paralleling (using his glass eye to shock women) to Hogan's need to control the interview process and his potential desire to see himself dominant over a victim (reflected in the mirror). Liam's predatory stalking and attacks were explicitly about asserting power and humiliating his victims.

6. Navigating Emotion and Objectivity

I needed to learn to override my own emotional responses.

Professional distance vs. authenticity. Forensic psychologists are trained to remain professionally distant and objective, but this can sometimes make them seem like automatons. While boundaries are necessary, being authentic and allowing for human responses, like shared laughter or showing empathy, can be crucial for building rapport and understanding.

Managing personal impact. Working with disturbing material and individuals takes a toll. The author's experiences, from the Maurice eyeball incident to the Mark Bridger trial and her own stalking, highlight the challenge of managing personal emotional responses and preventing vicarious trauma or burnout.

The cost of vulnerability. Revealing personal vulnerability, even unintentionally, can have professional consequences. The author's experience of being harassed and the subsequent lack of support from colleagues and the hospital demonstrated how showing 'weakness' or being involved in a 'domestic' issue was seen as unprofessional, leading to the non-renewal of her contract.

7. Vulnerability: Overlooked in the System

British prisons – with the exception of a very small number of progressive institutions – don’t know what to do with them, if they identify the problem correctly in the first place.

Falling through the cracks. Individuals with cognitive impairments, brain injuries, learning disabilities, or neurological conditions are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. These conditions can impair executive functioning, impulse control, and social understanding, making them more likely to get into trouble and struggle within the rigid prison environment.

Undetected needs. Often, the medical and cognitive issues of inmates are not properly identified or managed within the prison system. Lack of joined-up thinking between services means crucial medical history can be lost, leading to inappropriate placements and missed opportunities for necessary treatment, as tragically seen in Gary's case.

Catch-22. The prison environment itself can exacerbate the difficulties faced by vulnerable prisoners. Sensory overload, lack of routine, and social pressures make it hard for individuals with conditions like autism or brain injury to meet behavioral expectations, leading to punishment and further isolation, hindering any chance of rehabilitation or release.

8. Stalking: More Than a "Civil Matter"

Stalking has been nicknamed ‘assault in slow motion’ because the drip-drip of stalking behaviours tends to escalate over time if left unchecked, and too frequently culminates in violence.

Escalating threat. Stalking is characterized by persistent, unwanted attention that causes fear and distress. While not all stalking escalates to physical violence, a high proportion of murders of women are preceded by stalking behavior. The risk is particularly high when there is a prior intimate relationship, but stranger stalking can also escalate unpredictably.

Inadequate legal response. Historically, the law was slow to recognize stalking as a distinct criminal offense, often treating it merely as harassment or a "civil matter." This left victims feeling unprotected and responsible for gathering evidence, a daunting and dangerous task, as the author experienced during her own stalking ordeal.

Psychological impact. Stalking has significant psychological consequences for victims, including increased anxiety, panic attacks, stress, loss of self-esteem, and a sense of powerlessness. The constant threat and intrusion blur the lines between public and private life, making victims feel unsafe even in their own homes.

9. The Appeal of the "Sick Role"

When life in the outside world is an unkind and uncertain prospect, the psychiatric set up offers care and sanctuary.

Safety in institutions. For some individuals, particularly those with histories of severe trauma or instability, the structure, care, and security of a psychiatric hospital or prison can become a preferred state to the uncertainties of the outside world. This is known as the 'sick role', where the identity of being a patient provides a sense of safety and belonging.

Fear of freedom. Leaving an institution means taking responsibility for oneself, navigating complex social situations, and facing potential rejection or failure. For someone who has spent years in care, this prospect can be terrifying, leading them to consciously or unconsciously maintain behaviors that justify their continued detention or need for support.

Maintaining the narrative. Individuals may cling to diagnostic labels or symptoms, even if they are no longer experiencing them intensely, as a way to explain their difficulties and ensure they remain within the system of care. Maya's insistence on her erotomania and hearing voices, despite evidence of improvement, served to maintain her connection to the doctors and the safety of the hospital.

10. Human Connection in the Abyss

Sometimes you just have to sit with a person, validate what they are feeling and not be afraid of their pain and grief.

Beyond procedure. While forensic work often involves strict procedures and objective assessments, genuine human connection and empathy can be powerful therapeutic tools. Simple acts of kindness, validation, or shared moments of vulnerability can break through defenses and facilitate communication, even in the most challenging environments.

Finding common ground. Sharing appropriate personal details or finding common interests can help bridge the gap between psychologist and client, fostering trust and rapport. The author's experience with Patrick (melted paintings, laughter) and Maya (dogs, silly jokes) demonstrated how stepping outside the rigid professional role can lead to meaningful connection and therapeutic progress.

Validation matters. Acknowledging and validating a person's pain and experiences, rather than dismissing them or immediately seeking to 'fix' them with diagnoses or medication, can be a crucial first step towards healing. Marcus's breakthrough came when his feeling of "pain" was acknowledged, rather than his 'schizophrenia' being rejected.

11. Unfinished Stories, Lasting Impact

In this job you have to get used to unfinished stories.

Lack of neat endings. Forensic psychology often involves dealing with complex, long-standing issues that do not have simple resolutions. Cases rarely conclude with everyone reformed, healed, or receiving perfect justice. The work involves navigating ambiguity and accepting that many stories remain incomplete or have unexpected turns.

Personal and professional blur. The nature of the work can blur the lines between professional and personal life, leaving lasting impacts on the psychologist. Dealing with trauma, violence, and the flaws of the system can lead to burnout, anxiety, and personal safety concerns, requiring conscious effort to maintain balance and well-being.

Finding closure. While the system may not provide neat conclusions, individuals involved – including the psychologist – often seek ways to find personal closure or make sense of difficult experiences. This might involve constructing narratives, finding meaning in small victories, or choosing to believe in resolutions, even if they are not definitively proven, as seen with the mystery of Lucy's finger.

Last updated: May 31, 2025