The SVSU Criminal Justice Program hosted a captivating presentation by forensic psychologist Randall Christensen, shedding light on the intriguing and demanding field of forensic psychology. The event took place on Oct. 9th and was attended by students eager to gain insight into the world of forensic psychology.
Christensen is a highly regarded figure in the field of forensic psychology. He serves as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at SVSU, bringing his wealth of real-world experience to the classroom.
The primary focus of Christensen’s presentation was to provide an in-depth understanding of the career of a forensic psychologist. He delved into the education requirements and shared his experiences in various positions he’s held during his extensive career.
Particularly, Christensen has dedicated a significant portion of his career to working with sex offenders and providing expert testimony in court, shedding light on the intricacies of this challenging aspect of forensic psychology.
One of the key takeaways from the presentation was the importance of distinguishing between “knowing someone” and “knowing about someone” when conducting a psychological evaluation.
Christensen emphasized that truly understanding an individual’s inner world is essential for making accurate diagnoses and creating effective treatment plans.
Another crucial insight was related to the rehabilitation of sex offenders. Christensen explained that sex offenders often possess a strong and prevalent “inner world.” By the time this inner world manifests as harmful behavior, it is typically deeply ingrained, making it challenging to treat effectively.
Looking ahead, the SVSU Criminal Justice Program has an exciting lineup of speakers for the fall semester. So far, the semester has featured Elaine Dougherty and Lysa Mayfield, both employed at the MSP Bridgeport Forensic Crime Lab, Trooper Will Smith from the Michigan State Police, and Dr. Russel Bush, the Chief Medical Examiner of Saginaw County. On October 20th, the program will participate in a community outreach event at the East Side Soup Kitchen.
The SVSU Criminal Justice Program remains committed to providing students with valuable insights and experiences in the field of criminal justice, and Randall Christensen’s presentation was just one of many opportunities for students to learn from experts in the field.
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