Risk: A Relational Perspective - Psychodynamic Approaches to Assessing and Managing Risk (ref. P20)
This course offers an innovative framework for understanding the complex and subtle issues involved in assessing and managing risk of violence and sexual offending. Traditional approaches to risk assessment are useful in identifying groups of individuals who pose a high risk, but such approaches can be rather blunt when formulating the risk profile for a particular individual. Consequently, the field of risk assessment is moving from a reliance on actuarial instruments and risk prediction, to one of risk formulation.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for clinicians and practitioners who assess and manage risk of harm, to self and others, in individuals with severe psychopathology in secure and community settings.
It has been delivered to mixed groups of professionals, and in other locations to groups of staff on a bespoke basis, including staff at junior levels and those in senior or management roles.
Aims
This course offers an innovative framework for understanding the complex and subtle issues involved in assessing and managing risk of violence and sexual offending.
Traditional approaches to risk assessment are useful in identifying groups of individuals who pose a high risk, but such approaches can be blunt when formulating the risk profile for a particular individual.
Consequently, the field of risk assessment is moving from a reliance on actuarial instruments and risk prediction, to one of risk formulation.
Content/Teaching components
This course introduces participants to the elements of a psychodynamic model that are useful in risk assessment and offers a systematic approach to risk formulation.
Our approach addresses the significance of childhood development, understanding violent and sexually violent acts, and the complex interpersonal processes involved in managing violent individuals.
These dynamic processes between people impact on risk and risk perception, and can distort judgement if not recognised and understood.
Student feedback
Feedback is positive and ratings consistently high.
“It opened my mind to a different paradigm for working with the forensic patients.”
“This was an amazing course series. It has made me want to learn more.”
“The best and most stimulating course I've been on since qualifying!”
“This has been a very informative, useful and thought-provoking course that has reignited my passion for clinical work!”
Time commitment
The course will run on a Thursday morning, 9.15-12.15, Thursday 27 September - 22 November (reading week on 25 October).
Each half day will include a teaching seminar for an hour and a quarter followed by a work discussion seminar, also for an hour and a quarter.
