What is Forensic Psychology?

Forensic Psychology is a specialized area of practice involving the interaction of psychology and the law. Forensic psychologists are able to provide expert advice about specific legal questions and provide a comprehensive picture of an individual and their environment. This allows for a better understanding of factors that contributed to offending behaviour. As forensic psychologists, we strive to understand and answer complex questions that may include clarification of a diagnosis, risk to reoffend (general, violent, sexual), malingering, and criminal responsibility.

Unlike other mental health disciplines, psychologists will use psychological testing to assist in examining an individual's offence pathway, and strive to understand how factors such as mental health contributed to the offending behaviour. These robust assessments play a valuable role in legal decision making, such as pre-sentencing, managing future-risk, and determining appropriate treatment targets.

Forensic psychologists provide individual and group treatment to address risk factors for rehabilitation using empirically supported treatment approaches. The goal is to understand one’s triggers and motivations for crime so we can build self-awareness. During treatment we will help create safety plans to reduce future risk of reoffending and develop a comprehensive understanding of risk management needs for rehabilitation.

Forensic psychological expertise is also useful in matters before the civil courts and administrative tribunals. 
 

*Please note, legal Aid Certificates will be considered on a case by case basis. Lawyers are asked to contact HISELER, KELLY & ASSOCIATES to discuss this matter.

Forensic Services Offered at HISELER, KELLY & ASSOCIATES

Forensic Psychological Assessment

• Risk for Re-Offence (General, Violent, Sexual)

• Risk Management

• Understanding Offence Pathways

• Criminal Responsibility

• Malingering

• Diagnostic Clarification

• Administrative Tribunal Matters(Immigration/Refugee, Human Rights)

Individual Forensic Psychotherapy

• Sex Offender Treatment (Contact and Non-Contact Offences)

• Violent Offending

• Intimate Partner Violence

• Anger Management

• Substance Abuse (Alcohol and Drugs)

• Understanding Offending Behaviour

• Impulse Control  

• Poor Problem-Solving Skills

Group Forensic Psychotherapy

• Sex Offender Relapse Prevention - Psychoeducational Group

• Sex Offender Relapse Prevention - Psychotherapy Process-Oriented Group

• Sex Offender Relapse Prevention - Child Sexual Abuse Images