ASSESSMENTS FOR CLINICIANS AS CLIENTS: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST (INTERN) S’ DILEMMA

Abstract

Forensic psychology interns often encounter clinicians-clients. These being health-care professionals needing forensic assessment during their treatment process. The clinicians as clients often exhibit elevated clinical insight, self-awareness, thereby, forming a unique psychological predicament, which can unsettle forensic psychology interns, thereby, compromising their professional objectivity. This qualitative research investigated precise ethical challenges professional dilemmas faced by four forensic psychologist (interns) in conducting readiness for release risk assessments, competency evaluations, family reintegration suitability among clinicians as clients within a private drug rehabilitation centre, in Harare, Zimbabwe.  Data was collected using focus group discussion and semi-structured interviews. Thematic Analysis was used for analysis. Findings found four primary challenges: compassion fatigue, problems in forming therapeutic alliance, heightened confidentiality threats and complex power imbalances. The expert on expert dynamic was proved to present blurred professional boundaries, hence, complicating the forensic psychologist (intern) s' evaluative role. The study shows a critical gap in forensic psychology internship, where the dual-status of the client being a clinician professionally, creates unique stressors. Future studies could focus on developing specialised supervision support systems, which are forensic, based, for forensic psychologists (interns). Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the competency and performance of emerging forensic psychologists.