Forensic Psych by Jerry L Jennings
After 60 years of non-critical silence, Freud's Dora became the target of a surge of publications... more After 60 years of non-critical silence, Freud's Dora became the target of a surge of publications in the 1970s and 1980s that criticized his mismanagement of his adolescent patient. Jennings (1986) showed how this "Dora revival" was fueled by a revolutionary change in attitude toward countertransference and new understanding of adolescent development. In retrospect, the "revival" was just the start of a "Dora Wellspring" of over 200 publications about the case. Further, the most dominant and enduring theme in Dora literature has become the question of feminine psychosexual development and identity. This article reveals the crucial, albeit indirect and delayed, impact of Jacque Lacan's "return to Freud" in the 1950s, which brought Dora and hysteria to the attention of the early French feminists, who transformed Dora into a case exemplar for their deconstruction of male patriarchy. In turn, Dora was reexamined by dozens of psychoanalysts and writers, mostly female, seeking to develop a viable theory of feminine psychosexual development in the 1980s and 1990s. This discourse stimulated another surge of publications in the new century that have sought new insights by reexamining Freud's thinking in the Dora period and by directly applying Lacanian concepts to contemporary thinking about gender and trauma.
House of Horrors - Episode 16 of I Survived a Serial Killer, 2022
Dr. Jennings provides psychological analysis of the infamous sexual predator, Gary M. Heidnik. In... more Dr. Jennings provides psychological analysis of the infamous sexual predator, Gary M. Heidnik. In November of 1986, 25-year-old Josephina Rivera's life comes to a devastating halt when she's kidnapped by 43-year-old Gary Heidnik. Over the next four months, Josephina lives shackled in a basement while her captor abducts four more women to hold hostage in his "house of horrors." Josephina recounts a gripping tale of endurance and the shrewd calculations that helped her devise a plan of escape.
Monster Preacher, 2021
Two hour documentary of Gary M. Heidnik, one of the most infamous criminal cases of sexual killin... more Two hour documentary of Gary M. Heidnik, one of the most infamous criminal cases of sexual killing, who helped inspired the film, "Silence of the Lambs."
The fascinating details of this infamous case – and the true motivations behind Heidnik’s atrocities are described by Dr. Jerry L. Jennings in his co-authored book, Breaking the Silence of the Lambs.
Behavioral Science and the Law, 2021
The jail-based competency treatment (JBCT) model has become an established forensic practice acro... more The jail-based competency treatment (JBCT) model has become an established forensic practice across the country. From the perspective of implementation science and the three core elements of the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Service (PARiHS) framework, the JBCT model is a remarkable example of how context (an unrelenting and overwhelmingly strong demand for forensic beds) has driven multiple state governments to facilitate implementation of a methodology in the absence of empirical evidence supporting its efficacy. This 7-year study of outcomes from four JBCT program sites provides this much-needed evidence by showing that JBCT restored 56% of 1553 male and 336 female patients over an average of 48.7 days. At the same time, the study highlights how variations in JBCT models, methods, and preadmission stabilization time present challenges to planned and effective implementation of evidence-based practice at the statewide system level. By identifying differential responsiveness to JBCT treatment by diagnosis and other factors,
In 29 months of operation, the restoration of competency (ROC) program provided treatment service... more In 29 months of operation, the restoration of competency (ROC) program provided treatment services to 192 incompetent to stand trial patients in a jail setting. The ROC restored competency for 55% of the patients in an average of 57 days compared to the state hospital average of 180 days. The average cost of treatment/restoration per admission was $15,568 compared to the state hospital average of $81,000. The ROC model accelerates needed treatment for mentally ill defendants, cuts demand for costly state hospital forensic beds, and assists jails in better managing inmates with severe psychiatric disorders—yielding major cost savings and improved care. In addition to preventing readmissions and negative behavioral episodes, the ROC improved the broader forensic system by eliminating the state hospital waiting list, accelerating access to psychiatric services, promoting local access for lawyers and family, and gaining stakeholder satisfaction.
ePrintedBooks, 2014
This true story is a unique and fascinating story within a story. It is, first, a dark journey i... more This true story is a unique and fascinating story within a story. It is, first, a dark journey into the secret world of the infamous "Silence of the Lambs" serial killer, Gary M. Heidnik. It presents 26 secret letters from Death Row that reveal the truth of how Heidnik make a fortune in the stock market and conducted church services in his living room, while a harem of starving sexual slaves were chained in the cellar beneath their feet. It is also the story of Jack Apsche, his defense psychologist and the recipient of these personal letters, who is prepared to "break the silence of the lambs" by revealing Heidnik's secret letters and his own simultaneous struggle with the dark side.
See also "Monster Preacher" -- a 2-hour documentary on the infamous case at: https://www.oxygen.com/monster-preacher
--and
"Is Gary Heidnik anything like Silence of the Lambs?"
https://www.oxygen.com/monster-preacher/season-1/videos/is-gary-heidnik-anything-like-silence-of-the-lambs-buffalo-bill
Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 2000
The field of domestic violence has concentrated its theories, research, and treatment methods on ... more The field of domestic violence has concentrated its theories, research, and treatment methods on the male–female dimensions of the problem. However, male–male issues also play a crucial role. The authors explain how traditional male socialization and rigid sex role stereotyping can have emotional and behavioral consequences that are displaced onto male–female relationships. In particular, "humiliation" is a potent and pervasive social mechanism that dominates male psychology, causing multiple problems in male self-esteem and interpersonal relations. Humiliation is the social form of shame and is deeply rooted in the same-sex relations of childhood groups, rituals of passage, and problematic relationships with father figures
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 2010
This study presents the long-term outcomes of a continuum of care program for co-occurring psychi... more This study presents the long-term outcomes of a continuum of care program for co-occurring psychiatric disabilities and chemical dependency that has been recognized as a best practice model by the American Psychological Association's Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice's Task Force on Serious Mental Illness and Severe Emotional Disturbance (APA/CAPP, 2007). Since publication of the initial positive outcomes for 18 men in 2002, this innovative recovery program continued to successfully reintegrate a total of 91 men and women with severe co-occurring disabilities who had been acquitted of violent crimes by reason of insanity (NGRI). This follow-up study showed continued positive outcomes for an additional 73 program graduates in terms of non-reoffending, psychiatric stability, substance abuse abstinence, stable housing and meaningful activity. In contrast to other studies that have applied Assertive Community Treatment and Intensive Case Management to populations with forensic issues and failed to reduce criminal recidivism, this continuum of care recovery model had strong results in preventing criminal recidivism in addition to achieving improved mental health, abstinence and quality of life.
International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2005
This research study compared the efficacy of three treatment methodologies for adolescent males i... more This research study compared the efficacy of three treatment methodologies for adolescent males in residential treatment with conduct disorders and/or personality dysfunctions and documented problems with physical and sexual aggression. The results showed that Mode Deactivation Therapy, an advanced form of cognitive behavioral therapy based on Beck’s theory of modes, was superior to traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Social Skills Therapy in reducing both physical and sexual aggression. At the same time, Mode Deactivation Therapy was the only treatment of the three that significantly reduced sexual aggression for these youth.
ATSA Forum, 2003
In a field where cognitive-behavioral treatment is predominant, many sexual abuse clinicians clin... more In a field where cognitive-behavioral treatment is predominant, many sexual abuse clinicians cling to a mistaken Freudian explanation of homophobia as a reaction formation in which the individual expresses anti-homosexual attitudes as a way of repressing or suppressing his own homoerotic desires. Rather, so-called “homophobia” should be more accurately understood as “humiliation-phobia.” The primary motivation for such behavior is avoiding humiliation in the eyes of male peers. Men and boys act in homophobic ways not because they fear that they are homosexual, but because they fear that other males might THINK that they are homosexual. In other words, homophobia is about gaining and protecting male social acceptance and esteem.
The Responsibility & Self-Management Client Workbook is accompanied by a Clinician’s Manual that ... more The Responsibility & Self-Management Client Workbook is accompanied by a Clinician’s Manual that provides the tools to take a careful measure of how and why a youngster got to this place in life. The workbook introduces youth to cognitive-behavioral principles in an simple, applied fashion -- with specific attention to problems with anger and aggression, sexually inappropriate behavior, low self-esteem, and impulse control. The manual guides therapists to pinpoint the function of the youngster’s problem behaviors and to develop specific interventions for that client. Designed for adolescents and young adults.
AVAILABLE for purchase from Safer Society Press at https://safersocietypress.org/store/
Journal of Family Violence, 1990
Given the deeply entrenched habit patterns that characterize domestic violence, the author questi... more Given the deeply entrenched habit patterns that characterize domestic violence, the author questions the enormous demands for change that are immediately placed on both abusive men and the clinicians treating them. Battering men are not only required to abruptly and permanently halt overt physical violence, but they are also expected to stop all expressions of dominance and intimidation, and to abandon all their exploitative attitudes and sex-role expectations as well. While it is feasible and necessary to insist upon the cessation of physical violence in order to protect the spouse and family, to what degree can the clinician also demand a total revolution in the abusive male''s attitudes, social behavior, and values? To better demonstrate the excessivity of these demands, the author makes a comparison to the treatment of substance abusers, where the features of relapse and enduring cognitive distortions are expected and permitted as part of the normal extended course of recovery. Instead, the author proposes a more realistic and humanitarian set of therapeutic expectations for change, emphasizing relapse prevention and supportive maintenance.
Journal of Family Violence, 1987
Although the history of the treatment of battering men is relatively brief, it is evident that a ... more Although the history of the treatment of battering men is relatively brief, it is evident that a treatment paradigm is prematurely forming. This paradigm typically employs a structured group format, utilizing a sequence of preplanned psychoeducational sessions based on cognitive-behavioral principles. As its first goal, the article reviews the history and current status of treatment for abusive men. This review reveals the nature and origins of a host of biased, and largely unsubstantiated, assumptions about batterers and their responsiveness to treatment. The second goal is to dispute the utility of the structured therapy model that presently dominates the field. The author argues that all the topics, themes, and strategic skills commonly offered in structured educational programs will emerge as central topics of discussion during the natural course of events in the unstructured supervised self-help group format. The unstructured approach enables the therapist to spontaneously introduce various ideas and techniques at the most opportune moments in the group process, while avoiding the significant disadvantages of structured treatment programs.
American Journal of Family Therapy, 1991
The first step in treating violent couples is to determine which of the three basic approaches is... more The first step in treating violent couples is to determine which of the three basic approaches is most suitable for the client: unilateral (noninteractive treatment of the individual); bilateral (noninteractive treatment of each partner separately); and dyadic (mutual and interactive conjoint treatment). Accurate assessment using defined criteria is absolutely crucial in order to ascertain whether the couple can or cannot be treated together safely. A broad array of established clinical techniques (specific to aggressive couples) can be utilized within each of the three designated modalities. Both assessment criteria and specific clinical techniques are described.
The Open Psychiatry Journal, 2009
Several variations of the Assertive Community Treatment model have been tried with forensic and o... more Several variations of the Assertive Community Treatment model have been tried with forensic and offender populations, including Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT), Forensic Intensive Case Management (FICM) and Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT). Based on a comprehensive review of multiple reviews and research
studies, it appears that the field is converging on the conclusion that ACT may have a positive impact on mental health for forensic patients, but that it is probably ineffective or minimally effective in reducing criminal recidivism. The author argues that emerging research from the “forensic continuum of care model” and correctional re-entry treatment programs suggests that the community aftercare component is vital with offending populations and that aftercare programs like ACT can be enhanced by a “pre-treatment” residential treatment precursor. Specifically, the provision of enriched or extended residential treatment – in which forensic patients have adequate time to learn, practice and master life management skills – can maximize the effectiveness of follow-up ACT. Most FACT and FICM approaches have lacked this “continuum” feature.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills, 2002
A unique public-private partnership created a new continuum of care that would effectively bridge... more A unique public-private partnership created a new continuum of care that would effectively bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and community after-care for insanity acquitees suffering from chronic mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Focusing specifically on the needs of dually-diagnosed patients, treatment is delivered in a secure, 42-bed residential facility using a carefully designed series of hierarchical stages that enable residents to gradually build and strengthen their coping and life skills. Following graduation from the residential program, patients receive “assertive community treatment,” which provides enhanced, enduring supports to prevent “revolving door” recidivism. Although the patients have severe chronic diagnoses and have been acquitted of extremely dangerous criminal behavior, eighteen discharged patients have made a successful transition to the community for an average of 508 days without a single relapse into criminal behavior or substance abuse. Only two have required brief temporary readmission for stabilization of mental illness, and one needed inpatient readmission.
Mental Illness: Evaluation, Treatments and Implications, 2012
Despite the apparently aversive physical constraints of most jails and prisons, the Restoration o... more Despite the apparently aversive physical constraints of most jails and prisons, the Restoration of Competency (ROC) model shows that mental health providers can transform a jail pod into a true mental health facility with a remarkably therapeutic milieu. By combining an effective behavior management system, a lively treatment schedule, and some simple environmental modifications, such as marking “boundary lines” on the floor, a well-trained team of clinicians and direct care/security personnel can maintained a climate of safety, predictability and respect. The ROC model can accelerate needed treatment and restoration for mentally ill defendants, cut the demand for costly State Hospital forensic beds, deliver competency services at significantly lower cost per bed and directly assist local jails and law enforcement in better managing this specialized high-risk population – yielding major cost savings and improved services for all.
Sex Abuse Tx Groups by Jerry L Jennings
American Psychological Association, Division 49, 2024
1.5-hour Continuing Education video, sponsored by the American Psychological Association Division... more 1.5-hour Continuing Education video, sponsored by the American Psychological Association Division 49, Society of Group Psychology & Group Psychotherapy. Co-presenter Steve Sawyer. Premiered 10/8/24.
Videotaped training in group therapy with individuals who sexually abuse.
The ATSA Forum, 2021
The authors address two shortcomings in the field of sex-offense specific treatment (SOST) in an ... more The authors address two shortcomings in the field of sex-offense specific treatment (SOST) in an integrated fashion: First, to better incorporate the Responsivity principle of Risk-Need-Responsivity into SOST by facilitating readiness for a treatment experience that will be predominantly social and group-based by attending to the individual’s needs, barriers, and readiness/motivation to enter treatment. Second, since SOST is predominantly group-based treatment, we have endeavored to facilitate the process of entering/starting group treatment and to orient the client toward the unique experience of a safe and cohesive group. The result is a new strengths-based client workbook for preparing and motivating adult and older adolescent males who are referred/mandated for SOST (or other types of group-based treatment, such as interpersonal violence, anger management, and substance abuse) – Getting the Most from Group, Safer Society Press.
Getting the Most from Group, 2021
This is the first-ever motivational client workbook to support
group-based treatment programs for... more This is the first-ever motivational client workbook to support
group-based treatment programs for adolescent and adult males. The workbook complements and augments your overall treatment and group
work by preparing clients to enter group therapy with hope rather than apprehension and by motivating them to engage sooner and more meaningfully in treatment, especially in the early period of treatment. -- including sex offense-specific, domestic violence, anger management, . This workbook can be used in outpatient, residential, inpatient, correctional, and forensic settings and for multiple types of group-based treatment programs, including treatment for substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental health, and anger management.
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Forensic Psych by Jerry L Jennings
The fascinating details of this infamous case – and the true motivations behind Heidnik’s atrocities are described by Dr. Jerry L. Jennings in his co-authored book, Breaking the Silence of the Lambs.
See also "Monster Preacher" -- a 2-hour documentary on the infamous case at: https://www.oxygen.com/monster-preacher
--and
"Is Gary Heidnik anything like Silence of the Lambs?"
https://www.oxygen.com/monster-preacher/season-1/videos/is-gary-heidnik-anything-like-silence-of-the-lambs-buffalo-bill
AVAILABLE for purchase from Safer Society Press at https://safersocietypress.org/store/
studies, it appears that the field is converging on the conclusion that ACT may have a positive impact on mental health for forensic patients, but that it is probably ineffective or minimally effective in reducing criminal recidivism. The author argues that emerging research from the “forensic continuum of care model” and correctional re-entry treatment programs suggests that the community aftercare component is vital with offending populations and that aftercare programs like ACT can be enhanced by a “pre-treatment” residential treatment precursor. Specifically, the provision of enriched or extended residential treatment – in which forensic patients have adequate time to learn, practice and master life management skills – can maximize the effectiveness of follow-up ACT. Most FACT and FICM approaches have lacked this “continuum” feature.
Sex Abuse Tx Groups by Jerry L Jennings
Videotaped training in group therapy with individuals who sexually abuse.
group-based treatment programs for adolescent and adult males. The workbook complements and augments your overall treatment and group
work by preparing clients to enter group therapy with hope rather than apprehension and by motivating them to engage sooner and more meaningfully in treatment, especially in the early period of treatment. -- including sex offense-specific, domestic violence, anger management, . This workbook can be used in outpatient, residential, inpatient, correctional, and forensic settings and for multiple types of group-based treatment programs, including treatment for substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental health, and anger management.
The fascinating details of this infamous case – and the true motivations behind Heidnik’s atrocities are described by Dr. Jerry L. Jennings in his co-authored book, Breaking the Silence of the Lambs.
See also "Monster Preacher" -- a 2-hour documentary on the infamous case at: https://www.oxygen.com/monster-preacher
--and
"Is Gary Heidnik anything like Silence of the Lambs?"
https://www.oxygen.com/monster-preacher/season-1/videos/is-gary-heidnik-anything-like-silence-of-the-lambs-buffalo-bill
AVAILABLE for purchase from Safer Society Press at https://safersocietypress.org/store/
studies, it appears that the field is converging on the conclusion that ACT may have a positive impact on mental health for forensic patients, but that it is probably ineffective or minimally effective in reducing criminal recidivism. The author argues that emerging research from the “forensic continuum of care model” and correctional re-entry treatment programs suggests that the community aftercare component is vital with offending populations and that aftercare programs like ACT can be enhanced by a “pre-treatment” residential treatment precursor. Specifically, the provision of enriched or extended residential treatment – in which forensic patients have adequate time to learn, practice and master life management skills – can maximize the effectiveness of follow-up ACT. Most FACT and FICM approaches have lacked this “continuum” feature.
Videotaped training in group therapy with individuals who sexually abuse.
group-based treatment programs for adolescent and adult males. The workbook complements and augments your overall treatment and group
work by preparing clients to enter group therapy with hope rather than apprehension and by motivating them to engage sooner and more meaningfully in treatment, especially in the early period of treatment. -- including sex offense-specific, domestic violence, anger management, . This workbook can be used in outpatient, residential, inpatient, correctional, and forensic settings and for multiple types of group-based treatment programs, including treatment for substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental health, and anger management.
-- How to utilize the unique power of group relationships and group cohesion to achieve therapeutic growth for individual group members
-- Sound, practical guidelines for facilitating groups in the powerful mode of “group-centered” group therapy
-- includes dozens of case examples based on the authors’ many years of practice
Readers are recommended to the following two articles for a comprehensive historical/clinical/ cultural overview of the Dora case and its significance, which describes the content and context of many of these publications.
Jennings, J. (2022). Freud’s case of Dora: Wellspring of discovery and discourse. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 10(1), 290-314.
Jennings, J. (1986). The revival of “Dora”: Advances in psychoanalytic theory and technique. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association 34(3), 607-635.
This book includes a client workbook titled "The Youth Companion to the Mindfulness Toolkit,": which can be used for a class, team, group, or treatment program.
AVAILABLE for purchase from Safer Society Press at https://safersocietypress.org/store/