Applying Psychology to Current or Future Career Careers that are predicated on a commitment to responding to traumatic situations necessitate, at all levels, an understanding of the basics of human psychology. In these uncertain times where we have witnessed not only the collapse of financial institutions, the escalation of distrust in church and state, and the devastating effects of global terrorism, the need for internal management of external forces calls upon more than a passing flirtation with what makes people tick. The ability to interpret and/or prohibit the factors that precipitate an act of violence or aggression is as critical as the recognition of what type of assistance and resources should be provided in order to procure cooperation, resolve a conflict, or prevent further harm to the victim, client, or patient.

Whether it's the dispatcher who takes the first call, the law enforcement officer who is first to arrive at the scene of an accident or crime, or the mental health professional who deals with the...

Textbook cases, however, are not an automatic template for real-life scenarios. What they provide instead is a starting point for developing one's powers of observation, assessing the perceptions without bias, and exploring alternatives which, if possible, will empower the subject to make the best choice on his or her own.
The nonjudgmental component of applied psychology manifests itself in both law enforcement and counseling occupations by attempting to establish the "why" behind the "what" of a person's actions. The capacity to create and maintain a climate of objectivity can make a significant difference in discerning the facts behind an act of violence, the roots of dysfunctional behavior, and the fears and depression associated with the loss of personal control at home and in the workplace.

The ongoing challenges to our value systems, coupled with…