Introducing the Psychopath

The Psychopath exists among us and is present in 1% of the general population and approximately 20% of the prison population. They are predators who use charm, deception, intimidation, and violence to control others and satisfy their selfish needs.

This 1-day seminar introduces the construct of Psychopathy and the implications for Corrections, Policing, and Mental Health. Discussion of research on psychopathy includes assessment issues, developmental factors, neurobiological correlates, risk for recidivism and violence, and the development of new treatment and management strategies for psychopathic offenders.

Psychopaths simply do not experience emotions in the same way that we do. They don't experience empathy in the way that we do. They don't experience love in the way that we do. And because of this they are more likely to stick a knife in someone to get what they want because they just don't care about the other person.

Unlike psychotics, psychopaths appear to be sane. They can be charming and manipulative, but they are also capable of extreme acts of violence without any sense of remorse. Some 90% of serial killers are psychopathic.

“Language and words for psychopaths are only word deep, there is no emotional colouring behind it”. – Dr. Robert Hare