Monitor on Psychology - March 2012 - (Page 55)

Dr. Steven C. norton is the first psychologist to work at the U.S. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. and debriefed workers in Iraq, Kuwait and other war zones following suicides and other traumatic events. He is also an active member of APA Div. 18 (Psychologists in Public Service), serving as its president last year. The division’s focus on sharing psychological expertise for the public good “very much fits with what I’m doing here,” he says. “It is extremely rewarding to do my part to assist American staff working in a very challenging environment and to support the mission of the U.S. government to bring order and stability to this region.” Most of Norton’s work takes place at the embassy itself, where he provides mental health services and seminars for embassy staff. When circumstances allow, Norton also provides counseling and training for civilian and military personnel in the field. Trips can get canceled at the last minute because of the threat level, and when he does go out, he dons a helmet and flak jacket and is escorted by military and/or security personnel. M a rc h 2 0 1 2 • M o n i to r o n p s yc h o l o g y On a more limited basis, he consults with U.S. agencies working with Afghans to help modernize their prison system, and he consults with an agency at the embassy developing procedures for providing crisis mental health debriefings if American staff are taken hostage or held captive. “Fortunately, that’s a rare occurrence, but it’s always a risk in active and chaotic war zones,” he says. Life in the compound Given the dangers of living in a war zone, most of Norton’s time is spent in the relatively small but highly fortified embassy compound in northern Kabul. The compound serves as a small city for the State Department personnel, who include diplomats, U.S. Agency for International Development staff and international law-enforcement personnel. About 300 Afghan citizens — who live outside the embassy and put themselves at some risk of terrorist threats and intimidation working 55

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Monitor on Psychology - March 2012

Monitor on Psychology - March 2012
Letters
President’s column
Contents
From the CEO
Supreme Court rejects eyewitness protections
New member benefit: prevention screenings
A psychodynamic treatment for PTSD shows promise for soldiers
Was ‘Little Albert’ ill during the famed conditioning study?
New research identifies ways to improve eyewitness identifications
In Brief
‘Our health at risk’
Perspective on Practice
APA endorses higher education guidelines
TIME CAPSULE
QUESTIONNAIRE
Random Sample
Judicial Notebook
Help for struggling veterans
Driving out cancer disparities
In the Public Interest
SCIENCE WATCH
Practice, virtually
The legal and ethical issues of virtual therapy
Psychologist PROFILE
EARLY CAREER PSYCHOLOGY
Bringing life into focus
Pay attention to me
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
Division Spotlight
Personalities

Monitor on Psychology - March 2012