SHADOW SIDE INSIGHTS
“The shadow is a moral problem that challenges the whole ego-personality, for no one can become conscious of the shadow without considerable moral effort. To become conscious of it involves recognizing the dark aspects of the personality as present and real. This act is the essential condition for any kind of self-knowledge.”
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— Carl Jung, Aion (1951)
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Many people have difficulties navigating the uncertainty of our world, which can result in the shadow side gaining greater power over thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that raise concern in ourselves and others. Jung’s “moral problem” might now be thought of as those impulses that seem to come out of nowhere, but actually are only aspects of ourselves we don’t yet understand. Psychological evaluation helps to bring these parts into the light, out of the shadows.
Wendi Wachsmuth, Ph.D.
I received a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University with a concentration in Forensic Evaluation and Assessment. I completed an internship at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, where I provided comprehensive psychological and violence risk evaluations as well as group and individual treatment to at-risk youth.
My calling to serve the public led me to performing evaluations under the Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) statutes in California and Washington, conducting forensic evaluations for the Washington State courts, and acting as a supervising psychologist in the Washington State Department of Corrections. I most recently worked with patients at Western State Hospital, providing violence risk, civil commitment, and psychological assessments for community stakeholders. I was the hospital’s representative to the DOC’s End of Sentence Review Committee; which determines the recidivism risk of convicted sexual offenders.
As an active member in the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals and in my clinical work, I am passionate about providing an equitable and compassionate application of psychological and violence risk assessment methods. I am a strong advocate for those who otherwise might not have a voice in their care and treatment while maintaining the objectivity needed for decision makers to keep our communities safe.
Many people have difficulties navigating the uncertainty of our world, which can result in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that raise concern in ourselves and others. While working in community mental health and forensic settings; I have developed a unique understanding of the causes and effects of symptoms of behavioral health disorders and how these impact individual success or failure to thrive in society. My goal is to aid others in understanding these processes through individual evaluations, assessments, and trainings in the legal arena, schools, and workplace.
I believe behavior found aberrant or dangerous has its genesis in trauma and my approach incorporates this understanding; I offer dignity and compassion to all individuals referred to me, no matter the reason.