Stanton Samenow

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Stanton Samenow is an American psychologist and writer. He has released a number of books, interviews, videos, and papers on subjects relating to criminal behavior. His work is highly regarded, and has influenced those responsible for treating criminals. Dr. Samenow received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1968.

Dr. Samenow took a big step forward when, in 1976, he released a three-volume set entitled "The Criminal Personality" with Dr. Yochelson. This book challenged the conventional thinking that those who commit crimes do so because of ambient social engineering, instead embracing the idea that a person has full control over the choices they make. Consequently, a person who fails to correctly diagnose his choices will be more likely to make a bad one.

In order to describe how a person can correctly diagnose his choices, Yochelson and Samenow listed various thinking errors. Where proper thinking involves careful analysis of a situation and filtering possible outcomes, a thinking error would be a hole in the filter. Almost every entity that follows Dr. Samenow's teachings adapts the thinking error list as they see fit.

The newer term "Cognitive Distortions" is preferred over "thinking errors" for aesthetic reasons.

Many states have adopted treatment programs based on Dr. Samenow's research, largely in state correctional facilities. In his videos, it becomes apparent that he likes to let his patient talk while he mentally logs any cognitive distortions. He then educates the patient on those cognitive distortions that were heavily used. Over time, a patient will use less and less cognitive distotions, eventually reaching a point where covert sensitization can be employed to abruptly halt criminal thinking patterns.