Polygraph Testing for Therapy and Therapists

RELATIONSHIP AND MARRIAGE COUNSELING

While polygraph tests can provide a sense of clarity and resolution in certain situations, it’s important to consult with a professional therapist or counselor before making a decision. These tests are not infallible, can have emotional consequences, and can be emotionally taxing, especially if the results indicate deception. It’s essential to approach the process with caution.

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Here are some potential benefits of polygraph testing for Couples Therapy:

•  Resolving Doubts: Polygraph tests can provide a means to address suspicions or doubts about infidelity, substance abuse, or other significant issues within a relationship.
• Rebuilding Trust: If the results of a polygraph test are positive, it can help rebuild trust and strengthen a relationship that has been damaged by suspicion.
• Providing Closure: For couples dealing with uncertainty, a polygraph test can offer a sense of closure, allowing them to move forward with their relationship or make difficult decisions.
• Encouraging Honesty: The prospect of a polygraph test can incentivize partners to be honest with each other, fostering open communication and transparency.
• Encouraging Open Communication: The process of discussing and agreeing to a polygraph can open up lines of communication between partners, allowing them to address underlying issues and concerns.
• Discouraging Compulsive Liars: Individuals with a compulsion to stretch the truth may be discouraged from telling excessive falsehoods if they know a polygraph exam could be in their not-too-distant future.

Here are the most common uses for lie detector testing in Relationship Counseling:

1. Lie Detector Test for Cheating / Fidelity / Infidelity

This format is used to determine whether one partner has engaged in sexual acts or sexual contact with anyone other than his/her significant other. Other related items may include questions about dating, kissing, having contact with “exes,” placing or responding to personal ads, visiting strip clubs, etc.

2. Lie Detector Test for Personal History

This format is appropriate when a partner needs to verify aspects of his/her partner’s background prior to the relationship, such as sexual history, drug or alcohol habits, gambling, health issues (particularly STDs), and excessive financial obligations.

3. Lie Detector Test for Internet Activities

Not all “cheating” requires physical contact. Polygraphs can be used to determine the extent of “sexual” activities conducted over the internet, such as visits to pornographic sites, dating sites, sexual chat rooms, interactive sexual websites, or having “cybersex” (sexual chat) with someone who is not his/her partner.

4. Lie Detector Test for Therapeutic Disclosure

This is a variation of a “Statement Verification” exam in which the Examinee (person being tested) prepares a document ostensibly to disclose (in writing) to his/her partner any acts or conduct the partner might be concerned about. The polygraph is then used to verify the overall content of the Disclosure by asking questions such as “Did you lie about anything in the Disclosure you provided?” Questions about individual issues within the Statement are not asked, as these would be redundant.  This method is typically used in the Therapeutic Process after the Examinee has already made admissions of infidelity or other unapproved behaviors and is attempting to verify the full extent of those behaviors. Since this is a multiple-issue test by definition, test results will not be as reliable as with a single-issue exam, but it is often the only way to resolve multiple issues simultaneously. Diagnosed “sex addicts” are frequently administered a Therapeutic Disclosure exam as part of their treatment protocol. This Disclosure should include a numbered list of specific disclosures and denials and should be signed and dated. Care must be taken not to include subjective issues in the Disclosure (see Question Rules).  Disclosure exams are often done on a regular basis (ie. annually) to verify any necessary updates to the information provided.  However, if a polygraph is failed, with subsequent admissions, the follow-up exams should focus on the issues connected to the admissions instead of the broad-scope approach of the initial Statement Verification.

There are three options for Therapeutic Disclosure polygraph exams.  The Treatment Provider will decide which option is best for each situation.

1. The first type of Disclosure deals exclusively with activities directly related to the relationship, but do not include the partner’s sexual behaviors prior to the start of the relationship.  This information is typically shared with the person’s partner, and is incorporated in the treatment process.  This is usually addressed in couples therapy.
2. The second type of Disclosure explores the partner’s lifetime sexual behaviors, including childhood events.  This version covers not only the period of the relationship, but also actions prior to the relationship.  GPN does not recommend sharing all of this information with the partner unless it is directly related to the relationship.  This information is used by the Treatment Provider to determine the best method of treatment.  This is usually addressed in individual therapy.
3. The third type of Disclosure method is a combination of #1 and #2 above, where two separate Disclosures are prepared.  The first is designed to be shared with the partner, and the second is only for use by the Treatment Provider.

How often can a polygraph be administered?  Due to a process called “habituation,” the effectiveness of a polygraph is reduced if multiple exams are taken close together.  Ideally, exams should not be taken closer together than 3 months, but that is minimum spacing.  One or two exams per year is a considered “best practice” to help reduce the effects of habituation.