Consulting Psychology in National Security Organizations

This book surveys the exciting opportunities that await psychologists in national security settings.

Laurie B. Moret and Carroll H. Greene III, experienced consulting psychologists, provide a richly detailed introduction for psychologists and graduate students. Their insider knowledge gives readers a rare glimpse into the workplace culture and group dynamics of national security organizations.

Moret and Greene offer tips and strategies to help consultants navigate complex challenges, such as the security clearance process. They identify important qualities, competencies, and interpersonal skills that consultants must possess to deliver effective psychological services to operations and support personnel.

Ethical dilemmas are also examined, particularly situations in which a psychologist's professional and personal values may be tested by the nature of the work.

Case vignettes bring to life the daily roles and responsibilities of consulting psychologists, highlighting the importance of their contributions and how rewarding this work can be.

Series Editor's Foreword
Rodney L. Lowman

Introduction: Welcome to National Security Settings

1. The History of Psychological Consultation in National Security
2. Roles and Responsibilities of Consultants in National Security
3. Culture, Trust, and Consultant Credibility in National Security Settings
4. Consulting in National Security and Other Large Organizational Settings: Similarities and Differences
5. Key Competencies for National Security Work by Psychologists
6. Understanding the Security Clearance Process
7. Ethical Considerations in National Security Consulting

Afterword

Appendix A: Some Acronyms Commonly Used in National Security Settings

Appendix B: A Table of Military Ranks

References

Index

About the Authors

Laurie B. Moret, PhD, is a consulting psychologist employed as a leadership and organizational development consultant and coach in a variety of industries, predominantly in national security.

She received her doctorate and master's degrees in psychology from Arizona State University and the University of Georgia, respectively. Her bachelor's degree was awarded from Washington University in St. Louis, and she maintains licenses in Virginia and Florida.

Previously, Dr. Moret was a senior client partner in Korn/Ferry International's Washington, DC, office. Dr. Moret had joined Korn/Ferry from Right Management, where she was a senior vice president of organizational consulting and a member of the firm's Coaching and Leadership Development Centers of Excellence.

She is also a disaster response volunteer with APA and the American Red Cross.

Carroll H. Greene III, PhD, is a consulting psychologist supporting operations primarily in national security organizations.

He received his doctorate in counseling psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University; is certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology; and is a resistance and escape psychologist.

Dr. Greene, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, is licensed in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida and has worked as a psychologist in diverse public, private, and governmental settings since 1975.

A valuable resource for any psychologist who consults with or works in organizations in which secrecy and security are important. Moret and Greene describe the rich history of such work; provide insight into the knowledge, skills, techniques, and abilities required; and supply useful and actionable information. They leverage the experience of practitioners who have actually worked in these environments and who are respected by their colleagues and their clients.
—Cathleen Civiello, PhD, ABPP
Guest Editor, Special Issue on Organizational Consulting in National Security Contexts, Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research

Moret and Greene draw from their decades of experience in this well-constructed, informative book. They highlight the vital services that psychologists provide to those working for our country's security, values, and way of life.
—John Fennig, PhD
Managing Partner and Consulting Psychology Training Director, DRI Consulting; APA Fellow