Inside the Criminal Mind
Copyright 1984, 2004, 2014, 2022.

A brilliant, no-nonsense profile of the criminal mind, newly updated in 2022 to include the latest research, effective methods for dealing with hardened criminals, and an urgent call to rethink criminal justice from expert witness Stanton E. Samenow, Ph.D.

"Utterly compelling reading, full of raw insight into the dark mind of the criminal." - John Douglas, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Mind Hunter

Long-held myths defining the sources of and remedies for crime are shattered in this groundbreaking book - and a chilling profile of today's criminal emerges. In 1984, Stanton Samenow changed the way we think about the workings of the criminal mind, with a revolutionary approach to "habilitation." In 2014, armed with thirty years of additional knowledge and insight, Samenow explored the subject afresh, explaining criminals' thought patterns in the new millennium, such as those that lead to domestic violence, internet victimization, and terrorism.

Since then the arenas of criminal behavior have expanded even further, demanding this newly updated version, which includes an exploration of social media as a vehicle for criminal conduct, new pharmaceutical influences and the impact of the opioid crisis, recent genetic and biological research into whether some people are "wired" to become criminals, new findings on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy, and a fresh take on criminal justice reform. Throughout, we learn from Samenow's five decades of experience how truly vital it is to know who the criminals are and how they think. If equipped with that crucial understanding, we can reach reasonable, compassionate, and effective solutions.

Fully revised, expanded, updated 2022 version, in paperback.

To order new 2022 paperback edition, click Inside the Criminal Mind

The Myth of the Out of Character Crime
Copyright 2007, 2010.

From time to time, into the news burst accounts of regular people who commit crimes that seem totally out of character according to those who know them well. Lee Malvo, one of the D.C. snipers, was known to his friends and family as a smart, promising man. "Steven," was a talented, young scientist with no criminal record. No one suspected he was capable of injuring another-until he was arrested for abducting a man, handcuffing him, and threatening to blow off his head with a pistol. What makes these otherwise stable and respected men and women commit crimes? Why do those who know them best not see the signs? Are there clues people can look out for when a person is about to "snap?" What in the psychological makeup of defendants resulted in their committing crimes? Here, a seasoned forensic psychologist delves into the psyches of these otherwise "normal" people, whom he has treated and researched for many years.

2010 paperback version available for $15.95. Place your order.

Read the following review from The Washington Post: A Child's Eye View

Available now.  To order, click here

• This is a body of work which gives concerned parents and professionals instructive insight into the personality of "problem children" and gives practical suggestions for taking corrective and remedial steps before it's too late.

• Is there a genetic predisposition to crime?
• Should mental illness be taken into account?
• Do family and social environments have a role?
• Do people become abusers because they have been abused?
• How can people who do terrible things consider themselves good people?
• What should someone involved in a relationship with a criminal know?

• Volume I: A Profile For Change -- The authors present a detailed description of criminal thinking and action patterns and convincingly argue that these patterns cannot be understood by sociologic or psychologic explanations alone. They stress that the thinking patterns in the criminal must be altered in the change process.
• Volume II: The Change Process -- This book describes an intensive therapeutic approach designed to completely change the criminal's way of thinking. The authors reject traditional treatment approaches as reinforcing the criminal's sense of being a victim of society. Rather, Yochelson and Samenow stress that the offender must make a choice to give up criminal thinking and learn morality.
• Volume III: The Drug User -- Volume III extends their findings and procedures to drug-using criminals.

Complete three volume sets of "The Criminal Personality" in softcover available through Dr. Samenow; e-mail to samenow@cox.net. Must purchase entire set.

These can also be ordered direct via phone at 1-800-782-0015 (Aronson Publishers)