Health Psychology Alumna Excels as Probation Officer

Deputy probation officer" might seem an unusual job title for a health psychology graduate, but Trisha Murphy, BS ('00), finds her education indispensable in working with offenders whose crimes are often stress-related.

Briefly describe the work you do now.

I am a deputy probation officer in California. For the past few years, I have worked as an investigations officer. I am also assigned to a felony criminal sentencing courtroom. I interview adult felony offenders,prepare presentence investigation reports for the court and present our findings to the judge. As part of my job, I interview people convicted of crimes such as murder, gang violence, sexual assaults, substance-abuse offenses, theft-related offenses, DUIs and property crimes. Previously, I was a supervision deputy, and in that position I would interview offenders, search their homes, place them under arrest if they were found to be out of compliance, administer tests for illegal chemical substances, and prepare reports for the court, as necessary. 

What is your background, and how did you find your way to Bastyr?

I grew up in California and initially went to the Evergreen State College. After two years, I researched Bastyr University and was very interested in its pioneering degree program in health psychology.

How did you get into this career?

After graduating from Bastyr University with a health psychology degree, I began working at a YWCA shelter for domestic violence victims in Washington. There I applied the counseling skills and insight I'd gained in the program. When I returned to California, I became a domestic violence victim advocate for the YWCA, assigned to the local sheriff's department. As I learned more about the criminal justice system, I decided to delve a bit further into it and applied to become a probation officer. I have found this to be a great blend of psychology, sociology and criminal justice.

What did you appreciate most about your degree program?

First, I met some incredible people in this program. It was a great experience and, since it was the first year of the program, my classmates and I went through some growing pains and ironed out some kinks together, which brought us closer. I think the program provided me with a balance of science and spirit, and I continue to look through both lenses when confronting a problem or issue. 

What's next for you? Where would you like to place your energies?

I'm seven months pregnant, so my energy is focused on maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle now and in the future!

How did your Bastyr degree prepare you for your career?

My degree program gave me a strong foundation into the stress/disease process and how to manage and be aware of it. This has helped me immensely in my personal life in dealing with various work-related stressors. It has also helped me during my interviews with clients, as many substance abuse and violence "triggers" are stress-related or are a stress response.