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Dr. Victoria Balenger is a Top-Secret cleared, retired FBI psychologist. Licensed in Maryland and Virginia, she also holds the ATAP Certified Threat Manager (CTM ) credential.
Dr. Balenger's training at University of Maryland College Park and Howard University instilled a strong scientist-practitioner ethic, a passion for vocational psychology, and a genuine appreciation of human diversity in all of its forms & manifestations.
Over 30 years, Dr. Balenger has pioneered new models and methods for managing risk and building resiliency on both the individual and organizational levels. Some ways in which she provided direction and focus to the FBI Insider Threat Program included:
> Co-developing the FBI Typology of Intentional Insider Threat, defining and categorizing a range of threat behaviors for the Bureau and its
domestic & international security partners . More recently, Dr. Balenger developed a Global Typology of Intentional insider Threat which has
applicability to public, private sector, educational and non-rprofit organizations.
> Writing and designing the FBI's mandatory, web-based Insider Threat Awareness course; specialized trainings for Chief Security Officers
and other key personnel; and informational resources for the general employee population
> Providing empirically-based guidance and recommendations on workplace violence prevention best practices
> Advising the Insider Threat Program and USIC partners on best practices for addressing suicidality and related mental health crises.
Based on her experience the U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC), public & private sector EAP's, and higher education, Dr. Balenger is uniquely qualified to help manage risk in a variety of settings and contexts. Issues for which she provides consultation include:
* Threatening, aggressive or sexually predatory behavior in
onboard/former employees or others in access
* Escalating domestic abuse, stalking or other victimization
potentially affecting workplace safety and security
* Cyber-based harassment, doxxing, or posting of manipulated or
unauthorized sexual images potentially jeopardizing a target's
safety/security, reputation and psychological well-being
* Social network concerns or exploitable vices (e.g., gambling, sexual
addictions) raising concerns about information security, foreign
intelligence service coercion or professional judgment
* Erratic, disruptive, or irresponsible behavior reflecting possible
mental health, substance-related or neurocognitive (e.g.,
traumatic brain injury ) impairment
* Willful misconduct like bullying, insubordination or flouting of
security-related rules
* Negative workplace dynamics that can undermine morale and
productivity as well as the general security culture.
Dr. Balenger also provides customized leadership training and risk communication strategies to mitigate a range of insider risks and threats.
Known for her integrity, honesty and straightforwardness, Dr. Balenger serves as a "force multiplier" for individual threat investigators, behavioral assessment teams, and new or established insider threat programs. Through holistic analysis and actionable insight, she can help diffuse risk and find workable paths forward.
On the risk communication front, Dr. Balenger develops products with carefully calibrated messaging to promote a sense of shared responsibility & commitment to workplace safety and any larger security interests at stake.
Finally, Dr. Balenger can address the psychological impact of high traumatic exposure work roles & assignments in law enforcement and national security. Some such mission areas include violent crime, child pornography, counterterrorism, and combat-related military intelligence. In the absence of reliable self-care and dedicated support, the cumulative (if not acute) stress of such work can take a toll on even the most resilient personnel. Based on thoughtful needs assessment and tested methods of stress-innoculation, Dr. Balenger provides focused briefings, psychoeducational resources and supportive intervention to meaningfully process critical incidents or disturbing aspects of routine work assignments.
Strict confidentiality is maintained for all consultative and clinical services, in accordance with Maryland state law and the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Possible limits to confidentiality are discussed up front and promptly revisited with any new contingencies. Dr. Balenger is are also committed to maintaining utmost client privacy and discretion in relation to any authorized or legally mandated disclosure.
Behavioral Risk Management, LLC
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