In this episode of Therapists' Take, we welcome back polygraph examiner David Otwell to explore a critical aspect of the polygraph process—how to properly prepare for a polygraph and the importance of managing doubt. For many couples navigating betrayal trauma recovery, polygraph exams are often desired and sought after as a tool to aid in creating transparency and rebuilding trust, yet many approach the process with fear and uncertainty. Concerns about nerves impacting results, the weight of past deception, and doubts about polygraph accuracy can all add to the stress. In this follow-up episode, David breaks down some of the psychological barriers and offers practical steps necessary to approach a polygraph with confidence and clarity, better ensuring that the process serves its intended purpose of fostering healing and accountability in relationships.
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00:00 - Introduction
00:54 - Hi, Carrie!
02:38 - Episode Breakdown
04:45 - The Polygraph Examiner
05:24 - 1. The Role of Doubt
13:10 - How Therapists Can Help
18:07 - 2. Benefits of Written Disclosures
21:28 - 3. Impending Doom Doubt
30:20 - The Queen of Cuba
33:15 - Doubting the Exam Itself
39:25 - Final Messages
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About Our Guest: David Otwell
We are honored to welcome David Otwell to this episode of Therapists' Take. David is the owner and operator of Truth Verification Polygraph Services, based in Edmond, Oklahoma. With an impressive 34-year career in law enforcement, David has served in local, state, and federal positions, including as a task force officer with the FBI's Oklahoma City Division, where he investigated national security matters.
After retiring from law enforcement in May 2023, David transitioned full-time into his well-established polygraph business. Trained by the legendary Cleve Backster of the Backster School of Lie Detection, David has conducted nearly 3,000 polygraph examinations, serving law enforcement agencies, fire departments, attorneys, district attorneys, counselors, and private citizens. He has also testified as an expert witness in court regarding polygraphs.
David is deeply involved in the polygraph community, holding memberships in the Oklahoma Polygraph Association, the American Polygraph Association, and the Association of Police Polygraphists. His expertise and dedication have earned him two appointments to the Oklahoma Polygraph Examiners Board—first by Governor Mary Fallin in 2016 and again by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2023, where he currently serves as vice-chair.David’s unparalleled experience and passion for truth verification make him the perfect guest to discuss the myths, science, and future of polygraph exams, particularly in the realm of betrayal trauma recovery.
You can read more about David and gather valuable information and resources from his website – https://www.truthpolygraph.com
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Links & Resources
Work with Carrie & Josh’s team at Family Solutions Counseling – https://www.familysolutionsok.com
Find a Betrayal Trauma Therapist Near You - https://iitap.com/page/TherapistDirectory
Episode 44: On Why We Stopped Using Polygraph - https://youtu.be/94Bzl2aEbc0?si=LDD4Ph_Q-Pa69bzo
Episode 47: On How to Effectively Use a Polygraph as Part of Betrayal Trauma Couples Recovery
American Polygraph Association - https://www.polygraph.org/Stop Sex Addiction Book - https://amzn.to/3CqPGgD
The Queen of Cuba (podcast episode) - https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/the-queen-of-cuba
Talking to Strangers (book) - https://amzn.to/3Di2vdA
Think Again (book) - https://amzn.to/3EPEyed
As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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