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The Polygraph: Lie Detector or Therapeutic Tool?

 By Stephen C. Schultz

“The polygraph is not what you think it is. It is not a lie detector machine... there is no such thing as a lie detector machine... and the polygraph is not one.” ~ John Pickup, Polygraph Examiner

Over the years, Oxbow Academy has consistently had to answer one question:

“Why do you use the polygraph?”




To provide an effective answer, it is important to understand the student population at Oxbow Academy. Oxbow works with students who have engaged in Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB). This behavior can take many forms and affect students in different ways. The one common factor is that it has impacted the student’s life—or the lives of their family members—in a chronically dysfunctional and unhealthy way. The students at Oxbow have often lived a life of secrets and manipulation. Their parents don’t trust them, and they frequently feel trapped in an unhealthy family dynamic.

Prior to enrolment at Oxbow, parents and mental health professionals regularly mention that they “feel in their gut” something more is going on. However, the students insist there is nothing else and continue their manipulative and avoidant behavior. Family relationships spiral out of control. Often, the student is quietly battling the demons of abuse, trauma, and addiction. Some students demonstrate anxiety, depression, and even self-harm behaviors.


So... why the polygraph?

Oxbow is not an adjudicated program and has no ties to the legal system whatsoever. In fact, each student is independently placed by their family. While funding sources may vary, it is ultimately the families who intervene on their son’s behalf.

One of the key factors in any positive therapeutic outcome is honesty. Healing cannot take place if the student is constantly lying or sharing half-truths with the clinician. The entire premise of the therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the student is built on trust. And the foundation of trust is honesty—honesty with their therapist, honesty with their family, and honesty with themselves.


The polygraph is simply a therapeutic tool. It allows the therapist to assume the role of an advocate for the student, helping them succeed in truthfulness. This process enables the therapist to guide the student in developing a genuine relationship with honesty. Over time, with therapeutic expertise, true healing takes place. Families are reunited, and students can repair relationships.

Be sure to review the evaluation process at Oxbow Academy!

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