Abstract
This article examines some issues related to assessing individuals who exhibit violent behavior. The concepts of violence, anger, aggression, and hostility are defined. Three types of common reactions to violent material are identified: those characterized by (1) repulsion, (2) voyeuristic fascination, and (3) a sense of helplessness on the part of the psychotherapist. In assessing violence potential, it is important to be clear about who is at risk of what and how likely it is that the violence will occur. The article concludes that psychotherapy is more likely to be appropriate when violence is expressive and relatively ego dystonic.