Let's Talk Forensic Psychology

We were joined by Richard Barker, who works as a Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist within the NHS, a BPS National Assessor and Honorary Associate Clinical Professor at The University of Birmingham.Having worked in forensic mental health settings for over 25 years, predominantly in medium secure male settings, Rich has been a long-standing advocate of both recovery-orientated practice and now trauma-informed practice. He is currently service lead for trauma informed care.Rich has a particular interest in how trauma-informed care principles translate to leadership, teamship and organisational issues, and we discussed teamship and leadership in forensic settings, specifically focused on promoting trauma informed working within teams. You can access the chapter Rich and Geri recently edited with the Routledge discount code 26ESA1 (20% off valid until 30th June 2026):Barker, R., & Akerman, G. (2026). Working with traumatised teams. In P. Willmot, L. Jones, G. Akerman, & A. Mahoney (Eds.), Trauma-informed forensic interventions. Routledge.You can see Rich's publications here: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2874-957X We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com

We were joined by Mental Health Nurse, Richard Lindsley, to discuss working in an attachment based way with children.Richard has over 30 years of experience working with children and young people, and after qualifying as a Mental Health Nurse, worked in CAMHS and then further specialised, working with looked after children.In the episode, Richard discusses TheraPlay and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy in particular, and shared several heartfelt reflections from his own life and work. We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com

We were joined by Rosca, a talented musician who has lived experience of HMP Grendon.Throughout the episode he talked about engaging in group therapy and programmes at HMP Grendon, as well as his experiences of being a child refugee who found a sense of belonging in a gang in the UK. We were honoured that he could join us to reflect back on his journey after celebrating his recent release.Rosca has released several singles and we have linked his channels below:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roscasworld1410 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/17JWoH51sP5nA3ZgX3V2xy Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/rosca/1538069326We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com

We were joined by Matthew Callow, Community Psychiatric Nurse, to discuss his work in the community with people living with severe and enduring mental illness, and people who have a history of offending behaviour.Matthew is currently engaging in the Professional Doctorate in Nursing at Oxford Brookes University and he talked us through his research into the CPN's role in promoting positive physical health outcomes for patients with Schizophrenia.As Emily mentioned, we thought we would leave some 'light reading' on the important legislation Matthew cited throughout the episode below:Mental Capacity Act 2005https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contentsMental Health Act 2007 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2007/12/contentsMental Health Bill 2025https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-bill-2025-fact-sheet/mental-health-bill-2025-fact-sheetWe welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com

We were joined by Dr Kathryn Rowsell to discuss her research and practice in restorative practice and nature based approaches to wellbeing in forensic mental health settings.Somewhat ironically, we recorded this episode during stormy weather and dealt with some connection disruptions, but thanks to Kathryn's perseverance we managed to regroup to finish the episode.Kathryn has been a restorative practitioner for almost 25 years. Prior to training as a forensic psychologist she worked with young people at risk of offending, those who have offended, and with victims of crime. She has also specialised in supporting young people who were victims of sexual harm as an accredited ISVA. Kathryn is currently completing her training to become an ecotherapist. Access Kathryn's recent publication here: Rowsell K, Pegg K, Wallis P, Barker R. A. (2024). Systematic Review of Participant and Facilitator Experiences of Restorative Justice Interventions in the Forensic Secure Estate. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health.;23(3):229-240. https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2023.2289113 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com

We were joined by Dr Helen Wakeling and Dr Georgia Barnett to discuss working in private practice.As founders of KTA Consulting, they focus on putting knowledge into action through robust and innovative research, and evidence based practice and training within forensic psychology, probation and the criminal justice system.To find out more about Helen and Georgia's current work, and research publications, please visit their website: https://kta-consulting.co.uk/ We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com

We were joined by Professor Leam Craig, Consultant Forensic and Clinical Psychologist.Leam lectures at several universities, including Birmingham City University. He is also a partner at Forensic Psychology Practice Ltd, a private practice providing therapeutic services, psychological assessments, parole board assessments and psychological reports for various judicial settings.Timestamps:00:00 Start of the episode00:18 Introducing Professor Leam Craig01:32 Leam's route into Forensic Psychology05:17 Specialising in Expert Witness work09:01 Preparing to become an Expert Witness30:15 Leam's latest book publication36:52 Working in private practice41:27 Providing placement opportunities for trainees and studentsTo access some of Leam's research publications, follow this link to his Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=D8aXOwcAAAAJ&hl=en We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com

We were joined by Professor Graham Towl, Professor of Forensic Psychology at Durham University. We discuss Graham's various roles and responsibilities within the field, as well as his broad research interests, and the insights he has gained throughout his career so far. We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com.

In this episode, we had a discussion with Jeffrey DeMarco about his career and his current work linking forensic psychology and the cyber world by helping organisations fight online crime and the victims of these crimes. Organisations and information mentioned: NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ CEOP - https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/ Victim Support - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Revenge pornography helpline - https://swgfl.org.uk/helplines/revenge-porn-helpline/ Action Fraud - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com.

We were joined by Dr Jo Shingler, Principal Forensic Psychologist at Dorset Strive, and Jenny Stickney, Advanced Occupational Therapist Practitioner in Strive (Dorset IIRMS). Jo and Jenny discuss how joint working between psychology and occupational therapy can benefit clients and support their successful transition in to the community. Jo and Jenny have also written a book around the transition from prison to the community and this is available by following the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Prison-Community-Developing-Psychology/dp/1032311150 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com.

Dr Itiel Dror is an academic with a vast research experience on human cognition and performance. His research applies the concepts of perception, decision-making and biases in the fields of medicine, aviation, and, forensic science and psychology. He is the a senior cognitive neuroscience researcher at the University College London. Relevant literature: Cognitive bias in forensic pathology - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1556-4029.14697 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589871X22000705 Improving contributions of forensic expert witnesses - https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-09216-018 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com.

We were joined by Dr Brendan O'Mahony to discuss his work as a Forensic Psychologist working as a Specialist Member of the Parole Board, his role as an Intermediary and the training he delivers around questioning vulnerable persons.Below is a list of Dr O'Mahony's publications across these topics:O'Mahony, B.M., Milne, R., & Smith, K. (2024). The use of Intermediaries (communication specialists) at Parole Board Oral Hearings in England and Wales. Journal of Forensic Practice, 26 (2), 129-143O'Mahony, B.M. (2024). Assessing the Communication Needs of a Vulnerable Defendant with Intellectual Disabilities: The Role of the Court-Appointed Intermediary. In Leam Craig, Hugh Koch, & Gus Baker (Eds.) Psychology & The Law: Case Studies of Expert Witnesses, Wiley Blackwell. Chapter 11 pp 267-280.O'Mahony, B.M. (2019). 'Slowly, I established a connection...' The Psychologist, July 2019.Smith, K. & O'Mahony, B. Vulnerability and Criminal Investigations (2018). In Andy Griffiths and Rebecca Milne (Eds.) The Psychology of Criminal Investigation: From Theory to Practice, Routledge, pp 91-112O'Mahony, B.M., Milne, B. & Smith, K. (2018). Investigative interviewing, dissociative identity disorder and the role of the Registered Intermediary. Journal of Forensic Practice, 20 (1), 10-19.O’Mahony, B.M. (2016). How effective are judges and counsel at facilitating communication with vulnerable persons in a criminal trial? In Penny Cooper & Linda Hunting (Eds.) Addressing Vulnerability in Justice Systems, Wildy, Simmonds & Hill Publishing, London.O’Mahony, B.M., Creaton, J., Smith, K. & Milne, R. (2016). Developing a professional identity in a new work environment: the views of defendant intermediaries working in the criminal courts. Journal of Forensic Practice, 18 (2), 155-166.O’Mahony, B.M., Marchant, R. & Fadden, L. (2015). Vulnerable Individuals, Intermediaries and Justice, In G. Oxburgh, T. Myklebust, T. Grant & R. Milne (Eds.) Communication in Investigative and Legal Contexts: Integrated Approaches from Psychology, Linguistics and Law Enforcement. Wiley- Blackwell.O’Mahony, B. (2014). Helping Vulnerable People to Communicate their Evidence at the Police Station and in Court: The Role of the Registered Intermediary. The Irish Psychologist, 40, 8, 222-223.O’Mahony, B.M. (2012). Accused of murder: supporting the communication needs of a vulnerable defendant at court and at the police station. Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 3 (2), 77-84.O’Mahony, B.M., Milne, B. & Grant, T. (2012). To Challenge, or not to Challenge? Best Practice when Interviewing Vulnerable Suspects. Policing, 6, 3, 301-313O’Mahony, B. (2011). Perspective from the dock: communicating with a vulnerable defendant at Crown Court. Forensic Update, Issue 104, The British Psychological Society, Division of Forensic Psychology.O’Mahony, B.M., Smith, K., & Milne, R. (2011). The early identification of vulnerable witnesses prior to an investigative interview. The British Journal of Forensic Practice, 13, 2, 114-123 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com.

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Clive Ruggles, chair and co-founder of The Alice Ruggles Trust, and Dr Rachael Wheatley, a BPS chartered and HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist and trustee of The Alice Ruggles Trust. The mission of The Alice Ruggles Trust is to help prevent what happened to Alice happening to others. To bring stalking to an end. The Alice Ruggles Trust raises awareness of stalking and coercive control, works to ensure the relevant legislation is effective and adhered to, and to bring about lasting improvements in the management of perpetrators and the protection of victims. To find out more, access resources and see how you can get involved, please visit www.alicerugglestrust.org Alongside colleagues, Rachael developed a stalking resource for practitioners which is available on the British Psychological Society website: www.bps.org.uk Rachael also co-developed the Early Awareness Stalking Intervention (EASI) project, a brief intervention for those who have been charged with stalking. Recent research publications include: Wheatley, R., Winder, B. and Kuss, D. (2020), "Using a visually adapted repertory grid technique (VARGT) with people who stalk", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 109-121 Wheatley, R. and Kuss, D. (2020), "Researcher-practitioner reflections: the therapeutic utility of the visually adapted repertory grid technique (VARGT) with stalkers", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 97-108 Wheatley, R., Winder, B., & Kuss, D. J. (2020). What are the features of psychopathology for men who commit stalking offences? A systematic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 101461 Wheatley, R., Winder, B. & Kuss, D. (2020). ‘It’s so hard to get out of that bubble’. A phenomenological analysis with men who have stalked. Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com