The Forensic Psychology Podcast

David S. Prescott is an award-winning, internationally recognised expert in the field of offending behaviour. A mental health practitioner of 36 years and the Editor of Safer Society Press, he is the author and editor of 20 books in the areas of understanding and improving services to people at risk of offending. He is best known for his work in the areas of understanding, assessing, and treating sexual violence and trauma. Further reading: Moyers TB, Miller WR. Is low therapist empathy toxic? Psychol Addict Behav. 2013 Sep. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3558610/ More articles from Safer Society Press: Safer Society Press | Sexual abuse prevention and treatment publications since 1982   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Forensic Psychology Podcast will be returning in April 2021 for a brand new, extended series. In the meantime, we want to hear from you! Email Sally and Kerensa at hello@forensicpsychologypodcast.com with your questions for our first guest of the new series, David Prescott, a mental health practitioner and specialist in treating sexual violence and trauma. David is the Editor of Safer Society Press. www.davidprescott.net Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare Barstow spent 25 years in prison, having been convicted of murder nearly 30 years ago. Since her release has volunteered for prison charities, given many talks in prisons and in the community, and helps to shape services for the better through sharing her experiences. Sarah Skett is a Registered Forensic Psychologist and an Associate Fellow fo the British Psychological Society. She has worked with people who have committed crimes for nearly 30 years and is Head of the Joint Offender Personality Disorder pathway for both the NHS and HM Prison and Probation Service. Jake Shaw is an Associate Director and Consultant Forensic Psychologist with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. He specialises in working in the field of personality disorder. Further reading: Livesley, W. J., Dimaggio, G., & Clarkin, J. F. (Eds.). (2016). Integrated treatment for personality disorder: A modular approach. The Guilford Press.   Bladzell, J., Prince, S., & Ramsden, J. (Eds.) (2020). Working effectively with personality disorder: Contemporary and critical approaches to clinical and organisational practice. Pavillion publishing and media Ltd.   Public Health England. (2018). Gender specific standards to improve health and wellbeing for women in prison in England. www.gov.uk/phe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Rachael Wheatley is Senior Forensic Psychologist for HM Prisons and Probation Service in the Midlands region. She specialises in identifying and working with those who stalk and those who manage them. She is currently setting up a virtual reference group nationally with links to partner organisations across the community. Support for people affected by stalking is available from the following sources: Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Offers support for victims and research and training for employers. www.suzylamplugh.org Alice Ruggles Trust. Provides information about support in different UK regions. www.alicerugglestrust.org Stalking Risk Profile website. www.stalkingriskprofile.com Recommended reading: Mullen (2008). Stalkers and their Victims. Cambridge university press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flora Fitzalan Howard and Dr. Helen Wakeling, both experts in procedural justice and prison culture within Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, delve into the complexities of fairness in prisons. They discuss the significance of effective communication and its impact on inmate compliance and well-being. The conversation covers the cultural barriers to communication in correctional environments and advocates for empathetic interaction methods. They emphasize the shift from punitive practices to rehabilitation, highlighting how procedural justice can transform the prison experience for both inmates and staff.

Jo Shingler, a Chartered Forensic Psychologist known for her work in risk assessment for prisoners, discusses the complexities of evaluating potential reoffending. She emphasizes a personalized approach to risk assessment that combines empirical tools with individual stories. Shingler critiques existing practices and the need for clearer communication in professional assessments. Furthermore, she highlights the importance of integrating prisoners' perspectives during their transition back to community life, advocating for tailored support and enhanced understanding.

Laura Baverstock, National Specialist Lead for HM Prison and Probation Service’s Horizon programme, and Dr. Jamie Walton, Cluster Psychology Lead for Midlands Psychology Services, share insights on rehabilitating individuals with sexual convictions. They discuss the importance of trust in the change process and how personalized programs can foster transformation. The conversation highlights a biopsychosocial approach and the significance of evaluating intervention programs to effectively reduce recidivism, balancing psychological support with skill building.

Dr. Jamie Bennett and Richard Shuker, experts in prison psychology and therapeutic communities, dive deep into creating ideal environments for change in the prison system. They discuss the transformative power of social connections and supportive relationships in rehabilitation. The conversation highlights the contrast between punitive measures and rehabilitative strategies, particularly at HMP Grendon. They emphasize the importance of tailored approaches that empower inmates, reduce recidivism, and promote a positive social climate for overall reform.

Dr. Jo Bailey, an OBE awardee and experienced head of the Psychology Services Group in HM Prison and Probation, teams up with Chloe Dafe, a trainee psychologist with a background in User Voice. They delve into the realities of working in forensic psychology. From personal journeys shaped by the complexities of rehabilitation to the ethical dilemmas faced in prisons, they discuss the vital role psychologists play in risk management and support. Both emphasize the importance of transparency and community involvement while unraveling the myths surrounding their work.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.