Let's Talk Forensic Psychology
We are Forensic Psychologists who want to share our understanding of why people offend. All views are our own, not those of our employers. The podcast features Dr. Geraldine Akerman, Laura Jacobs, Dr. Kate Geraghty, Emily Jones, Bryony Jones, and Jay S Uttamchandani.
Episodes
Let's Talk Cultural Responsivity with Prof. Emer Anthony Beech
We were joined for our 50th episode by Emeritus Professor Anthony Beech.Retired from his role as Head of the Centre for Applied Psychology at the University of Birmingham, UK, Tony's research interests include risk assessment, the neurobiological bases of offending, reducing online exploitation of children, and increasing psychotherapeutic effectiveness of treatment given to offenders.We must
#49 Let's Talk about 'the why' and criminology with Prof. David Wilson
We were joined by Emeritus Professor David Wilson to discuss his work in prisons, and more broadly in Criminology.As the Founding Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University, David is also the author of more than 25 books, a National Teaching Fellow, and former editor of The Howard Journal. David's work combines a passion for penal reform with a keen interest i
#48 Let's Talk Leadership and Teamship with Richard Barker
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
#47 Let's Talk Fabricated or induced illness and Autism with Dr Fiona Gullon-Scott
We were joined by Dr Fiona Gullon-Scott to discuss the concept of Fabricated or induced illness and Fiona's policy work advocating for Autistic families.Fiona is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Fellow with the BPS. She is Programme Director for the Newcastle University Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Director of the Newcastle University Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service, and Managi
#46 Let's Talk Attachment Based Working with Children with Richard Lindsley
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 Psycho
#44 Let's Talk Digital Forensic Investigator Wellbeing with Paul Gullon-Scott
We were joined by Paul Gullon-Scott, Higher Assistant Psychologist and former Digital Forensic Investigator to discuss his work and pioneering research into improving the wellbeing of Digital Forensic Investigators through evidence based adaptations in workplace processes, culture and support.We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkfo
#45 Let's Talk Lived Experience of HMP Grendon with Rosca
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 ha
Let's Talk TODAY Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week
In today’s episode, as part of Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week 2025, we are joined by Dave, Mat and Dr Kerry Quincey to explore the social, emotional and psychological impact of being a man with a breast cancer diagnosis.Throughout the episode, we discussed masculinity, gender and systemic issues around the diagnosis, treatment and support for men with breast cancer.We are very grateful to have
#43 Let's Talk Physical Health and Schizophrenia with Matthew Callow
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 phy
#42 Let's Talk Working Internationally and Cross-culturally with Mubarak Mansoor Ali
We were joined by Mubarak Mansoor Ali to discuss his work, based internationally. Mubarak spoke about his experience working cross-culturally with clients, and the importance of recognising, and being sensitive to, cultural differences in emotion recognition, emotional regulation and experiences of grief.You can find Mubarak on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mubarakmali/?originalSubdom
#41 Let's Talk Restorative Practice & Nature Based Approaches with Dr Kathryn Rowsell
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 pr
#40 Let's Talk Working with Foreign National Prisoners with the team at HMP Maidstone
We were joined by the team at HMP Maidstone to discuss working therapeutically with foreign national prisoners.The team consists of, in order of appearance, Dr Laura Blundell (Consultant Clinical Psychologist), Claire Colquhoun-Flannery (Principal Forensic Psychologist) and Katherine Ahluwalia (Specialist Psychological Therapist & Counsellor).Together they discussed the practical challenges an
#38 Let's Talk Working in Private Practice with Dr Helen Wakeling and Dr Georgia Barnett
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 public
#39 Let's Talk The Psychology of War with Professor Jim Orford
We were joined by Professor Jim Orford to discuss the psychology of war.Jim is a Visiting Professor of Gambling Studies at King’s College and an Emeritus Professor of Clinical and Community Psychology at the University of Birmingham.Having trained as a Clinical Psychologist, Jim has focussed much of his work and research on addiction. Jim has adopted a social, community and political orientation t
#37 Let's Talk Working as an Expert Witness with Professor Leam Craig
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 Sta
#34 Let's Talk Criminology and Forensic Psychology with Professor Kieran McCartan
We were joined by Professor Kieran McCartan to discuss his extensive research career focussing on the origins, causes and prevention of sexual harm, and societal responses to those who commit sexual offences.
We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com.
#33 Let's Talk Working in Academia and Practice with Professor Graham Towl
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@
#32 Let's Talk The Division of Forensic Psychology and The Forensic Psychology Podcast with Sally Tilt
We were joined by Sally Tilt, Regional Psychology Lead, BPS Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) Chair and co-presenter of The Forensic Psychology Podcast.
Sally discussed what the role of the DFP Chair entails, as well as what can be expected at the upcoming conference, held in Cardiff in June 2024. Sally also gave some behind the scenes information on the podcast she co-presents with Dr Kerens
#31 Let's Talk the intersection between psychology and technology with Jeffrey DeMarco
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/
Rev
#29 Let's Talk Private Prisons with Natalie Parrett
We are joined by Natalie Parrett, Director of Custodial Psychological Services, to discuss working in private prisons.
Natalie talks through her work at Serco alongside her role as a peer reviewer for The British Psychological Society's Forensic Update, and her interest in research and service development.
To find out more about Serco please visit:
https://careers.serco.com/UK/content/Psyc
#28 Let's Talk joint working with clients in the community
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 transiti
#27 Let's Talk Roles within Forensic Psychology with Marc Kozlowski
We are joined by Marc Kozlowski, BPS chartered Forensic Psychologist and Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University to discuss roles within Forensic Psychology.
Since becoming a chartered Forensic Psychologist, Marc has held a number of roles including Head of Psychology across four prisons in the UK. In addition, his work at Edinburgh Napier University has seen him develop a MSc in Appli
#26 Let's Talk Cognitive Biases in Forensic Psychology
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 - ht
#25 Let's Talk Incels
We were joined by Dr Brandon Sparks, Assistant Professor in Forensic Psychology, to discuss his research around the experiences and ideology of incels.
To access his publications in this area, please visit https://www.brandontsparks.com/research
We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com
Let's #36 Talk Parole Board and Intermediaries with Dr Brendan O'Mahony
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 (communic
#24 Let's Talk Diversity in Forensic Psychology
Dr Cory Walters-Wright is a BPS chartered and HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist working at the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. He is also a Senior Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University and an expert witness. In this episode, Dr Cory shared his experience with qualification routes, job interviews and diversity within Forensic Psychology.
You can see the videos produced by the Oxleas For
#23 Let's Talk stalking with Professor Clive Ruggles and Dr Rachael Wheatley
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 awa
#22 Let's Talk Domestic Violence Against Men
Dr Elizabeth Bates joined University of Cumbria (UoC) in January 2011 and is currently Principal Lecturer in Psychology and Psychological Therapies and within the Institute of Health. Liz’s doctoral work (2008-2012) focused on exploring the personality and psychopathological predictors of men’s and women’s partner violence perpetration. Since 2012, she has focused her work on exploring the experie
#35 Let's Talk Working in The Probation Service with Andrew Bates
We were joined by Andrew Bates, Regional Forensic Psychologist, and one of two Forensic Psychologists working in The Probation Service.
We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com
#21 Let's Talk Sex Dolls
Dr Craig Harper is a senior lecturer and associate professor at Nottingham Trent University.
In this episode, Craig discusses his research into public attitudes towards people with atypical sexualities, including individuals who own sex dolls.
Craig's research focuses on the psychological mechanisms which underpin attitudes, including cognitive heuristics, and other decision making processe
#20 Let's talk Working as a Practitioner in Northern Ireland
Dr. Jackie Bates-Gaston is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist who held a role as the chief of the Northern Ireland prison service for over 21 years. Currently, Jackie works as an occupational psychologist and a lecturer at the University of Ulster. She recently won a British Psychological Society award for her contribution to the world of Psychology.
We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below
#19 Let's Talk Academic Routes to Qualifying
In this episode with Samatha Walkden we discuss the academic route to qualification in Forensic Psychology.
Samantha is a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at Leeds Trinity University and has recently completed her PhD which explored the double stigma effect experienced by individuals who have a mental health diagnosis and a history of offending and how political views, personal experience and empa
#18 Let's Talk Working in Therapeutic Communites
Lawrence Jones is a registered forensic psychologist and Head of Psychology at Rampton Hospital.
He talked to us about working as a forensic psychologist in therapeutic communities, and the positives and challenges of this job.
"Trauma-Informed Forensic Practice" by Phil Willmot and Lawrence Jones is out on the 11th of March. You can pre-order here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trauma-Inf
#17 Let's Talk Sex Bots
Rosalind Barnett is a Trainee Forensic Psychologist and a Lecturer in Psychology.
In this episode, Rosalind discusses her doctoral research into public attitudes towards the use of sex bots, the wider implications of their use, and the broader moral discussions around the topic.
At The Division of Forensic Psychology annual conference in 2021, she presented her work entitled 'The Rise of t
#16 Let's Talk Parapsychology
Dr Ciáran O'Keeffe is an Associate Head of School and Associate Professor of Education & Research at Buckinghamshire New University. He runs several psychology related programmes such as BSc (Hons) Criminological Psychology, BSc (Hons) Psychology & Criminology, MSc Mental Health & Well-Being in Education, MSc Applied Forensic Psychology. Ciáran's area of research is predominant
#15 Let's Talk Working in Hospital Settings
Recently we were joined by Dr Gwen Adshead to discuss working in hospital settings.
Gwen is a Forensic Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist with some 30 years’ experience. She has worked as a Consultant Forensic Psychotherapist at Broadmoor Hospital for over 15 years and has acted as an expert witness for over 20 years.
Gwen is particularly interested in moral reasoning and ethics in psychiatry,
#14 Let's Talk Investigative Psychology
Kerry Daynes is a BPS chartered and HPCP registered Forensic Psychologist. She has been working as a forensic psychologist and consultant for 20 years. Kerry has held many roles within prison, secure hospitals and community settings. She also works as a consultant for the police and set up her own private practice. She is the author of What Lies Buried and the Sunday Times Bestseller, The Dark Sid
#13 Let's Talk Extremism
Mr Christopher Dean
Chris is a chartered and registered forensic psychologist, an associate fellow of the
BPS and chartered scientist. Chris has worked as a forensic psychologist for over 20
years in prison, hospital, probation and parole board settings. From 2005 – 2015 he
worked in HMPPS headquarters: roles included being national clinical lead for various
sex offender treatment programmes a
#12 Let's Talk Investigative Interviewing
Professor Ray Bull is a specialist in the area of investigative interviewing. He is an Emeritus Professor of Forensic Psychology at the University of Leicester, a visiting Professor at the University of Portsmouth, and a part-time professor at the University of Derby. He has won awards such as being the first “Honorary Life-time Membership” of the 'International Investigative Interviewing Rese
#11 Let's Talk Gangs and Youth Violence
Dr Chantal Scaillet is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has considerable experience working in prisons and NHS settings, and has published in the areas of managing people with personality difficulties who have offended & working with trauma in young adult men. She is currently the Strategic Clinical Lead of the Pathways Service at HMYOI Aylesbury working with high risk, high harm young a
#10 Let's Talk Power Threat Meaning Framework
Dr. Jo Ramsden is the clinical lead for the cluster of services in Yorkshire/Humberside which is commissioned under the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway. She is interested in new ways of working with 'personality disorder' particularly in ways of working that are organisationally focused and trauma-informed.
BOOK: www.pavpub.com Ramsden, J; Prince, S & Blazdell, J (2020) W
#9 Let's Talk Paraphilias
Dr. Jessica Yakeley MB BChir MRCP FRCPsych is a Consultant Psychiatrist in Forensic Psychotherapy. She is Director of the Portman Clinic and Director of Medical Education Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. She is also a Fellow of the British Psychoanalytic Society and Editor of the journal Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
She has a longstanding interest in medical education and has publish
#8 Let's Talk Working Forensically with Children & Young Adults
Dr. Louise Bowers is a BPS registered applied psychology practice supervisor and she also supervises a number of students on the Post Graduate Forensic Psychology Practitioner Programme at Cardiff Metropolitan University where she lectures on the MSc in Forensic Psychology at Coventry University. She is a leader in applying forensic psychology to education and she is frequently commissioned as a c
#7 Let's Talk Women & Offending
Elaine Cameron, BPS Chartered and HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist, is currently working as Principal Psychologist at Ravenswood House Medium Secure Hospital. Elaine joined the Prison Service in 1999 as a Psychology Assistant where she began her work with those who had committed sexual offences. Elaine continued working with this population whilst working as a Forensic Psychologist in Trainin
#6 Let's Talk Trauma and Offending
Phil Willmot is a Consultant Forensic and Clinical Psychologist in the Men’s Personality Disorder Service at Rampton Hospital, where he has worked since 2002. He is also a part-time Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology in the College of Social Science. He has previously worked as a Forensic Psychologist in HM Prison Service. Specialism includes Forensic Psychology, personality disorder, trauma,
#5 Let's Talk Firesetting
Professor Theresa Gannon's groundbreaking work with deliberate firesetters has resulted in the first effective treatment programme for offenders, which is being adopted by Australia, North America and Europe. Professor Gannon is shortlisted for Outstanding Impact in Society in the ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize 2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6VW4ISh-HU&ab_channel=ESRCSocial
The ES
#4 Let's Talk Gangs: Trauma & Youth
The featured guest, Paul Kassman, is the Director of Changing the Game, an organisation which delivers therapeutic group programmes for men in prison who have been involved with gangs and violence in the community. Contact - paul@changingthegame.org.uk
Opinions expressed in this video are those of the speakers, based on their training and clinical experience as Practitioner Psychologists. Referen
# 3 Let's Talk Violent Offences
Opinions expressed in this video are those of the speakers, based on their training and clinical experience as Practitioner Psychologists. References to theories, research and named authors are not necessarily an endorsement. The intention of this platform is to encourage engagement with forensic psychology. We welcome your feedback.
email us: letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com
#2 Let's Talk Sexual Offences
In this episode, we discussed what are sexual offences and current research and issues in this area.
Opinions expressed in this video are those of the speakers, based on their training and clinical experience as Practitioner Psychologists. References to theories, research and named authors are not necessarily an endorsement. The intention of this platform is to encourage engagement with forensic
# 1 Let's Talk Routes to Qualifying
There are several different routes to qualifying as a Forensic Psychologist that we discuss in this video. Please check with individual universities on the courses they offer as they can change. Please get in contact if you have any more questions about the different routes. email us: letstalkforensicpsychology@gmail.com
Let's Talk Introduction
We have created this vlog to share our understanding of the complicated reasons why people offend. It is not an attempt to justify or explain away crime. To all the victims of crime, we hope our work will look at the bigger picture and help us work towards ensuring what has happened to you does not happen again.
Please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. You can also email us:
#30 Let's Talk Working in Hospitals with Dan Lawrence
Daniel is a Forensic Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and has been working with forensic service users predominantly in low and medium secure mental health services, which he discussed with us. He is responsible for the provision of psychological assessment and treatment for adult men on a high dependency medium secure ward. Dan is also a senior lecturer
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