Let's Talk Forensic Psychology

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 [email protected]

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/?originalSubdomain=uk We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 and joys of working in a prison housing foreign nationals, and the way they have adapted evidence based interventions to meet the needs of the population.We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 to his work in psychology and co-founded the community psychology sections of both the British Psychological Society, and the European Community Psychology Association.

Jim’s current research interests include the psychology of war and the psychology of economic inequality.

You can find Jim’s most recent book ‘On the warpath: The Psychology of Public Support for Armed Action’, and other books he has authored and edited here: https://jim.orford.org/publications/

Also, look out for Jim's upcoming book titled 'The Psychology Of Economic Inequality: Six Reasons Why We Fail to Challenge Great Inequalities of Income and Wealth' (ISBN : 978-3-031-85563-4). As well as a printed version, it will also be available for free as an open access publication.

You can find a list of Jim’s research below:

Orford, J. (2017). Turning psychology against militarism. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 27 (4), 287-97.

Orford, J. (2019). Psychology, history and war: two examples of academic discourses which fail to oppose war and militarism. The Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, 19(1), 48-59.

Orford, J. (2024). On the Warpath: The Psychology of Public Support for Armed Action, New York: Oxford University Press.

Jim Orford Q&A with Jennifer Gledhill, Psychology has been relatively silent on the question of war support, The Psychologist, June 2024, 50-52 https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/psychology-has-been-relatively-silent-question-war-support

Orford, J. (2025, forthcoming April). The Psychology of Economic Inequality: Six Reasons Why We are Failing to Challenge Great Inequalities of Income and Wealth, London: Palgrave (and Springer open access).

We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 were joined by Professor Graham Towl, Professor of Forensic Psychology at Durham University.

We were joined by Sally Tilt, Regional Psychology Lead, BPS Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) Chair and co-presenter of The Forensic Psychology Podcast.