Let's Talk Forensic Psychology

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...

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 practic...

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 Manag...

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 Psyc...

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 letstalkf...

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...

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 hav...

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 ph...

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/?originalSubdo...

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...

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 a...

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 publ...

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...

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 S...

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.

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@gm...

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 Kerensa...

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/ Reve...

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/Psycholo...

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 f...

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 Applie...

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...

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

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 (communi...

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 Fore...