Let's Talk Forensic Psychology

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 Managing Director of a specialist clinical psychology consultancy company. Fiona has 30 years' specialist experience working clinically and researching autism and more recently wider neurodivergence such as ADHD, and as an International ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised) Trainer. Fiona's current research focuses heavily on policy-related work linked to improving understanding and awareness of autism and neurodivergence, reducing discrimination, and improving wellbeing and mental health.You can access some of Fiona's recent publications below:Gullon-Scott, F.J. & Long, C., (2022) Fabricated or Induced Illness and Perplexing Presentations: What is the evidence base for and against current guidelines, and what are the implications for Social Services? British Journal of Social Work. Open Access https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcac037Lockington, D., & Gullon-Scott, F.J. (2025) The Lived Experiences of Autistic Mothers : A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence. Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 7 (1), doi: 10.1177/23969415251343850Lockington, D., & Gullon-Scott, F. (2024), "MY WHOLE ENTIRE BEING WAS QUESTIONED": UNDERSTANDING THE LIVING EXPERIENCES OF AUTISTIC MOTHERS. Advance. March 18, 2025.DOI: 10.31124/advance.174228960.08772277/v1Wilson, A.C. & Gullon-Scott, F.(2024b) 'It's not always textbook social anxiety': A survey-based study investigating the nature of social anxiety and experiences of therapy in autistic people. Autism, 28(11):2923-2936. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241251513Bechlem, B., & Gullon-Scott, F.J. (2025) "Adapting CBT for social anxiety in autism: the feasibility and acceptability of a modified group intervention based on the cognitive model of Clark and Wells (1995)" The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 18, e26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X25100147Fiona also kindly provided a number of useful links you may wish to explore to find more resources, research and support information:FII Campaign website - www.withdrawfii.orgSystematic Review about autistic motherhood - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23969415251343850 To download the FII consultation report - https://www.stgeorgeshouse.org/past_consultations/ www.hopegb.co.ukwww.asperger.org.ukWe 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 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 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

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 learned about this important topic from Dave and Mat. We were also able to reflect on what we can learn from other areas of psychology, such as health psychology, and how these insights can be applied in forensic settings. For more information on The Men’s VMU or to join, please visit www.themensvmu.org You can download the male breast cancer information leaflet from this website: www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/charity-news/male-breast-cancer-informationWe 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 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 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 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 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 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-supportOrford, 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 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 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@gmail.com.

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 Hocken. To listen to the podcast, click here: https://forensicpsychologypodcast.libsyn.com For more information on the upcoming DFP conference, click here: https://www.bps.org.uk/event/division-forensic-psychology-annual-conference-2024 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 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/Psychological-Services-Careers/?locale=en_GB To read articles submitted to the Forensic Update please visit: https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsfu#:~:text=The%20aims%20of%20the%20Forensic,concise%20and%20easily%20readable%20form To find out more about the International Corrections and Prisons Association please visit: https://icpa.org 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.

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 Applied Forensic Psychology, with aspirations of developing further Forensic Psychology courses in the future. In this episode, Marc also discusses his role as an accredited assessor at the Risk Management Authority, which involves preparing risk assessment reports for the High Court in Scotland. 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.