Transforming Relationships in Forensic Psychological Practice

Reviews / Votes

'This timely and informative book captures the transformational journeys made by experienced forensic psychologists in a wide variety of professional settings in the UK over recent years. It highlights and reflects on the development of our thinking in how we, as a profession, relate to "others" in the criminal justice system and focuses on the needs and experiences of our diverse range of Experts by Experience. Each chapter raises specific professional issues, like equality, neurodiversity, power imbalances, terrorism, working with children, women and those subject to Indeterminate Prison sentences, all of which assist the reader to consider and understand better our therapeutic challenges in different contexts. The book also explores the unique complexities of professional boundaries in forensic settings and the need for practitioners to understand boundaries from a specifically trauma informed perspective. Of special interest for those on their professional training pathway to qualification in forensic psychology, is a chapter on managing supervision relationships and the authors offer strategies around maintaining personal wellbeing while navigating the complexities challenges of life as a trainee.

This book will inform and have relevance for both practitioners and trainees who are curious about how forensic psychology has evolved and is shaping the future and influencing our profession and wider society today.'

Dr Jacqueline Bates-Gaston, Registered HCPC Practitioner Psychologist and BPS Chartered Forensic Psychologist. Former Chief Psychologist with the Northern Ireland Prison Service and Parole Board Psychologist Member for England and Wales

'This remarkable collection represents a major challenge to forensic psychology's understanding how change works. According to the medical model, you target the right dosage of the right treatment to the right population, and you will reduce recidivism. The contributions in this book present a much more humble, humanistic appreciation of change as a two-way street, a co-production, a dynamic between people. It should be required reading for those wanting to make a real difference in real lives.'

Professor Shadd Maruna, Head of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology; School of Law & Social Justice, University of Liverpool, UK

'This book addresses a neglected topic in forensic work: that of how professionals working with forensic service users can nurture relationships appropriately to benefit all parties and arrive at the best possible outcomes for all. There needs to be consideration of the individual's characteristics and background, which in forensic service users are often traumatic and disadvantageous. Power differentials inevitably impact on the professional -service user relationship. The task in hand also affects the interaction, whether this is assessment or intervention. Professionals need to think carefully about how they manage these issues and this book provides a solid basis for this purpose. Experienced professionals, academics and service users have contributed to an original and thought-provoking text that will undoubtedly benefit all professionals working with people in the criminal justice system.'

Professor Mary McMurran, Forensic Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist. Visiting Professor Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK

'As a chartered counselling psychologist who worked in a forensic setting, I wish this book had been written 25 years ago! As the current chief exec of the PRT, who repeatedly hears about the challenges of disempowerment and mistrust that people in prison and probation face, in relation to their contact with psychologists, this book finally addresses the elephant in the room.

Every important setting where forensic work is undertaken is covered within the chapters of this book. No stone is left unturned, no challenge minimised. This is such an honest and authentic collection of work. The fact that the resounding message from each chapter is the same, it becomes the most legitimate call to action that I have ever seen. It settles the age-old debate that the quality of the therapeutic alliance in particular 'bond' is necessary (rather than just sufficient) in bringing about meaningful change.

I hope this becomes an essential text for all trainee practitioners in a forensic setting. It should be the book that helps them decide whether a career within a forensic setting is actually for them and if it is, how to navigate the complex challenges they are likely to face along the way.'

Pia Sinha, CEO of the Prison Reform Trust

'The core of psychology involves humans understanding other humans, often through a professional relationship. This book shines an essential light on that professional relationship within a forensic psychology context. The rich variety of authors' perspectives, offering voices from different seats in the assessment and therapeutic room, provides hopeful and practical direction to practitioners in the field. This book consolidates the current knowledge base around relational practice, suggests solutions to identified challenges, and is a valuable addition to the forensic psychology literature.'

Dr Sally Tilt, Chair of Division of Forensic Psychology, British Psychological Society

'This book provides an essential and timely resource for anyone working within the complex and often challenging field of forensic psychology. Bridging the gap between theory and frontline practice, this guide offers rich, grounded insights drawn from academics, experienced practitioners, and-crucially-those with lived experience of the criminal justice and health systems. Each chapter offers practical strategies and real-world examples that promote ethical, trauma-informed, and relationally attuned care. Thought-provoking, accessible, and deeply humane-this is not just a handbook, but a call to practice with integrity and relational courage.'

Dr Fiona Williams, Head of Interventions Services, Interventions Operations and Investments, Rehabilitation Directorate, His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service 'This timely and informative book captures the transformational journeys made by experienced forensic psychologists in a wide variety of professional settings in the UK over recent years. It highlights and reflects on the development of our thinking in how we, as a profession, relate to "others" in the criminal justice system and focuses on the needs and experiences of our diverse range of Experts by Experience. Each chapter raises specific professional issues, like equality, neurodiversity, power imbalances, terrorism, working with children, women and those subject to Indeterminate Prison sentences, all of which assist the reader to consider and understand better our therapeutic challenges in different contexts. The book also explores the unique complexities of professional boundaries in forensic settings and the need for practitioners to understand boundaries from a specifically trauma informed perspective. Of special interest for those on their professional training pathway to qualification in forensic psychology, is a chapter on managing supervision relationships and the authors offer strategies around maintaining personal wellbeing while navigating the complexities challenges of life as a trainee.

This book will inform and have relevance for both practitioners and trainees who are curious about how forensic psychology has evolved and is shaping the future and influencing our profession and wider society today.'

Dr Jacqueline Bates-Gaston, Registered HCPC Practitioner Psychologist and BPS Chartered Forensic Psychologist. Former Chief Psychologist with the Northern Ireland Prison Service and Parole Board Psychologist Member for England and Wales

'This remarkable collection represents a major challenge to forensic psychology's understanding how change works. According to the medical model, you target the right dosage of the right treatment to the right population, and you will reduce recidivism. The contributions in this book present a much more humble, humanistic appreciation of change as a two-way street, a co-production, a dynamic between people. It should be required reading for those wanting to make a real difference in real lives.'

Professor Shadd Maruna, Head of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology; School of Law & Social Justice, University of Liverpool, UK

'This book addresses a neglected topic in forensic work: that of how professionals working with forensic service users can nurture relationships appropriately to benefit all parties and arrive at the best possible outcomes for all. There needs to be consideration of the individual's characteristics and background, which in forensic service users are often traumatic and disadvantageous. Power differentials inevitably impact on the professional -service user relationship. The task in hand also affects the interaction, whether this is assessment or intervention. Professionals need to think carefully about how they manage these issues and this book provides a solid basis for this purpose. Experienced professionals, academics and service users have contributed to an original and thought-provoking text that will undoubtedly benefit all professionals working with people in the criminal justice system.'

Professor Mary McMurran, Forensic Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist. Visiting Professor Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK

'As a chartered counselling psychologist who worked in a forensic setting, I wish this book had been written 25 years ago! As the current chief exec of the PRT, who repeatedly hears about the challenges of disempowerment and mistrust that people in prison and probation face, in relation to their contact with psychologists, this book finally addresses the elephant in the room.

Every important setting where forensic work is undertaken is covered within the chapters of this book. No stone is left unturned, no challenge minimised. This is such an honest and authentic collection of work. The fact that the resounding message from each chapter is the same, it becomes the most legitimate call to action that I have ever seen. It settles the age-old debate that the quality of the therapeutic alliance in particular 'bond' is necessary (rather than just sufficient) in bringing about meaningful change.

I hope this becomes an essential text for all trainee practitioners in a forensic setting. It should be the book that helps them decide whether a career within a forensic setting is actually for them and if it is, how to navigate the complex challenges they are likely to face along the way.'

Pia Sinha, CEO of the Prison Reform Trust

'The core of psychology involves humans understanding other humans, often through a professional relationship. This book shines an essential light on that professional relationship within a forensic psychology context. The rich variety of authors' perspectives, offering voices from different seats in the assessment and therapeutic room, provides hopeful and practical direction to practitioners in the field. This book consolidates the current knowledge base around relational practice, suggests solutions to identified challenges, and is a valuable addition to the forensic psychology literature.'

Dr Sally Tilt, Chair of Division of Forensic Psychology, British Psychological Society

'This book provides an essential and timely resource for anyone working within the complex and often challenging field of forensic psychology. Bridging the gap between theory and frontline practice, this guide offers rich, grounded insights drawn from academics, experienced practitioners, and-crucially-those with lived experience of the criminal justice and health systems. Each chapter offers practical strategies and real-world examples that promote ethical, trauma-informed, and relationally attuned care. Thought-provoking, accessible, and deeply humane-this is not just a handbook, but a call to practice with integrity and relational courage.'

Dr Fiona Williams, Head of Interventions Services, Interventions Operations and Investments, Rehabilitation Directorate, His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service