Trauma-Informed Forensic Interventions

"A very timely collection of important clinical, environmental and systems-based considerations that describe in detail the application of trauma approaches to a forensic population. Taking in both prison and secure hospital settings this book is essential reading for both commissioners and leaders of services, alongside clinicians working with trauma. "

Sarah Skett, Head of Health and Care Partnerships, Clinical Strategic Lead OPD Pathway, HMPPS

"People who work in prisons and forensic mental health hospitals are increasingly seeking ways to support those with prior experience of trauma. This book brings much needed light and hope to understand this critical issue, providing insight into explanatory theories, and examples of successful approaches. The breadth of client groups, settings, and clinical approaches which the authors reference, make this a must-read book for all practitioners working in forensic settings."

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

"Trauma-informed Forensic Interventions builds on the ground-breaking Trauma-informed Forensic Practice (Willmot & Jones, Routledge, 2022) by taking a deeper dive into the nuts and bolts of trauma-informed interventions in forensic settings – ranging from hospitals to juvenile treatment facilities, traditional prisons and probation. Special issues are addressed from a trauma perspective with considerable care, such as working with mothers who killed their infants, ‘autogenic’ PTSD (caused by their own offences), mind-body trauma approaches, shame and psychotic symptoms. The challenges and opportunities of adopting a trauma-informed approach to working with offenders is presented with tremendous sensitivity, skill and wisdom. Trauma-informed Forensic Interventions is timely and important, and deserves to be widely read; it certainly should be taught in all relevant academic, training and forensic settings and will be added to my syllabus the next time I teach the course Trauma in Forensic Populations. Let’s hope that both of these books will contribute to transforming prisons, jails and forensic psychiatric settings into more humane and compassionate places, where people can safely face their traumas, leave their criminal past behind, and learn to contribute to society in pro-social and beneficial ways."

Andrew Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director, Forensic Psychology Master’s Program, The George Washington University; Former President, European Society for Trauma and Dissociation

"Traumatic experiences figure large in the histories of many people who go on to perpetrate serious crimes. Professionals working in criminal justice settings need to understand the impact on many levels of trauma on an individual, and work with that knowledge to avoid causing further harm and to maximise the benefits of rehabilitation efforts. How to work with trauma and do so safely is complicated, and in forensic settings the consequences of getting it wrong are potentially hazardous. This volume offers an examination of the challenges faced in forensic trauma work, gives specific examples of interventions and their adaptations to fit with trauma, and holistic approaches to consolidation of gains after intervention. Teams, services, and service users’ perspectives are also included. Written by practitioners and academics with impressive knowledge of theory, research and evidence-based practice in this specialist field, this book is an unmissable guide for any professional working clinically with people whose behaviour can be harmful to both themselves and others."

Professor Mary McMurran, Visiting Professor, Cardiff Metropolitan University