Forensic Psychology Centre: An Introduction

The application of psychology to the understanding and prevention of criminal behaviour is an ever evolving area.  Indeed, within the past several years alone, significant advances relative to research, theory, and practice have increased professionals’ understanding of critical issues for both adult offenders and juveniles who have committed offenses.

Without a doubt, forensic psychology has emerged as a highly specialised area within the criminal and juvenile justice fields. As such, all professionals who have a role in the process must possess specialised knowledge about offenders, victims, and effective interventions, and should make ongoing efforts to remain abreast of emerging research and promising practice in the field of management. Such knowledge is critical to facilitate informed and responsible decision making by all parties, at all levels, and throughout all aspects of the offender assessment, treatment and management process.

The FPC is a specialist assessment, treatment and training service for forensic issues and legal matters. 

Forensic Psychology Centre Assessment Services

An accurate and competent assessment is the key to informed decision making.  

Forensic Psychology Centre consultants have expertise and skills in the use of specialised and empirically supported tools relevant to forensic issues and concerns. The exact process of an assessment will vary according to the instructions given by the legal representative and the specific concerns or issues being evaluated. Typically, a standard psychological examination involves a comprehensive interview and the use of psychometric instruments that evaluate various aspects of an individual’s functioning, including personality and mental health.  Occasionally a more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation may be necessary if brain functioning is raised as a concern.  At the FPC we have the capacity to utilise polygraphy and PPG if considered necessary and appropriate.

The information gained through the assessment process is typically utilised to develop a formulation of the presenting concerns, and provides an opportunity to answer specific questions and concerns. 

Forensic Psychology Centre Treatment Services

Treatment plays an important role in promoting the success for these individuals and enhancing public safety. To be most effective, the nature, intensity, and targets of treatment should be assessment-driven, developmentally appropriate, and guided by the research about “what works” for individuals. 

The Forensic Psychology Centre provides treatment for a variety of forensic issues and matters.  Our primary goal is to assist our clients to develop the skills, attitudes and thinking capacities to meet their needs in prosocial ways so they can enjoy productive and happy lives. 

This therapy is typically provided one-to-one by a suitably experienced and qualified psychologist.

The treatment that is provided is formulation driven.  In other words, after an assessment the psychologist will have a conceptualisation of the individual’s offending behaviour, and develop an intervention plan that is based around the factors related to the individual’s offending behaviour. 

Any utilised intervention strategies are based upon evidence-based treatment approaches.  The frequency of sessions and the duration will vary depending upon a variety of factors including specific treatment concerns and individual responsivity factors (i.e. intelligence, attitudes, and other factors that may affect an individual’s general capacity to engage in the therapy).