Division of Forensic Psychology – Reflective Practice Event

The DFP Reflective Space is an opportunity for DFP members to come together as a peer network and reflect on professional issues which are ongoing in their practice or field of study.

As described by previous attendees, this is intended to be a 'space to be rather than do', facilitating a space for reflection and connection for all members of the DFP.

About this event

In conversation with Lawrence Jones on the topic of Trauma and Offence Related Altered States of Consciousness (ORASC) as clinically relevant constructs in forensic case formulation.

Lawrence Jones is a Registered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Head of Psychology at Rampton High Secure Hospital and Honorary Associate Professor at Nottingham University. He has agreed to join the DFP Reflective Space on the 21st October 10am-12pm, to introduce a conversation on clinicians assessing and acknowledging different states of consciousness when formulating and intervening with offending processes. He will also discuss an account of how altered states of consciousness can be evaluated. The first part of the session will cover an introduction to the area while the second part will be open for reflective discussion between members.

Further information:

Typically, cognitive behavioural interventions focus on thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, but neglect states of consciousness when developing formulations. Other approaches use constructs that might be linked with states of consciousness but do not mention them explicitly, for example Schema therapy's notion of 'modes', behavioural construct of 'establishing operations' and Cognitive Analytic Therapy's notion of 'self-states'. In this conversation, the idea of state of consciousness linked with both trauma and offending will be clarified and highlighted as significant in understanding offending processes.

After offering a narrative review of the ways in which states are conceptualised in different therapeutic models and the literature the following arguments will be considered:

a) 'states of consciousness' as a construct have been neglected historically by practitioners, but are often implicitly referred to

b) there is evidence that a range of altered states of consciousness are linked in significant ways with much offending

c) formulations incorporating the idea of offence related altered states of consciousness (ORASC, Jones 2022) offer the opportunity to understand offending processes in a more elaborated way that facilitates the use of a wider set of interventions.

We look forward to DFP members joining in a very relevant and topical discussion!

How to take part

Details about how to join the event are available below.