Understanding offender managers’ views and experiences of psychological consultations

Abstract

Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of the psychological consultation process specifically for offender managers. This study involves a total of 23 offender managers’ views and perceptions of the consultation process within four areas of the North West of England. Within each location, a focus group was conducted involving between four and eight participants and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the responses. The analysis revealed four main themes: validation of thoughts, feelings and practice; professional support; a personal touch; and room for improvement. These findings are discussed along with implications for further research.

Social workers’ experiences of psychological consultation on high risk youth: Helpful, unhelpful, and mediating elements

“…Helpful elements reported by SWs included: the value of independent expertise; the formulation of a shared understanding amongst professionals; and the utility of having a safe space to discuss concerns. The findings regarding a safe space and independent expertise are echoed in Blinkhorn et al (2020) by offender managers. Similar themes around the concept of a safe space were also iterated by Evans et al (2011) in a residential care setting, highlighting the importance of consultees feeling safe during the consultation in order to develop their practice.…”

“…The complexity of the consultant-consultee dynamic may therefore limit what the consultee is willing to share, as well as increasing the weight that is put on the consultant. It may be the case that the aforementioned ‘safe space’ may help to alleviate some of these feelings around the consultee feeling judged, as evidence indicates this allows the consultant to feel open about their practice and personal experiences around a case (Blinkhorn et al, 2020; Dimaro et al, 2014).…”

“…Psychological consultation can facilitate this by offering staff an insight into complex presentations by aiding them to culture positive caring relationships, and feel more competent in their role (Evans et al, 2011; Murphy et al, 2013). Moreover, consultation provides a reflective space for staff to discuss and consider their feelings towards clients (Blinkhorn et al, 2020; Stratton & Tan, 2019). Whilst there is not a great deal of research on the impact of consultation as well as its implementation (Leadbetter, 2004), there is a body of evidence that would support its use.…”

‘Challenging’ doesn’t sum it up: Exploring probation practitioners’ experiences managing high-risk individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The PICS formulates personality disorder from a trauma and attachment framework, and the main aims are to facilitate PPs' identification of the needs and risk of the PoP; to identify appropriate pathways; to up-skill the workforce via teaching and training; and to promote the psychological wellbeing of PPs and PoP. A recent study by Author (2021b) found that PPs particularly valued the emotional support offered by the PICS.…”