I am a Clinical Lecturer and Programme Director for the MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health. In this role I lead on the design and delivery of MSc modules and teaching; formal assessment of coursework and examinations; supervision of MSc research projects and also act as Academic Advisor to students throughout their studies.

In addition to my University role I am the Lead Assessor (Core role one) on the Qualification in Forensic Psychology at the British Psychological Society. 

I am a Registered Forensic Psychologist and have worked in a range of inpatient services including low and high secure forensic mental health settings since undertaking my MSc in 2003.  I have gained valuable experience in working with a range of complex client needs in secure settings and providing assessments for family courts. I am experienced in the assessment and treatment of a range of mental health, personality disorder, offending and risk related behaviours, including violent and sexual offending, substance misuse, trauma and general thinking skills deficits. I have undertaken training in a range of therapeutic approaches that I use in clinical practice including CBT, Schema therapy, DBT and EMDR. I have also contributed to the development of internationally reviewed group therapy manuals for forensic clients. 

Health Professionals Council (HPC): Registered Psychologist

British Psychological Society (BPS): Chartered Psychologist

Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP): Full member

Faculty of Forensic Clinical Psychology (FFCP): Affiliate member

Higher Education Academy (HEA): Senior Fellow (PR133371)

EMDR Association UK: Member (T0194)

PhD Psychology: University of Central Lancashire (2015)

Thesis title: Intent to aggress in forensic settings

Diploma in Forensic Psychology: British Psychological Society (2009)

MSc Forensic Psychology: Manchester Metropolitan University (2003)

BSc (Hons) Psychology: Goldsmiths College, University of London (2002)

My research interests are, the application of positive psychology literature/theory to offending behaviour interventions and forensic settings; interventions for psychological trauma such as EMDR; staff support and well being in forensic settings; and therapeutic interventions for maladaptive personality traits/personality disorder.

Peer-reviewed journals: Published

Blackhurst, T., Hartley, C., Turner, P. & Warmelink, L. (2022) Jurors’ judgements of an autistic defendant are influenced by awareness of autism, knowledge of psychological conditions and trait-empathy, Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, Vol. 13 No. 3/4, pp. 90-101. 

Lambert, K., Chu, S & Turner, P (2019) Professional Boundaries of Nursing Staff in Secure Mental Health Services: Impact of Interpersonal Style and Attitude Toward Coercion. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(2), 16-24.

Gredecki, N & Turner, P (2009) Positive Psychology and forensic clients: Applications to relapse prevention in offending behaviour interventions. British Journal of Forensic Practice, vol 11(4), 50-59

Turner, P & Ireland, J.L (2010) Do personality characteristics and beliefs about aggression predict intra-group aggression in prison settings? Aggressive Behaviour, 36(4), 261-270.

Turner, P & Ireland, J.L (2011) Officer attitudes towards intra-group aggression in young people and young adults: Does the reported motivation of an aggressor impact on intervention and support? International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 34, 309-316

Professional Journals: Published

Turner, P (2008) A review of the importance of reflective practice. Forensic Update, 94, 17-21

Turner, P (2009) Review of the treatment of substance misuse in mentally disordered offenders. Forensic Update, 99, 27-32

Books edited: Published

Gredecki, N & Turner, P (Eds.) (2022) Forensic Psychology: Topics in Applied Psychology. Routledge.

Book Chapters: Published

Gredecki, N & Turner, P (2023 - in press) Training in Forensic Psychology and professional issues. In Davey (Ed) Introduction to Applied Psychology. BPS Blackwell Publishing: London.

Gredecki, N & Turner, P (2011) Training in Forensic Psychology and professional issues. In Davey (Ed) Introduction to Applied Psychology. BPS Blackwell Publishing: London.

Professional reports

Pettifer, S., Barrett, E., Marsh, J., Hill, K., Turner, P., & Flynn, S. (2021) The Future of eXtended Reality Technologies, and Implications for Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. This research was commissioned and funded by GCHQ to inform their understanding of the future technologies that may be used in abuse and exploitation of children.

Contributions to clinical therapy packages

Turner, P (2009) Module One: Building motivation, enhancing resilience and recognising barriers to change. In Ireland, J.L (Ed) Life Minus Violence-Enhanced Therapy Package. Mersey Care NHS Trust.

Turner, P (2009) Module Nine: Enhancing resilience. In Gredecki & Ireland (Eds) Thinking Minds Therapy Package. Mersey Care NHS Trust.

I am module lead for the following modules

• Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Professional Practice 
• Offending Behaviour Interventions