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Psychology Subject Spotlight

Exploring the Mind: Forensic and Clinical Psychology
with Dr Emma Barrowcliffe from Canterbury Christ Church University

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Join Dr Emma Barrowcliffe on this fascinating journey into the human mind, and understand the unique role of clinical and forensic psychologists. In episode one, Emma establishes the key differences between clinical and forensic psychology, and where they sit in the wider field. In episode two, Emma discusses the various clientele that clinical and forensic scientists may work with, and the settings you may find them in. Emma also outlines the necessity for ethical considerations as well as the various methods and assessments for clients. In episode three, Emma talks through a case study with a focus on analysing the information and determining how we can successfully assess a client, and what treatments we could adopt for efficient rehabilitation. Finally, in episode four, Emma sets you an activity which asks you to look at another case study, identify the notable causes of the offender’s behaviour, and then outline what the best care options look like for the offender.

Dr Emma BarrowcliffeCanterbury Christ Church UniversityPsychology

All episodes
1. An introduction to Clinical and Forensic Psychology
2. Considering assessment and treatment
3. Case study - assessment and treatment in practice
4. Activity - offender analysis

About the university


Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has campuses in Canterbury and Medway offering great locations for studying. One of only a handful of universities to have a campus in a World Heritage Site and with coastline and countryside nearby, the main campus in Canterbury is less than an hour from London by high-speed train. CCCU has invested heavily in facilities with the new multi-million pound STEM building and the creative arts hub providing an innovative learning experience with industry level facilities. Courses at CCCU offer strong routes into careers and employment, from medicine and teaching, to engineering, sport science, computing and games design. In fact, CCCU is 1st in the UK for graduates.

Canterbury Christ Church University profile →
Meet the academic
Dr Emma Barrowcliffe

Dr Emma Barrowcliffe is the BSc (Hons) Psychology (Clinical & Forensic) Course Director.  She has an undergraduate degree in psychology and her MSc and PhD are both in Forensic Psychology. Her research experience relates to Forensic Psychology and predominantly focuses on developing an understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of people who engage in deliberate firesetting. In addition to teaching and research, Emma delivers specialist training to Fire and Rescue Services to improve the understanding and aid in the prevention of deliberate firesetting behaviour. Emma has also been involved in a research project with the NHS relating to assessing fire interest using virtual reality technology. Emma has various work experience relating to both general Psychology and Forensic Psychology in mental health hospitals, youth work, pupil referral units, and the Probation Service. Emma is also a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Graduate Member of the British Psychology Society, and Senior Fellowship of the Advance HE.

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