| Psychological trending
Midlands Psychological Services Dr Dennis Trent
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ny time a child is involved, parents will attempt to bias the assessment in a direction which puts them in the best light, says Dr. Trent, from Midlands Psychological, describing how and why it is so important to get a psychological expert witness involved. It is logical that viewpoints vary from the claimant, defendant’s or the prosecution’s perspective. Both prosecutor and defendant wish to prove their innocence or otherwise, while a claimant wants to prove the reason for a claim at its worst level. Psychologists use psychometric tests to support opinions of course, but perhaps more importantly they can tease out non-immediately visible or hidden truths. “These might covering lingering personality disorders or a number of other issues.” Trent continues. All assessments are confidential, so he can’t reveal any particular, recent example where Midlands Psychological has had a major impact. Talking about the trends driving the sector in general, however, is easier. “The loss of legal aid is a key driver. In addition,
recognition is growing surrounding the power of psychological vs psychiatric reports. We are also increasingly recognising the limitations of psychology in social work training and this is an area which is developing and changing.” In the future, Midlands Psychological will continue to realign its work to deal with the loss of legal aid, and will put greater focus on therapy and life changes, and how psychological assessment and work impacts on these. “Anger management, stress management and also working with the survivors and perpetrators of sexual abuse remains key to our work,” Dr. Trent elaborates. “We are also working with those who download child pornography and more short and long term general therapies. “Working with personality disorders is going to be more and more important in the future of our work.” Through
Psychological expert witnesses, and the firms behind them, are vital to delivering the truth. Midlands Psychological is one such company. Dr Dennis Trent
Midlands Psychological Services
6th Floor, Quayside Tower, 252-260 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HF1) Tel: (0121) 224-3051 Fax: (0121) 224 3252 Email: mps@midpsych.co.uk1 Website: www.midpsych.co.uk 1 | SECURITY INSIDER
the social enterprise model, the firm is now able to take an efficient, cost effective and flexible approach to delivering services, whilst retaining the values and principles of providing a public service. “Our profits are re-invested for the benefits of our service users. We are an independent group with a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise from decades of high level work in Health, Education and Social Care.” Trent concludes.