Proposal for a special interest group in forensic psychotherapy

Procedure for establishing a special interest group:

1. 1. Any member wishing to establish a special interest group shall write to the Registrar with relevant details.

2. 2. The Registrar shall forward the application to the Central Executive Committee.

3. 3. If the Central Executive Committee approves the principle of establishing such a special interest group then it will direct the Registrar to place a notice in the Bulletin, or its equivalent, asking members of the College to write in support of such a group and expressing willingness to participate in its activities.

4. 4. If at least 120 members reply to this notice within 4 months of publication, then the Central Executive Committee shall formally approve the establishment of the special interest group.

In accordance with this procedure, the Central Executive Committee has approved a proposal for the establishment of a special interest group in forensic psychotherapy.

Background to the proposal

Mentally disordered offenders are a group for whom therapeutic treatment often involves a complex approach, drawing on many areas of psychiatry. Psychotherapeutic treatment has to work at the interface of the criminal justice system and often takes place within secure settings. Most patients have complex problems often involving comorbid disorders such as mental illness, personality disorder and addictive disorders, as well as their violent and offending behaviour. Managing these patients can take its toll on staff and institutions. Applying psychotherapy to the treatment and management of this group is a developing field. For these reasons there is a recognised need to support forensic psychotherapy as a specific sub-speciality both of forensic psychiatry and medical psychotherapy.

Given planned changes according to Modernising Medical Careers, which will have a significant effect on dual CCT training, the National Strategy in Forensic Psychotherapy has been working with the College to ensure that the sub-specialty of forensic psychotherapy maintains and develops its presence. Although forensic psychotherapy is often described as a dual-interest specialty between the disciplines of forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy it also extends to other branches of psychiatry such as general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry and learning disability.

If we were able to form a special interest group in forensic psychotherapy we would aim to:

1. • share knowledge and work in the field to help develop the specialty

2. • bring together psychiatrists from allied specialties with an interest in the field

3. • contribute towards training and continuing professional development for psychiatrists

4. • support the discipline during changes in training and the implementation of Modernising Medical Careers, and ensure that the field remains visible and supports interest across a wide College membership

5. • help support educational and training initiatives for psychiatrists working with particular patient groups, for example, people with personality disorder, learning disability and addictive disorders

6. • act in an advisory role and resource, if appropriate, for other College Faculties.

We would hope to establish an ongoing forum for psychiatrists, via regular meetings and events, to develop professional networking, research and educational opportunities in this field. We hope very much that you will be able to support this proposal.

Members are invited to write in support of this group and express willingness to participate in its activities. Interested members should write to the Registrar care of Miss Sue Duncan at the College. If 120 members reply to this notice within 4 months of publication, then the Central Executive Committee shall formally approve the establishment of this special interest group.