Psychological Therapies - Jackie Craissati - Video

I’m Jackie Craissati and I am a consultant clinical psychologist and also Head of Psychology for Forensic Services with Oxleas.

Psychological therapies are an important part of assessment and treatment within forensic services in Oxleas, and our psychologists feel valued and respected as members of the multi-disciplinary team.  This is mirrored in the trust as a whole, with its emphasis on developing psychological therapies and encouraging psychologists and psychological therapists to be involved in the full range of service provision.

I have worked in Oxleas for 20 years, and one of the reasons I have stayed so long is because of the pleasant working atmosphere I have found here.  Relationships between multi-disciplinary team members are generally very good and there is a really caring approach to staff.  This includes flexibility about working hours and the availability of study leave.  I have always felt encouraged to pursue relevant interests and to develop my clinical skills.

Oxleas is making a real effort to develop services for people with personality disorder and this has helped us to build up skills in this area. In forensic services, this has enabled us to attract external funding for specific personality disorder treatment projects.

Psychological therapists have, of course, taken a central role in these new services, and this has provided opportunities for training and clinical evaluation as well as engaging in evidence-based practise.  With these opportunities available, we have been able to attract really excellent staff to work in our service.