New guidance launched to support psychologists working with people who stalk
The UK’s first guidance to support practitioner psychologists who work with people who stalk has been launched by the BPS.
19 January 2023
The experience of being stalked has a devastating psychological impact on victims, so working with people who have engaged in stalking to prevent them from continuing with their debilitating behaviour is vital for the wellbeing of victims, and for the individuals who stalk.
'Working with individuals who have engaged in stalking' is written by leading experts from the BPS Division of Forensic Psychology and Division of Clinical Psychology; Dr Rachael Wheatley, Forensic Psychologist, Sara Henley, Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, and Dr Alan Underwood, Clinical Psychologist.
The guidance outlines theories of stalking, stalking typologies, assessment and formulation, risk management and practitioner safety. It draws on current evidence and best practice, and will be updated as new evidence is introduced.
Dr Rachael Wheatley, said:
"Through our ongoing work, we see the debilitating effect stalking has on every aspect of the victims' and perpetrators' lives. That's why it's vital we help people who stalk, to stop.
"Our aim with this guidance is to provide colleagues with a baseline of key evidence, information, and tools to support them in their work to help individuals alter and stop their behaviour, as well as the incredibly important work psychologists do to support victims."
With much left to learn about stalking, the authors are clear that the guidance will require updating as research on the efficacy of treatment programmes, and risk management interventions transpires, and further evidence emerges.
"We have more work to do to uncover what helps those who stalk to stop, so working with people who engage in it is a real challenge for psychologists.
"We hope this guidance helps colleagues to navigate the complexities involved when working with this client group, and acts as a starting point for thinking about and applying ethical and best practice."
The guidance highlights several areas in need of attention including treatment effectiveness, the persistence of stalking, desistance opportunities, and addressing the fixation and obsession seen in many offenders.
Read an interview with the lead authors