An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Highly Specialist Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Psychotherapist to join West London Forensic Services (WLFS), based in Southall. This is a part-time (18.75 hours) permanent role within a well-established Forensic Psychotherapy Department committed to reflective practice and high-quality, patient-centred care.
The post holder will deliver a specialist psychoanalytically informed psychotherapy service in inpatient forensic settings, working with individuals with severe and complex mental health needs. This includes undertaking assessments and providing both individual and group psychodynamic psychotherapy.
A key aspect of the role is supporting the therapeutic ward environment through facilitating Reflective Practice groups, helping staff to process and manage the emotional impact of working with complex patients.
The role also involves providing consultation to multidisciplinary teams and supervision to qualified staff, trainees, and honorary therapists. Working autonomously within professional and Trust guidelines, the post holder will contribute to service development through teaching, training, audit, and research across WLFS and the wider Trust.
To provide a highly specialised psychodynamic psychotherapy service within a secure forensic setting to individuals with severe and enduring mental disorders and complex forensic histories.
To undertake assessments for individual and group psychotherapy, integrating complex information from multiple sources such as referral details, clinical records, multidisciplinary teams, and risk documentation.
To produce clear assessment reports, including psychodynamic formulations and recommendations on treatment suitability, modality, duration, and risk management.
To manage an independent clinical caseload, delivering both individual and group psychodynamic interventions for patients with complex, long-term needs.
To facilitate regular Reflective Practice groups for multidisciplinary teams and professional groups, supporting staff to manage the emotional impact of working in forensic settings.
To undertake Care Coordinator responsibilities where appropriate, particularly for patients supported by trainees or supervised staff.
To communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, carers, and colleagues, promoting engagement and collaborative multidisciplinary working.
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.
The Person Specification below is not complete. Please refer to the Candidate Pack for the full criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
For more information or an informal discussion please contact Dr Katherine Papaspirou, Consultant Forensic Psychotherapist and Departmental Lead, Forensic Psychotherapy Department, WLFS by emailing
[email protected] .
