Therapy for People Navigating the Criminal Justice System

Dr Jenny Hopton
Nov 4
4 min read

Silhouette of a head with tangled lines inside, orange background. A hand pulls a string from the head, suggesting unraveling thoughts.

Being involved in criminal proceedings can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences a person can face. Many find themselves in situations they never expected, feeling anxious, ashamed, or uncertain about the future. For some, this may be their first experience of therapy, and the idea of talking about personal thoughts and feelings can feel unfamiliar or intimidating.

As HCPC registered forensic psychologists, we work with people navigating the legal system, offering therapy that is both supportive and accountability-focused. Our therapy provides a structured, impartial space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions safely, reflect on behaviour, and develop strategies to manage the pressures of legal proceedings.

Clients often report that therapy allows them to discuss things they could not share elsewhere, providing a contained, professional environment to process thoughts and emotions constructively.

A Safe and Professional Space

Therapy is a confidential, professional environment focused entirely on your wellbeing. While aspects of your legal situation may be discussed, therapy is not about investigating events or determining guilt or innocence.

The focus is on helping you manage distress, reflect on your thoughts and behaviour, and take constructive steps forward. Sessions offer the freedom to air thoughts and emotions without judgment, while also guiding you toward insight, personal accountability, and practical strategies for managing behaviour.

For people who are new to therapy, early sessions often involve building trust and understanding what therapy is, creating a safe foundation for more in-depth work later.

What Therapy Can Involve

Therapy is tailored to your individual needs. We offer a bespoke, integrated approach, combining evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) where appropriate.

This flexible approach ensures that sessions respond to what is most helpful for you at each stage, focusing on:

Managing anxiety, stress, and uncertainty
Processing difficult emotions such as guilt, shame, or regret while supporting accountability
Understanding patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour
Building practical coping strategies
Reflecting on values and taking constructive action

Many clients find that having a contained, professional space allows them to explore thoughts and feelings they may not feel comfortable sharing elsewhere. The integrated approach ensures therapy is responsive, focused, and tailored specifically to you, balancing empathy with accountability.

Confidentiality and Its Limits

Everything discussed in therapy is confidential. Information is not shared with solicitors, probation services, or the court without your explicit consent.

However, as HCPC-registered practitioners, we are legally and ethically required to share information in specific situations:

If there is an immediate or serious risk of harm to yourself or others
If there is a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable person
If required by law, such as through a court order

These limits are explained clearly at the start of therapy. Any concerns about disclosure are discussed with you wherever possible before information is shared.

Therapy vs. Expert Assessments

Therapy focuses on wellbeing, reflection, and developing coping strategies. It supports both accountability and compassionate self-understanding.

An expert assessment is a formal evaluation for court purposes, often involving structured psychometric testing, interviews, and a written report. To maintain ethical boundaries, it is generally recommended that your therapist and any expert witness are different professionals.

What to Expect in Sessions

Initial sessions focus on understanding your situation, challenges, and goals
Pace is determined by you; you do not need to disclose more than you feel ready
Review sessions regularly evaluate progress to ensure therapy meets your needs

Clients often describe sessions as a space where they felt listened to and understood, and where their thoughts and perspectives were valued, even as they were gently guided toward insight and better behaviour management.

Client Experiences

"I felt like Jenny always made sure to listen to and understand the things I would bring up whilst also offering different perspectives. I never felt like I couldn't say anything and was just able to sort through and air out whatever thoughts and emotions I had without judgement."

"In relation to my therapy with Jenny, I found her open-minded, friendly and non-judgemental. I liked the way in which we moved through the process of gaining a deeper understanding of the issues that have impacted my life generally and my offending in particular. I also appreciated that I was given time to express my views and attitudes and that they were given value, while at the same time Jenny stayed on track to push me towards a better understanding of the root causes of my problems and point me towards better behaviour management."

"My psychologist was very knowledgeable on the topics she discussed with me, and this helped me to understand my situation better. I would highly recommend this service, and think it was very useful for helping you understand your needs, and how to manage negative behaviours and impulsive thoughts."

Getting Support

Facing legal proceedings can feel isolating, especially for those new to therapy. Sessions provide a confidential, structured, and supportive environment to work through difficult emotions, confront challenges responsibly, and develop practical strategies to move forward.

If you are currently facing criminal proceedings and would like to explore psychological support, please get in touch to arrange an initial session.

Together, we can focus on understanding your situation, managing immediate stress, and planning next steps in a safe, professional, and compassionate way - offering a contained space where you can reflect and work through emotions that may be difficult to share elsewhere.