In conversation with Caitlin Brown, Forensic Psychologist in Training, Oxford Health

Caitlin, thanks for speaking at the Social Mobility Foundations Careers Event recently, your presentation received great feedback! We know the guests enjoyed your talk, but what did you most enjoy about speaking at the event?

It was great to introduce young people to the different routes into Forensic Psychology. This was something I wish I had when I was at school so I felt I was providing something that was (hopefully!) helpful.

Ah I see, it’s nice that you are able to provide something you wish you had when you were at school. I’m now wondering what made you interested in forensic psychology in the first place?

I’ve been fascinated by crime for as long as I can remember. Trying to understand what might underpin offences and working with people affected by crime, as in Forensic Psychology, seemed like an obvious way to channel my interest and an important profession to make our communities safer.

Yes, it is such an important role, and very interesting too! So, what do you love the most about your profession?

I love seeing the variety of ways people can be well in the face of great adversity. I am always humbled by our ability to survive the most dangerous environments and supporting people to become more compassionate towards themselves feels vital to enable change.

That sounds really rewarding. Now with the pandemic, lots of people are discovering the importance of being kind to ourselves. What’s been your biggest learning from the pandemic?

That doing your job doesn’t always mean “doing”. Thinking is (or should be) a vital part of all our roles. Whilst the pandemic required a lot of “doing”, it also forced us to slow down and reconsider the importance of thinking.

Thanks for sharing that Caitlin, that’s all my questions, for now! All the best in the meantime.

I’d like to encourage anyone interested in forensic psychology to find out more about the profession by visiting our Psychological Professions Career Map, and anyone who is interested in joining our forensic psychology subnetwork to get in touch with Caitlin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Caitlin Brown

Forensic Psychologist in Training

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust