Jo West

Consultant Forensic Psychologist

Jo West is a Consultant Forensic Psychologist running West Psychological Services. She has extensive expertise completing expert witness reports. She regularly prepares psychological risk assessments for Parole Board hearings involving Life and IPP sentenced prisoners, as well as comprehensive assessment reports to assist with sentencing. Her reports address sexual and violent offending, cognitive functioning, personality disorders, mental health conditions, and neurodevelopmental factors, providing the courts with rigorous, evidence-based psychological analysis.

Jo works therapeutically with a diverse range of clients navigating different challenges and life circumstances. She has particular expertise supporting adults with mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma histories and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is passionate about working with those with ADHD or autism, seeking assessment and support, and those navigating neurodivergence alongside mental health challenges. Jo also supports victims of crime in processing trauma and working towards recovery, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system seeking to understand and change harmful behaviours. She has experience working with people struggling with personality difficulties, complex relational patterns, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and emotional regulation challenges. Throughout her career, she has developed specific expertise working with diverse client groups including men, women, and transgender service users in both community and secure settings.

Jo draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities and all of her therapeutic work is neuro-affirmative. She believes that therapy should be shaped around who you are, not the other way around.