Dr Kirsty Alderson

School of Psychology

Kirsty’s career began in the Prison Service, where she was involved in the delivery of drug treatment and sex offender interventions, as well as conducting forensic risk assessments and attending Parole Board Hearings. She has also worked in a mental health setting, in a rehabilitation hospital for women. Kirsty is a Chartered and Registered Forensic Psychologist, and a BPS stage 2 supervisor (RAPPS approved). In addition to her role at LJMU, Kirsty works in the community with adolescents and adults who present with a range of forensic issues, including aggression and harmful sexual behaviour. Her role involves consultancy, training, and therapeutic intervention. She also conducts psychological assessments for the Local Authority and Family Court, including trauma, personality disorder, cognitive assessment, and forensic risk assessment. Kirsty completed her PhD in 2020, on the topic of risk and vulnerability factors for child sexual exploitation and poly-victimisation. Her research interests relate to childhood adversity, resilience, and wellbeing, with the aim of improving outcomes for survivors of adversity.

Degrees

University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, BSc in Psychology & Neuroscience
Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, MSc in Forensic Psychology
University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom, PhD

Certifications

British Psychological Society, United Kingdom, CPsychol

Academic appointments

Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, 2021 - present

Journal article

Alderson K, Ireland CA, Khan R, Ireland JL, Lewis M. 2022. Child sexual exploitation, poly-victimisation and resilience Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, 8 :53-74 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Alderson K, Ireland CA. 2020. Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and the importance of language Abuse: An International Impact Journal, 1 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Alderson KA. 2016. Child sexual exploitation Journal of Forensic Practice, 18 :292-295 DOI Publisher Url

Ireland CA, Alderson K, Ireland JL. 2015. Sexual Exploitation in Children: Nature, Prevalence, and Distinguishing Characteristics Reported in Young Adulthood Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 24 :603-622 DOI Publisher Url

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