Helen Dent

Professor Helen Dent is a Professor of Clinical and Forensic Psychology at Staffordshire University. She holds dual registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, and is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Her career spans NHS clinical work, academic leadership, and expert testimony in legal proceedings.

Dr. Dent’s academic journey includes a BA(Hons) in Psychology (University of Hull, 1973), a PhD from the University of Nottingham (1978), and an MPhil in Clinical Psychology from King's College London (1982). Her clinical expertise focuses on vulnerable youth and their families, with a research emphasis on Attachment Theory, child protection systems, and interprofessional education.

Her research explores children’s reliability as witnesses, delays in child protection cases, and resilience in adversity. Collaborative projects with Dr. Sarah Krahenbuhl address attrition in child protection proceedings. She has held NHS roles in adult/child psychology, substance misuse, and neuropsychological assessment.

As an academic leader, she co-chair the British Psychological Society’s Group of Trainers in Clinical Psychology (2012–2016) and contributed to developing Staffordshire’s Clinical Psychology Doctorate. Her teaching innovations include interprofessional education modules with nursing students and leadership training validated by the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Her work bridges clinical practice, education, and policy, with grants from national organizations and advisory roles to the Department of Health. Recent publications focus on hope in secure mental health settings, child protection system delays, and attachment-based interventions.