Dr Rachael Wheatley holds a position at the University of Derby as a forensic psychologist with a specialized focus on stalking as both a crime and a behavioral problem. Her credentials are substantial: she is a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society, a full member of its Division of Forensic Psychology, and a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered practitioner psychologist.

Wheatley's expertise extends beyond academia into practice. She is a trustee of the Alice Ruggles Trust, an organization dedicated to addressing stalking and intimate partner abuse. She has also worked with HMPPS Psychology Services Group, bringing her knowledge directly into the criminal justice system's psychological services.

## Leading Publications and Resources

In 2022, Wheatley led the development of a significant resource for the British Psychological Society: "Working with individuals who have engaged in stalking." Co-authored with Sara Henley, a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, and Dr Alan Underwood, a Clinical Psychologist, this guide was formally launched on March 15, 2023. The resource provides practitioners with evidence-based approaches to working with individuals who have engaged in stalking behavior.

Her scholarly contributions include a peer-reviewed book chapter on stalking published by Taylor & Francis, as well as multiple peer-reviewed articles, podcast episodes, and YouTube content on the subject.

## Early Intervention Innovation

One of Wheatley's most significant practical contributions is her work developing the Early Awareness Stalking Intervention (EASI) project. Co-developed with Cate Webb-Jones, formerly of West Midlands Police, EASI is a pilot program designed to intervene early with individuals charged with stalking. The program uses Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) as its therapeutic foundation, aiming to prevent escalation and support behavioral change at a critical stage.

In July 2022, Wheatley presented research on early intervention with stalking cases at a UK online event, discussing patterns in ex-intimate partner stalking and presenting a nested conceptual model developed through her research (Wheatley et al., 2021).

## Research Methodology and Focus

Wheatley's doctoral studies employed rigorous qualitative research methods, including Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and the Visually Adapted Repertory Grid Technique (VARGT). Her work has centered on understanding the drivers of stalking behavior, identifying effective management strategies, and supporting desistance—particularly within the context of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

She has championed the use of repertory grids as a valuable tool for VAWG research, contributing to methodological advancement in the field.

## Public Engagement and Media Analysis

Wheatley's influence extends to public awareness. She participated in National Stalking Awareness Week in 2021, appearing on the Suzy Lamplugh Trust's YouTube platform to advocate for early identification of stalking, victim support, and police reporting. In May 2024, she reviewed Netflix's series "Baby Reindeer" for BPS The Psychologist, applying her stalking expertise to analyze the dramatized true-crime narrative.

## Professional Services

Beyond her academic and advocacy work, Wheatley provides specialized forensic risk assessments, case consultancy, peer supervision, and training programs focused on stalking cases. She is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences and participates in high-level roundtable consultations on stalking and related crimes.

Her body of work represents a multifaceted approach to understanding and addressing stalking: advancing knowledge through research, equipping professionals with practical tools and guidance, developing early intervention programs, and raising public awareness of a crime that remains underrecognized despite its serious impact on victims.

## Sources

https://www.derby.ac.uk/staff/rachael-wheatley/

https://www.governmentevents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Rachael-Wheatley.pdf

https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/fixated-obsessive-unwanted-and-repeated

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdrRmTVbjt4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjbbIYGzj4E