Dr Julianne Read1
1Keystone Psychology, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Dr Julianne Read is a forensic psychologist practicing in Melbourne. Over the past 15 years, Julianne has worked in the public and private sector assessing and treating young people who present with a wide range of clinical and forensic issues. In particular, working with young people who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. Julianne has published in this field, as well as in the field of investigative interviewing. Julianne is the past Chair of the APS Forensic College (Vic Branch) and current committee member for the ANZAPPL Victorian Branch.
Denial is a common presentation among adolescents referred for intervention following offending behaviour, particularly in cases involving violence and harmful sexual behaviour. This presentation explores what we know—and don’t know—about the relationship between denial and recidivism risk in young people, highlighting that denial alone is not a reliable predictor of reoffending. It offers a developmental and trauma-informed framework for understanding denial as a dynamic and often protective response rather than resistance or manipulation.
Drawing on Bruce Wampold’s contextual model of therapy and broader research into youth offending, the presentation will highlight the critical role of the therapeutic relationship in promoting engagement and change, even in the absence of full offence disclosure. Practical strategies will be shared for undertaking offence-related intervention that supports insight, accountability, and skill development.
Case examples will illustrate how therapists can work ethically and effectively with adolescents who deny, minimise and justify their behaviour, promoting both individual wellbeing and risk reduction.