As a psychologist specialising in the psychology of deliberate fire-setting, I have completed studies on serial arson in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, with mental health professionals and fire industry personnel. Using my expertise I frequently lecture on the psychological aspects of arson at in addition to regularly delivering invited keynote presentations in Australia and overseas. Further, I am often asked by a variety of organisations to provide consulting services on the issues related to serial arson, the psychology of arson and arson screening in personnel selection.

I have completed a combined PhD / Master (Clinical) Psychology programme. This study examined how serial and one-time arsonists might differ in their psychology and fire behaviour, as well as exploring factors relevant to predicting deliberate fire-setting behaviour in adults. The study is the largest conducted in Australia and unique in that it incorporated interviews and clinical assessment of offenders with an analysis of police records of solved arson cases. The research has applications in clinical settings for treating and rehabilitating fire-setters, as well as in investigations, where the results can inform profiling efforts. I have completed other research projects focusing on such aspects as changes in serial arsonist behaviour over time and differences between urban and rural fire-setters.

My early background is human resource management where I have extensive experience in recruitment, selection, training and personnel development. My initial training was in Organisational Psychology, prior to moving into Vocational Rehabilitation, Military Psychology (The Australian Defence Force) and clinical counselling.

Other qualifications include Workplace Assessor Level IV Trainer, experience in developing training and education workshops (including distance education) across general mental health topics and developing policies required to support these initiatives.

Link to Doley Psychology Services