Dr Lars Madsen, Shay Addison, and Dr Rob Brockman are back for a new season to examine one of Australia’s one of Australia’s most high-profile recent cases - the conviction of Erin Patterson, widely referred to in the media as “the mushroom murderer.”

In this episode of Beyond the Crime – A Psychological Analysis, we move beyond legal outcomes to explore the psychological question left largely unanswered at trial: why? Using schema therapy and schema modes as a framework, they develop a speculative psychological formulation based on publicly available evidence, courtroom material, and reported behaviour patterns.

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Dr Lisa Warren - clinical and forensic psychologist and co-founder of Code Black Psychology - joins Dr Lars Madsen to explore the complex psychology behind threats to kill and coercive control. Drawing on years of clinical experience and groundbreaking research, Lisa shares insights into the motivations behind repeated threats, the chilling dynamics of coercive control, and the often-overlooked emotional distress underlying these behaviors.

We dive deep into the profile of individuals who make threats, including their risk for future violence and even suicide, and the clinical challenges in treating them. Lisa also sheds light on the architecture of coercive control, comparing it to tactics used on prisoners of war and cult members, and reveals how these dynamics trap victims in an “invisible cage.”

This episode is a must-listen for mental health professionals, forensic practitioners, and anyone interested in the psychology of threat, control, and harm.

Stalking Symposium Melbourne - Friday 5th September 2025

https://www.drnathanbrooks.com/event-info/stalking-symposium-melbourne

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Dr Lars Madsen is joined by Dr Stan Steindl to discuss the principles of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and its application in forensic settings.

They explore how CFT can support clients, and consider how compassion might play a role in managing shame and building emotional regulation. They also discuss the integration of CFT with schema therapy approaches, and how therapists can maintain compassion for themselves when working with challenging client groups.

For more information on CFT:

Compassion in a T-Shirt Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/compassion-in-a-t-shirt/id1760679546

The Compassionate Minds Foundation: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/

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