Ms Chireal Shallow

I offer a specialist expert witness service delivering high-quality, independent psychological assessments across criminal, family, civil, and personal injury matters. My assessments are thorough, clinically robust, and tailored to provide clear, balanced opinions that assist the court and legal teams in making informed decisions.

I have contributed to well over 1200 independent court assessment reports over the years of practice. These reports have covered the following areas:
In family and social care cases, I assess parenting capacity, child and adolescent mental health, trauma, attachment, neurodevelopmental conditions, and parental mental health. I provide expert opinion on risk, safeguarding, insight, and recommendations for therapeutic intervention or support, ensuring my reports address the court’s key questions directly and clearly.

In civil and personal injury, I assess the psychological impact of trauma, including PTSD, adjustment disorders, chronic pain, and the psychological consequences of accidents, assaults, and medical negligence. My reports consider both prognosis and treatment recommendations, helping courts understand the long-term impact of psychological injury.

In forensic and criminal proceedings, I conduct comprehensive assessments covering mental health, fitness to plead, suggestibility, risk assessment, personality functioning, neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism and ADHD), and factors relevant to sentencing, mitigation, or rehabilitation. I am experienced in working with complex, high-risk cases including psychosis, PTSD, acquired brain injury, and substance misuse.

I also have specialist expertise in the assessment of sleep disorders and parasomnia, providing expert opinion on sleep-related behaviours, forensic relevance, and the psychological and functional effects of sleep disturbances. This specialist knowledge is particularly valuable in cases where sleep phenomena may be relevant to behaviour or capacity at the time of an offence or incident.

Across all areas of my practice, I am known for delivering reports that are clear, objective, and accessible. My approach is grounded in current psychological science and clinical best practice, while also reflecting the realities of the legal context. I work collaboratively with solicitors, barristers, local authorities, and courts, ensuring that my assessments are not only clinically rigorous but also practical and solution-focused.

I have consistently received positive feedback from judges, counsel, and solicitors, who have commended the clarity and quality of my reports, my balanced approach to complex issues, and my professionalism and confidence when attending court to give evidence. My ability to communicate psychological findings in a clear and accessible manner has been noted as a particular strength.

Instructing me means access to a professional with extensive experience, an understanding of the complexities of psychological evidence in legal settings, and a commitment to providing impartial, high-quality reports that withstand scrutiny.

CBT Postgraduate Diploma 2009- 2010 Royal Holloway UCL, UK DBT training 2010

HCPC/ BPS/ BABCP