Current Postgraduate Students
Jessica Belcher
I am currently completing a PhD in Psychology. My research focuses on the relationship between the retrieval of overgeneral autobiographical memories and symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression. Particularly, I am interested in the mechanisms that underlie the phenomenon of overgeneral memory retrieval and its role in both clinical and non-clinical populations.
I have worked as a part of the CEH as a research assistant since late 2006 and also completed my undergraduate degree at MQU. I have found the friendliness and support provided by the academic staff and postgraduate students within the CEH and psychology department invaluable.
Peggy Bracks
Anna-Lisa Camberis
I have recently commenced my PhD research as part of the study being conducted by Macquarie University and University of Melbourne in partnership with IVF Australia and Melbourne IVF looking at parental age and the transition to parenthood. My research will look at maturity, ego development and coping strategies of younger and older first-time mothers, both naturally conceiving and those using assisted reproduction technologies, within the general framework of adult development and parenthood.
I completed my undergraduate psychology studies at Macquarie and am also currently completing a Masters in Clinical Psychology here. The supportive and collaborative environment and staff with diverse interests and research capabilities make the CEH a rewarding place to undertake such research.
Leigh Carpenter
Karen Davis
I commenced a Combined PhD/Master of Clinicial Psychology at Macquarie University in 2008. My research is in the area of mindfulness and will focus on the mechanisms of mindfulness-based therapies. To date my research has examined the psychometric properties of two recent measures of mindfulness: the Toronto Mindfulness Scale and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Being part of the CEH is a wonderful opportunity and I value the support of the experienced staff and fellow research students. I enjoy attending the Center’s regular colloquia given by international researchers.
Karen.Davis@psy.mq.edu.au
Danielle Ellis
There is only limited research on meta-cognitive worry (i.e., “worry about worry”) in youth diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, despite research with adults suggesting that these meta-cognitive beliefs are linked with pathological levels of worry. The goal of my research is to gain better insight into the nature of pathological worry in anxiety-disordered youth, through the use a model of worry proposed by Adrian Wells, which suggests that those with generalized anxiety disorder have both positive and negative beliefs about their worry. I will also be exploring whether there is any relationship between the meta-worry of youth and their parents, and links between meta-worry and responses to treatment. I will also conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to better inform clinicians of the developmental aspects of meta-cognitive worry.
Kerry-Ann Egliston
Jeanette Fardells
My PhD research focuses upon fathers adaptation to parenthood and is nested within a large research study being conducted by Macquarie University and Melbourne University in partnership with IVF Australia and IVF Melbourne. I am interested in exploring how adult attachment security is related to a range of outcomes including paternal-fetal attachment, paternal-infant attachment, and paternal coping between groups of younger and older first-time fathers, both naturally conceiving and those using assisted reproduction technologies. While I have only very recently commenced my research at Macquarie, I have found staff to be most welcoming, friendly, professional and supportive, and feel blessed to have the opportunity to complete my research in association with the CEH, a centre of excellence.
I also hold a Masters in Clinical Psychology, and currently work one evening in a private practice where we specialise in working with children, adolescents and their family members. I am also mother of two gorgeous and delightful young children, am supported by one outstanding husband, and am embracing the challenges of balancing family, professional and student life again!
Irene Fihrer
Amie Frewin
Mandy Goldstein
I am enrolled in the DPsych (Clinical) at Macquarie University. My broad area of interest is in eating disorders, with a specific focus on Anorexia Nervosa (AN). I am currently evaluating a day treatment program for adolescents with AN, and will complete my thesis on aspects of perfectionism within the clinical treatment of adolescent AN. Other areas of interest include PTSD and working with adolescents in general. The supervisory support I have received has been exceptional: a most valuable aspect of studying at Macquarie.
Steph Groves
Nikki Johnson
I am a combined PhD/Masters in Clinical Psychology student. My PhD research is in the area of child development, specifically the development of self-regulation and emotional-regulation in childhood and the role of sleep behavior and parenting. I am very fortunate to be working with a team of PhD researchers on a large research project examining parental age and the transition to parenthood. The benefits of studying within the Centre for Emotional Health include access to experienced researchers and interesting and varied weekly seminars and case presentations.
I completed both my undergraduate Psychology degree and Honours at Macquarie University and my Honours research was published this year.
Emma Kavanagh
I am currently completing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University and hold a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) degree from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. I has been involved with MUARU since 2003, conducting assessments and group treatments for children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety disorders. My main research interest lies in the development and maintenance of child and adolescent anxiety disorders, with a particular emphasis on the role of maternal modelling of fear and avoidance behaviour. Conducting my research at CEH has enabled me to work with, and receive specialist training from internationally renowned experts in the assessment and treatment of childhood anxiety. I currently work in private practice with children, adolescents and adults, specialising in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, family therapy, and developmental delay.
Amy Kercher
My PhD research is examining the development of depression in early adolescence. While we know that many factors can place someone at risk of developing depression, I have developed a model incorporating these factors to attempt to explain the development of depression longitudinally, in a period when depression tends to first emerge (early adolescence). The CEH is the ideal place for this research, with expertise in adolescent mental health and depression always available.
Ruth Locker
Rebecca Loundar
Jennifer Mitchell
I have been involved with the Anxiety Research Unit since 2004 in adult social phobia, and child and adolescent anxiety programs. I commenced a Doctorate of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) in 2006. My thesis research is about the relationship between perfectionism and anxiety in children and their parents. What I enjoy about studying at the CEH is being surrounded by experts in the area, the outstanding supervision, the collaborative approach taken by researchers, and being a part of treatment based research.
Maria Milic Novak
Kathryn Rayner
I am currently enrolled in the combined Masters/PhD in Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University. My research is looking at body image disturbances and eating pathology in young adolescent females. I am interested in the role of friendships as a potential risk and/or protective factor in the development of these problems and how it may be incorporated into prevention and early intervention strategies. I am enjoying being a part of the CEH, particularly being surrounded by experienced and supportive staff as well as other research students with such diverse interests.
Paul Rhodes
Lexine Stapinski
I am completing the combined Phd and Clinical Psychology Masters program, and would recommend this degree to fellow students. My research explores factors that maintain the cycle of excessive and uncontrollable worry in Generalised Anxiety Disorder. In particular, I am investigating the proposal that worry serves as an unhelpful coping strategy motivated by intolerance of negative emotional states. My experience of postgraduate study within the Centre of Emotional Health has been very positive; learning is facilitated by the supportive environment and exposure to a range of experimental and treatment research and ideas.
Lee Taylor
Erica Valpiani
I commenced a Combined PhD / Masters in Clinicial Psychology through Macquarie University in 2008. My research area is in the classification of psychiatric disorders, especially in their latent structure and measurement invariance. I am using taxometrics, structural equation modelling and item response theory models in large scale epidemiological samples to explore these questions in the diagnosis of social phobia. After the latent structure of social phobia has been explored, I aim to explore whether this diagnosis is equivalent over groups such as sex, age/age of onset, culture and co-morbid diagnosis.
Recent Graduates
Mike Cunningham (recent graduate)
I recently submitted my PhD thesis - the development and evaluation of a
computer-based program for adolescents who have an anxiety disorder. My work
involved the instructional design and the development of multimedia content
for the program, as well as the assessment of its clinical efficacy (with
the help of the expert therapists at MUARU). I received tremendous support
from the CEH and the department during my time at Macquarie University.
I
hold a Master's degree from the University of Manchester and a diploma in IT
from Maynooth University, Ireland and I'm currently back in Europe (France
at the moment) exploring ways to continue my career in the field of eTherapy.
Charise Deveney (graduated April 2008)
Susan Edwards (graduated April 2008)
I have recently submitted my PhD thesis investigating risk factors for anxiety symptoms in preschool-aged children. My Honours project (2001) investigated memory bias and rumination in adults with social anxiety. My general areas of interest include the aetiology of anxiety disorders, cognitive processes in anxiety, and the treatment of anxiety and depression in children, adolescents and adults. I have been working as part of the team at MUARU since 1998, currently as a clinical psychologist and I also manage the administration of several of the CEH child and adolescent research projects.
Completing my thesis at Macquarie and with the CEH was a very rewarding experience thanks to the high level of support from the staff within the centre and also from the department. It is a privelege to work with such a dedicated and experienced group of researchers and clinicians. The Clinical Masters program was exceptional in that it offered the opportunity for exposure to a broad range of theoretical and clinical perspectives which has been so valuable in my clinical training.
Dolores Foley (completed June 2008)
I am currently completing a PhD in clinical psychology.
My clinical and research work focuses on the evaluation of the therapeutic benefit received from mindfulness-based techniques. I am currently managing a randomised controlled trial of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy For individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer. Dr Andrew Baillie is my favourite aspect of Macquarie University - his enthusiasm and Direction has allowed a personal curiosity about meditation to become an innovative, empirically evaluated clinical practice.
Natalie Gar (graduated April 2008)
My PhD research examines the influence of mother and child anxiety on the parent-child interaction. I am also interested in the influence of maternal anxiety on treatment outcome for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. It has been a pleasure to work with the highly qualified staff at Macquarie University.
Susan Kennedy (graduated September 2007)
Alison Mahoney (graduated April 2007)
I have recently completed a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Macquarie University. My research aimed to develop and examine a pain scale for people with advanced dementia. People with advanced dementia can no longer talk, walk or care for themselves. The pain scale examined in this study helps nurses assess patients' pain and discomfort, and consequently increase their quality of care.
Studying at Macquarie was a rewarding and challenging experience. The Department of Psychology provided extensive support and opportunities to develop my academic, clinical and personal interests. The staff were not only professional and knowledgeable, but welcoming and friendly.
I am currently working at the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety Disorders at St Vincent's Hospital. Here, I provide clinical treatments for adults with anxiety, and conduct research into the maintenance and treatment of anxiety disorders.
Emma Robinson (completed June 2008)
My area of study is in psychological predictors of appearance enhancing procedures, such as cosmetic surgery. My current research is looking at what personality traits may have an impact on people's willingness to undergo such procedures. I like studying with Macquarie because of the supportive environment, particularly the large number of other students studying here, and the wide range of opportunities available to us.
Catherine Udy (completed June 2008)
I am currently in my last year of the Doctor of Clinical Psychology, and have been student at Macquarie University for over 10 years, having begun my undergraduate studies in 1994. My research is focused upon the cognitions and emotions that parents bring to the context of managing anxious children, and in particular what impact these cognitions and emotions may have upon parental behaviour. The ideas behind this research are drawn largely from working with families from MUARU. I've had the priviledge of running a number of family groups for child anxiety at the clinic and have enjoyed the challenge of working with both the parents and children. Over the past few years I have been involved with MUARU both as a clinician in training and a researcher. Currently, I am completing a Doctoral placement with Ryde Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
Mike Cunningham (recent graduate)
I recently submitted my PhD thesis - the development and evaluation of a computer-based program for adolescents who have an anxiety disorder. My work involved the instructional design and the development of multimedia content for the program, as well as the assessment of its clinical efficacy (with the help of the expert therapists at MUARU). I received tremendous support from the CEH and the department during my time at Macquarie University.
I hold a Master's degree from the University of Manchester and a diploma in IT from Maynooth University, Ireland and I'm currently back in Europe (France at the moment) exploring ways to continue my career in the field of eTherapy.Charise Deveney (graduated April 2008)
Susan Edwards (graduated April 2008)
I have recently submitted my PhD thesis investigating risk factors for anxiety symptoms in preschool-aged children. My Honours project (2001) investigated memory bias and rumination in adults with social anxiety. My general areas of interest include the aetiology of anxiety disorders, cognitive processes in anxiety, and the treatment of anxiety and depression in children, adolescents and adults. I have been working as part of the team at MUARU since 1998, currently as a clinical psychologist and I also manage the administration of several of the CEH child and adolescent research projects.
Completing my thesis at Macquarie and with the CEH was a very rewarding experience thanks to the high level of support from the staff within the centre and also from the department. It is a privelege to work with such a dedicated and experienced group of researchers and clinicians. The Clinical Masters program was exceptional in that it offered the opportunity for exposure to a broad range of theoretical and clinical perspectives which has been so valuable in my clinical training.
Dolores Foley (completed June 2008)
I am currently completing a PhD in clinical psychology.
My clinical and research work focuses on the evaluation of the therapeutic benefit received from mindfulness-based techniques. I am currently managing a randomised controlled trial of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy For individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer. Dr Andrew Baillie is my favourite aspect of Macquarie University - his enthusiasm and Direction has allowed a personal curiosity about meditation to become an innovative, empirically evaluated clinical practice.
Natalie Gar (graduated April 2008)
My PhD research examines the influence of mother and child anxiety on the parent-child interaction. I am also interested in the influence of maternal anxiety on treatment outcome for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. It has been a pleasure to work with the highly qualified staff at Macquarie University.
Susan Kennedy (graduated September 2007)
Alison Mahoney (graduated April 2007)
I have recently completed a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Macquarie University. My research aimed to develop and examine a pain scale for people with advanced dementia. People with advanced dementia can no longer talk, walk or care for themselves. The pain scale examined in this study helps nurses assess patients' pain and discomfort, and consequently increase their quality of care.
Studying at Macquarie was a rewarding and challenging experience. The Department of Psychology provided extensive support and opportunities to develop my academic, clinical and personal interests. The staff were not only professional and knowledgeable, but welcoming and friendly.
I am currently working at the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety Disorders at St Vincent's Hospital. Here, I provide clinical treatments for adults with anxiety, and conduct research into the maintenance and treatment of anxiety disorders.
Emma Robinson (completed June 2008)
My area of study is in psychological predictors of appearance enhancing procedures, such as cosmetic surgery. My current research is looking at what personality traits may have an impact on people's willingness to undergo such procedures. I like studying with Macquarie because of the supportive environment, particularly the large number of other students studying here, and the wide range of opportunities available to us.
Catherine Udy (completed June 2008)
I am currently in my last year of the Doctor of Clinical Psychology, and have been student at Macquarie University for over 10 years, having begun my undergraduate studies in 1994. My research is focused upon the cognitions and emotions that parents bring to the context of managing anxious children, and in particular what impact these cognitions and emotions may have upon parental behaviour. The ideas behind this research are drawn largely from working with families from MUARU. I've had the priviledge of running a number of family groups for child anxiety at the clinic and have enjoyed the challenge of working with both the parents and children. Over the past few years I have been involved with MUARU both as a clinician in training and a researcher. Currently, I am completing a Doctoral placement with Ryde Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.