Current research projects

Posted 5 July 2024; Closes 9 August 2024

We are conducting a study on the opinions and attitudes of mental health professionals towards the use of generative AI chatbots in mental health care, specifically focusing on an AI-therapist model powered by ChatGPT.

If you are a psychologist, psychiatrist, mental health nurse, peer support worker, counsellor, social worker working in mental health, community support worker, or other mental health professional (provisional registration included), we would like to hear from you.

The study has ethics approval from The University of Melbourne and is supervised by Professor Simon Dennis.

Participants will complete a 45-minute online (Zoom) interview to share their views on the use of AI in mental health care. The interview will be recorded for accuracy and to support qualitative data analysis.

Some interview questions may touch on sensitive topics. Participants will be informed beforehand and debriefed afterwards. We will take all precautions to maintain confidentiality and data will be anonymised during analysis and in the final report.

Or contact [email protected] if you have any queries.

Register your interest

Posted 4 July 2024; Closes 1 September 2024

Dear Colleagues,

I am Gabriella at the University of Canberra. I am part of a team of researchers that are conducting a study to examine barriers to self-care and seeking help amongst allied health professionals. We are seeking participants for a national survey of allied health professionals’ (and those in training).

The survey is anonymous and will investigate self-care practices, willingness to seek help for one’s own mental health, and barriers to self-care and seeking help. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

The information obtained from the research will be used to better understand the issues and concerns facing Australian healthcare professionals. It will also provide a base for further research to focus on initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Australia’s healthcare workforce.

The study is seeking to recruit students and clinicians from allied health clinical areas representing psychology, nursing, and occupational therapy to participate.

The study has been approved by the University of Canberra Human Research Ethics Committee (Project: 13803).

Thank you for taking the time to consider participating in this study.

If you have questions, please email Dr Dimity Crisp ([email protected]).

Start the survey

Posted 3 July 2024; Closes 1 September 2024

Researchers at Macquarie University are running a study investigating the relationship between hallucinogens and OCD. We would like to better understand how drug induced alterations in consciousness might impact on OCD symptoms. If you have had experience in this area, we would like to invite you to take part in our research. Complete an online survey and we may also be invite you to participate in an online interview.

You must have experience with a hallucinogenic substance, and experience OCD symptoms, 18 years or older, fluent in English and reside in Australia, Canada, New Zealand or US. Participants who take part in the entire study will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three $100 gift vouchers/ Contact Dora Szabo ([email protected]) for further information.

Start the survey

Posted 3 July 2024; Closes 30 August 2024

Adolescent males can be challenging to engage and retain in psychological treatment. They seek out mental health services the least and prematurely dropout from psychological treatment the most. The study investigates therapists experiences of working with young men in counselling and psychotherapy. The aim being to collate findings into practicable recommendations for counselling young men. We are seeking mental health professionals who provide treatment and therapy to adolescent males (aged 12-18) in Australia to complete online semi-structured interviews.

Participants will be asked to review the participant information form presented in this Qualtrics survey, complete a brief (2 minutes) demographic survey to provide their contact details for a member of the research team to contact them and organise a time to complete an interview, and complete a 30-45 minute semi-structured interview exploring your experiences of counselling adolescent males. After the interviews have been transcribed, any audio or visual recordings and participant contact details will be erased to de-identify the data.  

This study is being undertaken by Lachlan Seipel, Rasikh Najam, and Sarah Sadiqi as part of their Graduate Diploma Psychology (Advance) degree at the University of Technology Sydney and is being supervised by Micah Boerma (MAPS; FCCLP).

Start the survey

Posted 3 July 2024; Closes 30 September 2024

Hello psychologists,

Have you worked as a psychologist in an inpatient mental health setting (or are you working in one currently)?

Could you spare a minute to complete a quick survey to help us explore what it’s like to be an inpatient mental health psychologist?

We are investigating the experiences of inpatient mental health psychologists in Australia and the competencies associated with this role. Working as a psychologist in an inpatient mental health service is an understudied area. We hope to further understand the unique considerations of working as a psychologist in this setting, including specific training and support needs.

You can take part if:

1. You are aged 18 or older
2. You currently or have previously worked as a psychologist in a mental health inpatient setting in Australia (including placements)
3. You are a registered psychologist (general or provisional)
4. You are able to read and write English.

If you know someone who may qualify, we would greatly appreciate if you could pass on the link to this survey.

Thank you in advance for your time and effort!

If you have any questions please contact:

Supervisor: Dr Carly Stagg
Email: [email protected]

Student Researcher: Olivia Furler
Email: [email protected]

Start the survey

Posted 3 July 2024; Closes 30 August 2024

Are you a Clinical Psychologist, a Clinical Psychology registrar, or have you completed postgraduate training in Clinical Psychology?

This is an opportunity to participate in research examining the similarities and differences between clinical psychology and counselling psychology.

We are researchers from the Cairnmillar Institute currently conducting a study to better understand the perceived similarities and differences between clinical psychology and counselling psychology. Previous research has explored the similarities and differences from the perspective of Australian counselling psychologists, yet there exists no research on the perceptions of Australian clinical psychologists.

This study involves completing an online survey of approximately 10 minutes that asks about your training, work settings and areas of practice. You will also be asked about your perception of the similarities and differences between clinical psychology and counselling psychology.

This research study is being conducted by Sonia Carfi and Michael Di Mattia from the Cairnmillar Institute. The project has received ethical approval from the Cairnmillar Institute Human Research Ethics Committee (Project Number:2024052901).

If you have any questions about this research, please contact the principal researcher, Michael Di Mattia, [email protected]

Start the survey

Posted 3 July 2024; Closes 31 August 2024

My name is Kelly Heinecke, and I’m a Master's student at Charles Sturt University, under the supervision of Adjunct Associate Professor Louise Roufeil. We are interested in understanding the decision-making used by psychologists when deciding whether a client at risk of suicide meets criteria to warrant a breach of their confidentiality.

Participants will be invited to take part in a Zoom interview with Kelly. You will be asked to reflect on a past case/s where you considered breaching confidentiality (and may or may not have gone on to do so).

If you are a psychologist or provisionally registered psychologist working in Australia and have experienced this situation, we would be interested to hear how you made your decision.

If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact Kelly by email. A copy of the interview questions will be provided to you along with other documentation, so you can decide if you would like to participate.

Thank you for taking the time to consider participating in this study, which has been approved by Charles Sturt University's Human Research Ethics Committee.

Kelly Heinecke
Email: [email protected]

Posted 28 May 2024; Closes 31 December 2024

Are you a practicing psychologist? Would you be able to spare 10 minutes to help with our research, with a chance to win 1 of 3 Giftpay vouchers?

We are conducting a research study about psychologists’ understanding of and attitudes towards transdiagnostic constructs within specific mental disorders. We are interested in examining the extent to which certain transdiagnostic constructs are endorsed as relevant in the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

Participation will involve a 10-minute online survey. Participation is confidential and voluntary. By completing the survey, you can enter a draw to win 1 of 3 Giftpay vouchers.

For more information, email [email protected]

Start the survey

Posted 28 May 2024; Closes 26 February 2025

This study aims to understand current practices being used in the assessment of ADHD in Australia, ways to improve practices, barriers to change, and clinician priorities. To do this, we are collecting questionnaire responses from clinicians involved in providing assessment, receiving reports, or involved in the treatment of AD/HD in Australia.

As part of this study, you will complete an online questionnaire about your perspectives on AD/HD assessment practices in Australia.

Researcher Clare O'Toole can be contacted at [email protected].

Start the survey

Posted 28 May 2024; Closes 2 August 2026

Researchers at Macquarie University are seeking registered psychologists to volunteer to participate in an online study examining the treatment of anxiety and related disorders (i.e., OCD and PTSD) in Australia. The study should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. If you are registered with AHPRA, work in Australia, and have treated at least one client with an anxiety disorder (i.e., PTSD, OCD, specific phobia, panic disorder) in the past 12 months, you are eligible to participate. You will be offered the chance to go into a prize draw to receive one of ten $150 gift vouchers as recompense for your participation.

Once you click the survey link below, you will be asked to read and complete the participant information and consent form. Once you have provided your consent, you will progress to the survey. If you have any questions, please email Ashleigh Lovejoy ([email protected]), Jade Geros ([email protected]), or Prof Melissa Norberg ([email protected]).  

Please share this link with any of your colleagues who may also be interested and eligible to participate.

Start the survey

Posted 28 May 2024; Closes 31 December 2026

This project aims to investigate the sociological dimensions of digital health data for sexuality and gender diverse people with complex health needs. It employs qualitative and co-design methods to engage with sexuality and gender diverse people, advocates, clinicians, decision-makers, and health data designers.

The project involves an interview and expects to generate much-needed knowledge about the participation of sexuality and gender diverse people in health data systems, with respect to trust, disclosure, stigma and prejudice.

Expected outcomes include insight for enhancing health data systems for sexuality and gender diverse people. This project should provide significant benefits for the promotion of inclusive, safe and useful health data systems. The research is funded by the Australian Research Council (DP230100245).

If you are interested in participating or wish to learn more about this study, please contact A/Prof Mark Davis at [email protected].

Posted 9 May 2024; Closes 30 April 2025

My name is Ruby Hamer, and I am a PhD student at Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Mackelprang. Our study, “Barriers and Facilitators in Accessing Trauma Training Among Psychiatrists and Psychologists”, aims to explore clinicians’ trauma-related training experiences, preferences, and needs.

Participants are invited to complete a 10-minute online survey. English-speaking psychologists and psychiatrists who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or international equivalent, if outside Australia, are eligible.

We would sincerely appreciate your assistance in circulating notice of this study to psychologists or psychiatrists in your professional network.  

If you have questions, please email me ([email protected]) or the Chief Investigator, Dr. Jessica Mackelprang ([email protected]). This study has been approved by Swinburne University of Technology's Human Research Ethics Committee.

Thank you for taking the time to consider participating in this study.

Start the survey
 

Posted 9 May 2024; Closes 8 September 2024

This is a study focused on understanding different types of negative emotions, and what kinds of thought patterns and beliefs can influence these. Specifically, we’re looking to explore whether rational and irrational beliefs are linked to, or can help us distinguish between, helpful and unhelpful negative emotions.

If you are 18+ years old and have a history of mental health difficulties then you are eligible to participate. Participation involves completing an online survey that takes 30+minutes. Questions include demographics (age, identified gender etc.), emotion questions, and questions about different thoughts and beliefs. You can withdraw at any point, and participation is entirely anonymous.

A more specific background to the project, and contact information for the researchers, are provided on the first page of the survey. We encourage anyone eligible to participate to share the survey link with others who are 18+ years old.

Start the survey

Posted 7 May 2024; Closes 31 December 2024

Calling school psychologists in Australia.

Researchers at the Faculty of Education at University of Melbourne want to hear about your experiences of conducting school-based Autism and ADHD diagnostic assessment as a school psychologist.

The team are looking for school psychologists who work in government, catholic, and private schools in Australia. The study aims to explore the experiences of school psychologists in Autism and ADHD diagnosis within school settings. This includes understanding their level of involvement, capacity, and competence in the process. Your contributions to this project will provide a preliminary understanding of the school psychologists’ experience. This work will allow the researchers to gain insights into current practices and the strengths and challenges of Autism and ADHD diagnostic processes within educational settings. By examining these complexities, we hope to identify opportunities for systemic improvements in practice that address the current inequality in access to diagnoses for Australian children.  

Participation in the study involves completion of a 5–7-minute Qualtrics survey, and an optional 30–40-minute online interview. All contributions will be completely de-identified.

To participate, please visit the link below.

Start the survey

Posted 7 May 2024; Closes 31 December 2024

Researchers at The University of Melbourne are interested in psychological factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety in those with a lived experience of Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis or an Eating Disorder.

Participation involves filling out a short online questionnaire at three time points, on your phone or your computer. Participants will have a chance to win 1 of 11 AUD$100 e-gift cards for completing both Time 1 and 2 surveys and another 1 of 11 AUD$100 e-gift cards after completing Time 3. Participation is voluntary and all data will remain confidential.

To find out more and to participate, follow the provided link.

Start the survey

Posted 10 April 2024; Closes 22 August 2024

The research aims to develop a comprehensive evidence-based set of recommendations for mental health self-care activities tailored to Arabic-speaking individuals from refugee-like backgrounds in Australia.

It is being undertaken by Ms Deena Mehjabeen as part of her PhD at Western Sydney University under the supervision of Associate Professor Shameran Slewa-Younan.

Using a Delphi consensus survey method (Human Research Ethics Approval Number: H15581), we are hoping to obtain the opinions of Australian health professionals who have experience in working with Arabic-speaking individuals.

Your expert insight is crucial developing evidence on the relevance and suitability of mental health self-care practices.

The online survey will be conducted over three rounds, each lasting approximately 60 minutes.

Inclusion criteria for the health professionals panel is:

1. Are qualified health professionals
2. Possess a minimum of 2 years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience
3. Have experience working with Arabic-speaking individuals from refugee-like backgrounds.

If you are interested in participating or wish to learn more about this study, you are encouraged to email Ms  Deena Mehjabeen on [email protected]

Posted 26 March 2024; Closes 15 February 2028

We are seeking participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to participate in a study investigating the acceptability and feasibility of a stepped care cognitive-behavioural treatment.

The treatment involves two steps. In the first step participants complete an 8-week cognitive behaviour therapy workbook with email support from a psychologist.

Participants whose symptoms do not improve will progress onto the second step of the stepped care treatment. In the second step participants will receive 8 weekly cognitive behaviour therapy sessions with a psychologist delivered in real-time via a videoconferencing platform.  

To be eligible participants must be:

• Australian resident
• English speaking
• Aged 18 years or older
• Have regular access to the internet and a computer with a camera
• Meet criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The treatment is provided free of charge.

For more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton via email: [email protected]

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH22-7391. Valid to: 15/02/2028

Start the survey

Posted 20 February 2024; Closes 29 January 2029

Seeking clinicians working with middle-aged and older adults: Help us better understand the role of telehealth in cognitive assessment.

The study is being conducted by researchers at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University.

If you are a clinician (psychologist, allied health worker, nurse, or medical specialist) who has experience in the use of telehealth with middle-aged to older adults and/or the provision of cognitive assessment with this demographic, we would love to hear from you.

Participation involves the completion of a short (10 minute) survey and it is hoped that the results of this study will help us to better understand the barriers and facilitators impacting the use of remote cognitive assessment with middle-aged and older adults.

For more information, including a full description of the project, or to participate in the survey, please click on the survey link below.

If you have any questions about this research project please contact us via email: [email protected].

This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC Project ID 41057).

Start the survey

Posted 20 February 2024; Closes 2 February 2025

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) can be associated with behaviours of concern for children and young people (CYP) in out-of-home care (OOHC). It is well documented that CYP in OOHC are more vulnerable than children not in care to experience at least one early life traumatic event in childhood. Early intervention or prevention of trauma for CYP in OOHC has been identified as critical for improving these children’s quality of life. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) has been shown to be successful in decreasing behaviour of concern and is one model of support that is currently used in NSW, Australia, to support CYP in OOHC.

We are conducting a survey to learn more about what strategies Australian practitioners in OOHC currently use to manage children and young people’s behaviour in OOHC and their perceptions and level of confidence in the effectiveness of these strategies. We will use the findings of this research to develop evidence-based recommendations about ways practitioners developing PBS in OOHC can support kids in OOHC to improve their quality of life.

If you have any questions, you may contact [email protected]

Start the survey

Posted 20 February 2024; Closes 13 December 2024

Seeking psychologists, social workers and counsellors working in Victorian primary school for Master thesis.

Dear APS members,

I am conducting research with Monash University on the experiences of mental health practitioners in supporting primary school students dealing with non-attendance issues, as part of my master’s degree in educational and Developmental Psychology.

Participants will be invited to complete a brief online demographic questionnaire, which is estimated to take approximately 10 minutes. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in an online interview, beginning the week of the 5th March. The interview is expected to last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. All participants will be reimbursed with a $40 Amazon gift card for their time. The study has received approval from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 40659).

For further enquiries about this research project, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Start the survey

Posted 7 February 2024; Closes 31 May 2024

Dear APS members,

My name is Florence Chiew and I am a student researcher undertaking a Masters in Psychology (Clinical) at the Australian Catholic University under the supervision of Dr Oscar Modesto and Natalie Windsor. We are interested in the role of psychologists in palliative and end-of-life care settings. Specifically, we would like to better understand how psychologists make sense of their personal beliefs and attitudes about death and dying in the context of their professional practice in palliative or end-of-life care settings. We are particularly interested in hearing from psychologists who feel that their lived experience of death and dying has informed their work with clients at the end of life.

Participation in this research involves completing an online interview via Microsoft Teams (30-45 mins). Participants are offered a gift card for their time.

You are eligible to take part in the qualitative study if you:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Are of any gender
• Can read and write English proficiently
• Hold general or provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA)
• Currently practise or have practised in palliative, end-of-life or other related healthcare setting (e.g., aged care, paediatric oncology)

Contact details: [email protected]

Posted 2 January 2024; Closes 31 December 2024

This study aims to investigate whether self-reported, reflective attitudes about physical activity and implicitly measured, automatic evaluations of physical activity are independently associated with physical activity behaviour in youth. The proposed study will be a one-week prospective study measuring natural change delivered online. Participants (youth aged 11-17 years) will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about their attitudes towards physical activity and participate in a 5-minute implicit association test to assess automatic evaluations of physical activity. Further, participants will be asked to report their physical activity behaviour over one week through the survey. 

The findings will increase the understanding of physical activity motivation in youth and determine whether the dual process theory also applies to this age group.

Start the survey

Posted 13 December 2023; Closes 20 October 2024

Do you have symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder? The Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences at Swinburne University is conducting an important survey for adults with symptoms of BDD regarding their everyday thinking experiences. A BDD diagnosis is not necessary.

Participation is online, open to adults (18+) with symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder and English-language proficiency, and will take between 15 and 25 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, even if you decide to participate now, you may change your mind and stop at any time. You may choose not to answer specific questions during the survey or not to continue with the survey for any reason. All of your answers will be kept completely anonymous. This project has human research ethics approval from Swinburne University (20237235-16956).

We hope to learn more about which thinking skills people with body dysmorphic symptoms have, with the view to targeting these through developing new treatments. We would really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with us if you are able to.

Start the survey

Posted 20 July 2023; Closes 31 July 2024

Deakin University researchers are seeking participants for an online study investigating the mental health outcomes, strengths and support needs of autistic and non-autistic adults and those within the LGBTQIA+ and/or broader community. We want to understand how identifying as Autistic, not autistic, and/or LGBTQIA+ shapes mental health and wellbeing, as well as the experiences, perspectives, and needs of adults with various intersecting identities. Participation involves completing an online survey that will take 40-45 minutes.

The survey will ask you questions about you (demographics), your mental health, and your experiences and perspectives related to your identity (what you have found meaningful and what matters most to you).

This study will build our understanding of the ways that adults with various identities experience their mental health, as well as how we can advocate for the needs and preferences of the autistic, LGBTQIA+ and broader community.

Start the survey

Posted 20 July 2023; Closes 26 March 2025

Physical activity (PA) and alcohol consumption have opposite impacts on sleep quality. Alcohol consumption negatively impacts sleep quality in acute and chronic ways, while PA positively impacts sleep quality. In Australia, COVID-19 restrictions have affected PA behaviours, and, alcohol consumption has risen by 30%. As such, it is critical we continue to investigate approaches that mitigate the negative impacts of excessive alcohol use. This study focuses on whether PA manipulation has downstream effects on the alcohol-sleep relationship.

Therefore, participants are needed for research on physical activity, sleep and alcohol consumption.
It will involve an anonymous online questionnaire that will take approximately 15-20 minutes to assess your eligibility. If you are eligible, we’ll contact you and get you set up for the 24-day study from home.
By participating, you will be contributing to research on physical activity, sleep and alcohol, potentially helping to improve treatments, and you’ll receive a $200 Coles/Myer voucher for completing all elements of the 24-day study! Additionally, you will gain a closer insight into your sleep and physical activity habits!

If you have further questions, you are welcome to email the project team: [email protected]

Start the survey

Posted 20 July 2023; Closes 28 March 2028

We are seeking participants to take part in a treatment study investigating the effectiveness of remote psychological treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder.

The treatment is delivered in real-time via an online videoconferencing platform.

To be eligible participants must be:

• Living in Australia
• Aged over 18
• English speaking
• Have regular access to the internet and a computer with a camera
• Have symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

The treatment is provided free of charge and involves 8 weekly sessions with a therapist.

If you would like more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton at [email protected].

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH22-7803. Valid to: 28/03/2028.

Register your interest

Posted 18 July; Closes 4 November 2026

This project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of sexual harm in Australian nightlife venues. The project will investigate factors and correlates related to physical and verbal sexual harm victimisation in these venues. The study will examine the relationship between substance use and sexual harm, and also investigate the consequences of experiencing sexual harm within the nightlife context.

The current study will use an online survey design targeted at Australian nightlife patrons, venue workers and live music performers. The information gathered through this project will contribute to the limited knowledge of the area, particularly in relation to venue workers experience of sexual harm. Further, the findings from the proposed study will also likely be used to inform prevention and response strategies within Australian nightlife venues.

Start the survey

Posted 6 July; Closes 23 June 2027

Study description

We are seeking participants to take part in a treatment study evaluating the effectiveness of a one-day cognitive behavioural treatment for anxiety disorders. The treatment is manualised and delivered individually and in person at the University of Technology Sydney. We are pleased to offer free access to this treatment for eligible participants.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible participants must be:

• Australian resident
• Aged 18 or older
• Able to read and write English
• Meet criteria for an anxiety disorder

The treatment is provided free of charge and involves an 8 hour session with a therapist.

Participants will also be asked to complete some online questionnaires before the treatment, immediately after the treatment, and one- and three-months after the treatment. These questionnaires will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Participants will also be required to complete a diagnostic assessment to ensure that they are suitable for the study. This diagnostic assessment may take 1-2 hours (however, some participants require more time than this).

Interested participants can read more about the study here: https://redcap.link/onedayCBT

If you would like more information, please contact the Chief Investigator of the study, Associate Professor Bethany Wootton at [email protected].

This study is approved by the University of Technology Sydney Health and Medical Research Ethics Committee. Approval Number: UTS HREC REF NO. ETH23-8102. Valid to: 23/06/2028

Register your interest

Posted 6 July; Closes 20 December 2024

Researchers at Deakin University are conducting research into the landscape of cognitive assessment conducted in Australia, with aims to find out:

• Who is conducting cognitive assessments?

• How accessible are cognitive assessments in Australia?
• How long is the average wait time for a cognitive assessment?

If you administer, score, or interpret cognitive assessments and are willing to take part, please read the
participant information statement and complete the survey at:

https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_1Te9buDSMhDFE2i

This survey is expected to take 5-10 minutes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr Jesse Shapiro, [email protected]

This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: HEAG-H 32_2023).

Start the survey

Posted 2 May; Closes 1 January 2025

In adulthood, discovering that the man you call your father is not related to you genetically – a phenomenon known as misattributed paternity – can have profound implications for everyone affected. However, very little is known about the psychosocial consequences of such discoveries and how individuals cope with them.

This new study aims to inform mental health professionals about the needs of individuals with misattributed paternity accessing professional counselling and what can be helpful and unhelpful when working with this presentation. For that purpose, we are seeking professional mental health practitioners who routinely support clients with misattributed paternity to be interviewed on their clinical experiences.

If you are interested to participate in this research project, please select the survey link below or contact [email protected] for any enquires.

Start the survey

Posted 7 February 2023: Closes 31 August 2024

The HARMON-E trial is a group-based, telehealth clinical trial designed to support positive lifestyle changes to improve mental health for adults who are experiencing depression or bipolar disorder. HARMON-E is based on well-established evidence for lifestyle interventions as effective strategies for improving depressive symptoms and common associated physical health conditions. The trial aims to determine whether a lifestyle-based approach to mental health care is as good as psychotherapy for reducing symptoms of depression. 

We are recruiting 378 people (18+) from across Australia to participate in this study. Participants are randomly allocated into one of two programs: 1) led by allied health professionals and 2) led by psychologists. Each program is 8 weeks long and we will measure changes in depressive symptoms over this period and compare them between the two groups. 

If you know someone who may be interested to participate, more information can be found at https://foodandmoodcentre.com.au/projects/the-harmone-trial/. Queries can be directed to [email protected]. 

Individuals interested in participating can also go directly to study information sheet and pre-screening survey by clicking on the link to "Start the Survey" below.

Start the Survey

Posted 14 February; Closes 7 February 2025

This phenomenological research explores wisdom in therapeutic practice. 

You are eligible to participate in this study if you meet the following three criteria:

• you are accredited to work in Australia as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist AND
• your main role involves counselling or psychotherapy with clients (individual or group, face-to-face or online) AND
• you have been practicing for between 12 and 18 years (excluding breaks in practice)

Your participation involves a semi-structured interview (one hour), and on a different day, participation in a focus group (60 to 90 minutes). The interview and focus group would be conducted via Zoom.

The interview will invite participants to share their understanding of how wisdom manifests itself in counselling and/or psychotherapy practice (if at all). Participants will be invited to reflect on whether wisdom emerges in their work and if so, to share an example of this. 

The focus group deepens this discussion by bringing it into a conversation with others. Participants will be invited to reflect on what wisdom means with regards to their own practice and that of the profession. Participants will also be invited to consider when wisdom begins to emerge and what might impede or facilitate wisdom in practice.

This research forms part of Ms Jennifer Coburn’s PhD. No identifying information will be included in the final dissertation. 

This advertisement can be passed on to others who meet the eligibility criteria above. If you are interested, please click on the “Expression of Interest” button below. You will be taken to a form with an Explanation Statement included.

For further information, please contact:
Ms Jennifer Coburn (PhD candidate) [email protected]
Dr Sandy Steward (Supervisor) [email protected]

This study has received Ethics Approval through Monash University.

Expression of Interest

Posted 30 November; Closes 12 March 2026

Seeking men (18+) to share their story about looking after their parent/s, whilst growing up. The following statements may apply to you:  

• One or both parents brought their problems to you.
• One or both parents relied on you for guidance, assistance and/or support.
• You were treated by your parents as a ‘spouse’ and/or ‘mate’. 
• Your parent/s expected you to take sides, or resolve their arguments.
• You organised the household; performing house duties and/or looking after siblings, in excess.

If any of the above statements describe your experiences and you are: a male who looked after either your mother and/or father; a female or male who looked after their father. You qualify to participate in an online interview. 

You will receive a $20 gift voucher for your participation. 

If you answer yes to one or more of the above, and you are interested in participating in an online interview please contact Melanie Thomas on [email protected]
 

Published 17 June 2020; Closes 16 July 2027

In attempting to address the problem of increasing mental health issues, session limits on counselling have been imposed by governments, agencies and insurance companies. There has been some research on the impact of session-limited therapy on the therapeutic process and client outcomes, however, no studies to date have focussed on the experiences of therapists working within such a model.

The aim of this study is to give voice to the subjective experiences of therapists providing session-limited therapy, for the purpose of gathering rich, meaningful data to inform future planning and research.

If you are a psychologist, counsellor or social worker, and have membership of a professional body, we would love to hear from you. You must have worked or currently work with clients in a session-limited model. If you decide to participate in this study, you will be asked to volunteer for an interview, which will take 60 minutes of your time. The interview will be conducted online, using Skype, Zoom, Microsoft teams or a similar application.

To participate in this survey, please click on the button below.

Start Survey

If  you have any questions, please contact the researchers Sallyann Richards (email: [email protected]) or Charmonique Leber (email: [email protected]).

This study has been approved by Murdoch University’s Human Research Ethics Committee. If required, verification of approval can be obtained from Dr Hugo Gonzales on 08 9360 6442.