PsychNews - Australian Psychological Society

PsychNews 

The South Australia Newsletter 

MAY 2012 

From the Chair 

The State 

Committee 

has developed 

two working 

parties: 

Professional 

Development, 

facilitated 

by Kate 

Prescott and 

Carmel Wauchope 

Membership 

(facilitated 

by Richard Oborn). The aim of the 

Professional Development group is to 

provide current members with CPD 

opportunities within South Australia 

that are not or have not previously 

been available. The Membership 

group has the aim of examining our 

current membership demographics, 

and our current and anticipated 

needs. The group is also looking 

at students of psychology in South 

Australia and how, in conjunction 

with the recently launched APS 

Student Subscriber webpages, we can 

support them in their education and 

training in psychology. 

Changes made in September 2011in 

the Child Protection Act (1993) 

of South Australia require that 

organisations (the named health and 

welfare sectors include psychology 

practice) “conduct criminal history 

assessments on certain employees, 

contractors and volunteers who 

are working with children (unless 

an exemption applies); and lodge a 

Child Safe Environment Compliance 

Statement with the Department 

for Families and Communities”. 

Compliance to these changes was 

effective from January 2012. Further 

information on this can be found at: 

http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/pub/default. 

aspx?tabid=927 

Mental Health Providers Network 

(MHPN) facilitates professional 

development activities for those 

unable to attend face to face or day 

time activities. The launch of Phase 

3, funded until 2014, has a focus 

on consolidating and strengthening 

interdisciplinary mental health 

networks through webinars and 

local networks. MHPN is a valuable 

resource for rural and remote 

colleagues (notwithstanding that 

internet access in rural and remote 

areas may not always be reliable!). 

Further information can be found 

at: www.mhpn.org.au. Two members 

of the State Committee, myself and 

Chris Wigg attended the launch 

presided by Mark Butler. 

The APS NO (National Office) is 

currently gathering information 

from psychologists regarding the 

Medicare cutbacks and reinstatement 

of Medicare funded psychological 

treatment and the impact this has 

on clients requiring treatment that 

is now unavailable. Please check the 

APS website for further information 

on how to contribute data. 

Congratulations to the many students 

recently graduating with degrees 

and post-graduate qualifications in 

psychology. It has been a pleasure 

to be present to witness and present 

the APS prizes for outstanding theses 

to two students completing their 

Honours in Psychology at Adelaide 

University and the University of 

South Australia (one profile in this 

edition, more to come). 

Warm regards, 

Carmel 

IN THIS ISSUE 

2 SA Branch Committee 

6 National Office news 

7 Psychology in schools 

9 Spotlight on Flinders 

University 

14 College reports


Introducing your committee 

Lauren Moulds 

I 

first became interested 

in psychology when I 

realised that not everyone 

saw or thought the way I 

did. I became obsessed with 

understanding why. 

Almost 6 years of study on, 

I still cannot conclusively 

answer that question – in 

fact, it has sparked more 

questions, but my love of 

the field continues. I did 

a year of Behavioural Science at Flinders University 

then transferred to the University of Adelaide where I 

completed by Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) – with my 

thesis on the experience of anxiety related to colonoscopy 

in first time patients. I am currently in my final year 

of my Master of Psychology (Health) at the University 

of Adelaide and completing a great placement at the 

Adelaide Institute of Sleep Health. My Master’s research 

is looking at the potential role of the health psychologist 

working with children under the guardianship of the 

Minister. 

Throughout my Honours year I was lucky enough to 

volunteer with the Guardianship Board, which gave me 

a wealth of insight and information about the concept of 

capacity and the legalities related to the Mental Health 

Act. For the last 9 months, I have been employed at the 

Brain Injury Network of South Australia (BINSA). I 

facilitate the Buddy Project, a one-on-one psychosocial 

program for individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury 

and also co-ordinate the Reconnect Transition Program 

– an 8 week program covering how BINSA clients relate 

to themselves, others and their community in a valueconsistent 

way. 

My future goal is to work in a multidisciplinary 

team with clients experiencing acute and chronic 

trauma and their adaptation to health - applying key 

psychological principles to help individuals adjust and 

approach changes in mental and physical health from a 

multifaceted perspective. 

I have always had a keen interest in politics, with past 

active roles in student representation, so I jumped at the 

opportunity to be part of the APS SA Branch Committee. 

I came on board last year as a minute taker and this year 

I have been given the chance to take more of an active role 

in the discussions of the meeting. I am hoping to bring 

my enthusiasm and optimism as well as to represent the 

APS student member population, via presenting relevant 

issues and challenges, and communicating relevant 

information back to the student population. 

2 

Kate Prescott 


I 

am not sure when the idea 

of being a psychologist 

gelled, but I do remember 

that I found a book on my 

father’s cousin’s bookshelf 

fascinating. In retrospect I 

think it was probably about 

the Goodenough Draw a Man 

or something similar. I was 

fourteen. A few years later 

I found out that there were 

such things as psychologists 

working in schools helping children and teachers. So that 

became the plan. 

I studied psychology at University of Adelaide, combining 

neurophysiology with extra psychology. The combination 

has continued to fascinate me, although I have not 

had the opportunity to pursue the neuro side as much 

as I would like. Dabbling in the neuroscience from 

afar has had to suffice. I also did some extra study in 

different models of counselling, and in systems theory 

News and views for APS Members in South Australia

MAY 2012 

and systemic intervention. All very useful for work in 

education. 

My career has been fairly linear, with a few sideways 

adventures. I had to get teaching experience in order to 

get a job as a psychologist (then called Guidance Officers) 

with the Education Department, and thoroughly enjoyed 

being a teacher. But fate put an advertisement in front 

of me (and my principal) and the rest is history. I worked 

as a Guidance Officer in Mt. Gambier, in Whyalla, Port 

Augusta, Port Pirie and district as a visiting service, and 

in the wider western suburbs of Adelaide. I worked as a 

psychologist for the Toronto Board of Education (Canada) 

for 12 months. I stepped sideways to work as a counsellor 

with the then Department of Personnel and Industrial 

Relations and learned a lot about other worlds, and about 

myself. I spent two years managing a national federally 

funded project for the AGCA called Teaching Prosocial 

Behaviour to Adolescents. I have been a Senior Guidance 

Officer, and a manager of multidisciplinary teams. Now 

I am back working as a full time psychologist in the 

www.groups.psychology.org.au 

ESL program of DECD, working with the new arrivals 

program for migrant and refugee students. A professional 

challenge on many levels. Western psychology just does 

not do it for some of these kids. 

Professionally I have been an active member of many 

committees at the local, national and international level. 

I have always wanted to support the profession, and 

selfishly I believe I am a better psychologist with the 

cross fertilization from other minds. And I have gained 

some valued friendships in the process. In the context 

of the APS I have been a co-opted member of the state 

committee and now an elected member. I represented 

SA school psychology on the APS School Psychology 

Reference Group for four years. I have been a long term 

member of the Psychologists for Peace interest group 

(since before it was an interest group of the APS) and 

have co-convened the last two judging panels for the 

Children’s Peace Literature Award. 

3

MAY 2012 

From the editor 

Welcome to the 

May edition of 

PsychNews SA, 

and my second edition as 

editor. 

PsychNews SA 

newsletter has the 

enviable reputation 

of being being newsy 

and interesting. For 

this I have to thank 

Sally Metzer, the 

previous editor, for her 

foundation work in promoting the profession through 

the creation of a newsletter full of highly relevant and 

varied content. It is a high standard which I aspire to 

maintain. Thank you, Sally, for your hard work over 

the last four years; your contribution has been greatly 

appreciated by all. 

These are uncertain times for psychologists. As the 

fallout of dark-weather clouds - global, national, 

political, financial - permeates, I believe we have an 

even greater mandate to band together in order to 

sustain and promote our profession. I hope that our 

sharing of news and the celebrations of the impact we 

make on the community, as evidenced through the 

articles in this newsletter, may contribute in some 

measure towards this goal. 

Just briefly, I would like to highlight a link and a brief 

article of interest to members. Firstly, APS matters 

recently announced a new web page, established by the 

Communications team of NO. This web page features 

media highlights from recent campaigns and will be 

regularly updated to reflect “APS media involvement in 

promoting the role and relevance of psychology.” Worth 

adding APS in the news web page as a ‘favourite’. 

Secondly, I’d like to pass on some information from our 

allied health colleagues – the importance of prescribing 

exercise for chronic disease. This article was sent 

via Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). I 

really enjoyed the video and the message, and believe 

our clients can benefit from our collaboration with 

accredited exercise physiologists. 

Call for research participants 

Flinders university PhD student Samantha Angelakis is 

seeking study participants (adults) with both PTSD and 

depression for a study investigating different CBT methods 

for treating this comorbid presentation. 


What is the single best thing you can do for your health 

(including mental health)? 

From Louise Czosnek, Industry Development Officer, 

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) 

Chronic disease is a major concern in our society and 

the rates of chronic disease are projected to increase 

significantly over the next twenty years. Physical 

inactivity is the biggest contributor to the development 

of chronic disease. For a summary of the evidence 

regarding physical activity and health, including 

statistics on the reduction of anxiety and depression, 

have a look at this presentation by Dr Mike Evans: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo&featur 

e=share. 

Accredited 

exercise 

physiologists 

(AEPs) are 

university 

qualified 

allied health 

professionals 

most qualified 

to prescribe 

exercise to 

those who are 

at risk of or who have chronic disease, and recognised 

by Medicare, The Department of Veterans Affairs 

and private health insurers. Locally based AEPs can 

be found at the Exercise & Sports Science Australia 

(ESSA) website or under ‘Exercise Physiology’ in the 

yellow pages. The website also contains ESSA position 

statements on exercise and chronic disease and fact 

sheets on physical activity and chronic disease. 

Further information about AEPs can be obtained 

through the ESSA national office on 07 38565622 or 

email info@essa.org.au 

Louise has provided three key references which I can 

pass on. 

Until next time, 

Jane Turner Goldsmith 

Please contact Samantha: 

Email: samantha.angelakis@flinders.edu.au 

Telephone: 8201 5995. 

5


Report from the APS National Office 

This regular report provides information on some of the 

recent activities and news from the APS National Office. 

APS 2012 Better Access study 

The APS campaign for permanent reinstatement of 

the exceptional circumstances sessions under the 

Better Access initiative has continued with the 

commencement of a new study to inform APS advocacy. 

Data collected in 2011 by the APS provided compelling 

evidence that demonstrated the potential impact of the 

Better Access funding cuts and contributed to achieving 

the successful outcome of temporary reinstatement of 

the exceptional circumstances sessions. The APS 2012 

study is well underway, with part 1 of the study currently 

collecting retrospective data on clients seen last year who 

required more than 10 sessions of treatment but were 

unable to access these after the session allowance changes 

came into effect on 1 November 2011. Online entry of 

deidentified client data for part 1 closes at the end of May 

2012, so members providing services under Better Access 

still have the opportunity to contribute their data. 

The second part of the APS study will be open for online 

data entry from June 2012 and involves collecting data on 

clients seen in 2012 who have needed to access additional 

sessions under exceptional circumstances since these 

sessions were reinstated on 1 March 2012. The clientrated 

Kessler 10 (K10) will be used as the outcome 

measure and administered to clients at three time points: 

at commencement of treatment; at the end of the 10th 

session; and at the end of the final session in the current 

episode of treatment where this consists of between 11 

and 16 Medicare-funded sessions in this calendar year. 

To strengthen the data, the Depression and Anxiety 

Stress Scales (DASS21) should also to be administered 

wherever possible. Members should therefore administer 

the pre-treatment outcome measures on all new clients in 

the event that they may go on to require the exceptional 

circumstances sessions. For those clients who complete 

their treatment in 10 sessions or less, administration of 

these outcome measures does not need to continue, but 

data may be used in a later analysis. The K10 and the 

DASS21 can be downloaded from the APS website. To find 

out more about the APS Better Access study or to enter 

data, go to www.psychology.org.au/betteraccess. 

We hope as many members as possible will participate 

in the APS 2012 Better Access study to assist the APS 

campaign for the permanent reinstatement of the 

exceptional circumstances sessions. 

Advocacy with Government Ministers and advisers 

Advocacy on behalf of APS members has continued at a 

Federal level to ensure new Ministers and their advisers 

6 

are briefed on important psychological matters in their 

portfolios. A very successful series of meetings was held 

in the lead up to the May Federal Budget, with Ministers 

and their advisers demonstrating a strong interest in the 

contribution of psychologists and psychological knowledge 

to the Australian community. A meeting was held with 

the new Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, who 

was particularly interested to understand more about 

psychological interventions and their effectiveness, and 

the role of psychologists in managing chronic diseases. 

Areas of concern to psychologists which were discussed 

in a meeting with the new Minister for Human Services, 

Kim Carr, included issues arising from the transition 

to the national eHealth system and Medicare billing 

matters. A strong interest in supporting psychologists in 

private practice was indicated by the new Minister for 

Small Business, Homelessness and Housing, Brendan 

O’Connor, and meetings with the new Deputy Chief 

of Staff and an ‘Ageing’ adviser for the Minister for 

Mental Health and Ageing focused on maintenance of 

the Better Access initiative and highlighted proposals 

for increased access to psychologists in the aged care 

sector. The inclusion of psychological knowledge in the 

development of new services in the disability sector 

was promoted with a key adviser to the Minister for 

Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs 

and Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin. In all 

of these important meetings, strong interest was shown 

by the Ministers and their advisers in the contribution of 

psychology to the Australian community and the concerns 

of its practitioners. 

Join us at the APS Annual Conference in Perth in 

September 

The 47th APS Annual Conference will be held from 

27 to 30 September 2012 at the Perth Convention 

and Exhibition Centre under the theme ‘Psychology 

addressing the challenges of the modern age’. An 

impressive line-up of keynote and invited speakers has 

been assembled, including Professor Dorothy Bishop from 

the University of Oxford, Professor Michelle Craske of the 

University of California and Professor Michael Eysenck of 

the University of London. Keynote and invited addresses 

will be complemented by symposia, individual papers 

and posters, professional fora, how-to sessions, practical 

workshops and peer consultation opportunities across the 

various streams of psychology. Plan now to join us at the 

Annual Conference in Perth to broaden your knowledge, 

expertise and competence, and to accrue a large number 

of professional development hours in a stimulating, 

collegiate environment. 

Professor Lyn Littlefield OAM FAPS 

Executive Director 



MAY 2012 

Working together? Let’s make it work 

The new mantra of primary health care reform includes 

such objectives as ‘working collaboratively’, ‘working 

together’, ‘integrated care’ ‘partnerships’ and so on. 

We will be asked to work with fellow health professionals, 

across agencies, and to involve clients and their families. 

These concepts are not foreign to many psychologists who 

have worked in multi-disciplinary teams, across services, 

and have attempted to coordinate care for their clients. 

In doing so we have developed knowledge and skills in 

what does and doesn’t work, and combined with our 

training in applied psychology, we are in a good position 

to shape and even lead health reform. It is potentially a 

chance to develop new models, where all disciplines are 

valued and respected, and the specialisation of clinical 

psychology is better acknowledged and valued. If you are 

interested in being an APS leader to help drive reform 

within your service or practice, within Medicare Locals or 

Mental Health Professionals Networks, within Enterprise 

The heavily publicized ATAR (Australian Tertiary 

Admissions Rank) of 99.65 for the Bachelor of 

Psychology (Honours) degree at the University 

of Adelaide may lead some intending applicants and 

their secondary school teachers to imagine that only the 

academically elite can successfully enter a degree program 

in order to become a psychologist. With an identified 

shortage of psychologists in the workforce, Professors Anna 

Chur-Hansen and Helen Winefield offered to speak at the 

annual South Australian Science Teachers Association 

(SASTA) Summer Psychology Conference on the 18th 

January at the Education Department Centre (EDC) in 

Hindmarsh (http://www.sasta.asn.au). 

The presentation Following a career in psychology, covered 

pathways for studying psychology and routes to becoming 

a registered psychologist. The aim of the presentation was 

to provide information of relevance to secondary school 

teachers of psychology, so that they may give accurate 

career guidance to secondary students interested in the 

profession. There are many degree programs that can 

lead to entry into Honours Psychology, and not all have 

an almost perfect ATAR. Whilst the routes for entry into 

Honours may vary, entry into a postgraduate program 

is highly competitive, and this was discussed during the 

presentation, along with suggestions teachers could make 

to interested students (such as relevant volunteer work 

whilst an undergraduate). 

The presentation, which is on the SASTA website, drew 

heavily on materials provided by the APS National Office, 

and was well received by the 50 or so attendees. The 

Bargaining, within APS working parties and focus groups, 

please let me know so that we have a strong and wellsupported 

voice within the reform process. 

Another current opportunity is to become a local APS 

media spokesperson, one who is willing to talk or write 

to the media about their work, and / or be available 

occasionally to make comment on topical issues. This 

is a great way to promote the profession, market our 

specialisations, and educate the community about 

psychology and psychologists. Media training will be 

provided, and your involvement will be coordinated and 

supported by the APS. 

If interested, please contact Chris Wigg (Chair Clinical 

College (SA), Member APS State Branch) on psychology@ 

chariot.net.au 

Chris Wigg 

Promoting psychology in the schools 


discussion time, where teachers posed questions to the 

presenters was lively and engaging. 

Anna and Helen give many thanks to Kirsty Gebert from 

Nuriootpa High School, co-convener of the Conference 

along with Penny Collins, and Kate Cutts, University 

Senior College, who linked the APS with SASTA. 

Anna Chur-Hansen and Helen Winefield 

7


Professional Development 

Subcommittee 

Kate Prescott, Loraine Lim, Jodie Harris, Shelley Rogers 

The aim of this new subcommittee is to facilitate 

professional learning for psychologists that complements 

CPD offered by the Colleges and other bodies, and to take 

advantage of opportunities from visiting speakers that may 

arise. We have already considered a number of possibilities 

(long workshops, short workshops and dinner seminars), 

and by the time you read this there will be some options to 

put in your diary. 

We have arranged a workshop jointly with the APS NO: 

Dr Sarah Edelman – Treatment of Generalised Anxiety 

Disorder on the 8th September from 9 to 5am 

http://www.psychology.org.au/Events/EventView. 

aspx?EventID=9959&Highlight=1 

We are negotiating for the possibility of a series of brief 

workshops on the business side of independent practice, 

from setting one up to marketing and leasing rooms. Let us 

know if you would be interested. 

If you have any suggestions of what you would like to see 

(or not see), please feel free to contact any of us. 

8 


Upcoming Adelaide APS workshops 

8 September 2012 CBT treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder 

(GAD) 

Presented by Dr Sarah Edelman 

Events Calendar Listing: http://www. 

psychology.org.au/Events/EventView. 


9 November 2012 CBT Masterclass: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 

Presented by Dr Clare Rees 




10 November 2012 Metacognitive Therapy: Made simple 

Presented by Dr Clare Rees 





MAY 2012 

Spotlight on Flinders University, clinical 

psychology program and staff 

Both clinical psychology (Masters and PhD) programs 

at Flinders University obtained accreditation through 

APAC (Australian Psychology Accreditation Council) in 

2011 and a particular focus for 2012 is to finalise new 

placement opportunities in Adelaide and the Palmerston 

Clinic, Northern Territory, funded by the Health Workforce 

Australia initiative. 

Key staff profiles are presented below (please see web links 

for contact details and publications): 

Associate Professor Reg Nixon, director of the Clinical 

Program 

http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/reg.nixon 

Reg’s clinical and research interests are in posttraumatic 

stress in children and adults, ranging from investigating 

basic cognitive and memory processes associated with 

posttraumatic stress to clinical interventions for acute 

stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder 

(PTSD). One collaborative Adelaide-based project is 

examining the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy 

(CPT) compared with treatment as usual for recent victims 

of sexual assault (through Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual 

Assault Service). Another project, through Veterans 

and Veterans Families Counselling Service and the 

Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health aims to 

disseminate cognitive processing therapy in a sustainable 

fashion: teleconference consultation for 6-months following 

CPT training. 

Reg is also a member of the multidisciplinary panel for the 

revision of the Australian guidelines for treatment of ASD 

and PTSD in children and adults. 

Professor Tracey Wade 

http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/tracey.wade 

FUSED: http://www.flinders. 

edu.au/sabs/psychology/ 

services/flinders-universityservices-for-eating-disorders/ 

home.cfm 

Tracey’s clinical expertise 

and research focus is in 

eating disorders. Outpatient 

treatment and intervention 

trials currently offered 

through Flinders University 

Services for Eating Disorders 

include: (1) treatment 

for anorexia nervosa, (2) 

treatment for perfectionism, 

(3) group treatment for body 


dissatisfaction, (4) web-based interventions for people 

living with someone who has anorexia nervosa. Tracey’s 

research also focuses on the aetiology of disordered 

eating, as well as prevention and intervention. She has 

co-authored a book entitled Overcoming Perfectionism 

(Robinson Publishing). 

Tracey is on the steering committee for the National Eating 

Disorders Collaboration and the South Australian Project 

Implementation Committee, translating recommendations 

for eating service development into action, and on the 

national APS Clinical College committee as editor of the 

APS journal Clinical Psychologist. 

Dr. Michael Gradisar 

http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/michael.gradisar 

Michael’s research interest is in paediatric sleep disorders: 

the treatment of paediatric sleep disorders, the influence of 

technology on sleep in school-aged children and sleep and 

emotional functioning. His research team has completed 

trials of psychological treatments for sleep problems 

through the Child and Adolescent Sleep Clinic at Flinders 

University, including controlled crying vs. bedtime fading 

for infants, bedtime fading for toddlers, CBT for primary 

school-aged children, and combined CBT plus bright light 

therapy for correcting adolescents’ delayed circadian 

rhythms. Michael was recently on an expert panel for an 

investigation into sleep and technology use in the USA and 

with colleagues at Macquarie University in NSW, he is 

exploring the inter-relationships between sleep and anxiety 

in school-aged children. 

Dr. Junwen Chen 

http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/junwen.chen 

Junwen’s research and clinical interests focus on social 

anxiety disorder, excessive worry and panic disorder 

- evaluating the effectiveness of different cognitive 

behavioural technique/treatment techniques and 

investigating the maintaining mechanisms (eg rumination, 

attention/interpretation biases). Her research encompasses 

cross-cultural studies on social anxiety with colleagues 

from diverse countries including the US, the UK, the 

Netherlands, Canada, China, Japan and Korea, with 

a focus on intervention effectiveness for social anxiety 

disorder and panic disorder in Japan. Additionally she is 

involved in researching depression in older adults and her 

many projects include investigating a conceptual model of 

worry underlying anxiety and depression; techniques for 

enhancing the effect of video feedback on social anxiety; 

social phobia across cultures (Japan/Australia) and social 

activity engagement, control beliefs and depression in 

older adults. 

9


APS student prizewinners: 

UniSA, Rachel Samson 

For as long as I 

can remember, 

I have been 

fascinated with 

human behaviour 

and emotion. 

As a student, 

this fascination 

manifested as a 

natural gravitation 

toward the science 

and practice of 

psychology - clinical 

psychology in 

particular. 

As an undergraduate 

student, I 

endeavoured to 

complement my 

formal studies in 

psychology by pursuing additional research projects and 

work experience in the field. During this time, I gained 

practical experience working for various not-for-profit 

organisations that aim to promote emotional wellbeing 

through the delivery of programs and services for a diverse 

range of people affected by mental illness and crisis. 

Among other things, this pursuit also led me to work 

collaboratively on a research project that examined the 

self-reported experiences of non-Indigenous Australian 

psychologists working in Indigenous contexts. This project 

sparked my growing interest in the relationship between 

Western psychology and Indigenous Australians, and 

resulted in a publication in the area. 

Thus, my passion for psychology extends beyond Western 

mainstream psychology and includes indigenous and 

Eastern psychologies, particularly Buddhism. I have 

travelled widely throughout Asia exploring and developing 

my interest in Buddhist philosophy and visiting important 

Psychologists in the news 

“Do or Die” 

APS member Dr Travis Kemp will be on ABC2TV in Sept/ 

Oct hosting a series called “Do or Die” where he takes 

workplace groups into a remote part of the outback to go 

through a team/crisis situation. Travis will be host and 

coach/mentor for these groups. His PhD thesis was on 

outdoor experiential education, and he has previously 

appeared on shows such as Insight. It’s the first 

documentary series of this type commissioned by ABC2 

and not at all like “Survivor”! Promotions for the show will 

10 

UNISA APS psychology prize 

places of Buddhist pilgrimage in countries including India, 

Nepal, and Thailand. Looking forward, my vision is for the 

integration of Western psychology and eastern psychology, 

particularly Buddhism. There is evidence this is already 

underway as interest in Buddhism proliferates in both 

research and clinical settings, and the clinical utility of 

ancient Buddhist practises, such as mindfulness, are now 

being demonstrated empirically. 

As an Honours student I completed my thesis in the area 

of adolescent sleep and mood. In particular, the project 

aimed to examine whether patterns of adolescents’ sleep, 

sleepiness, and mood differed across the school week and 

weekend. Successfully completing my honours project 

was my challenge and quickly became my passion. As 

a practitioner, I aspire to work in the area, specializing 

in the treatment of mood disorders, particularly anxiety 

and depression in adolescents. For me, the APS prize is a 

formal recognition of my passion for, and dedication to, my 

studies over the past four years. I have also taken it as a 

sign that I am on the right path. 

appear on ABC1 later in the year. The broadcast will be 

timed for after the Olympics, but exact dates are not yet 

available. 

Psychs on bikes 


In last newsletter we featured an article on “Psychs on 

Bikes”. As I write the ride has just commenced, (April 

14th) and readers will be interested to learn that Chris 

Wigg, Chair, Clinical College (SA) and Member, APS State 

Branch was participating in the ride. Chris has offered to 

share his experience in the next newsletter. 



College Reports 

College of Organisational Psychologists SA – AGM/Networking Night 

Alexandra Stillwell 

Associate Member 

More than 60 affiliates, members, associate members 

and students attended the SA College of Organisational 

Psychologists (COP) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 

Networking event in March 2012. Judging by the evening’s 

excellent turnout and spirited discussion, we are a dynamic 

and dedicated group of professionals and students who 

mean business (no pun intended!) when it comes to 

organisational psychology. 

Chair Shelley Rogers opened the AGM with a review 

of the Committee’s work in 2011. She also spoke about 

the ongoing challenge of finding willing and qualified 

supervisors for our Associate members, mainly due to 

the restrictive eligibility criteria to become a supervisor. 

Planned relaxation of these criteria by July should 

hopefully expand the pool of talented and inspirational 

psychologists eligible to supervise Associates to full 

membership. 

Attendees at the College of Organisational Psychologists AGM 2012 

Prizes were then awarded to the top all-round students 

graduating from university Masters programs in 

organisational psychology in 2011. Alexandra Stillwell was 

the top student from the University of Adelaide’s Master 

of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) degree 

and Kerry Rosser was the top student from the University 

of South Australia’s Master of Psychology (Work and 

Organisational) program. Each was awarded a certificate 

and $300 to go towards APS and College membership fees. 

Business then turned to farewelling our retiring Committee 

members, acknowledging the continuing members and 

welcoming some new faces. A huge thank you was made to 

retiring Secretary Jodie Shoobridge who has demonstrated 

energy, enthusiasm and exceptional organisational skills in 

this role for the past three years. Warren Rerden has also 

retired from the Committee, after doing an excellent job of 

coordinating the Associate group. 

12 


Shelley Rogers, Chair COP SA, Peter Zarris chair National COP, Prize winner 

from the University of Adelaide Alexandra Stillwell.JPG 

The 2012 Committee consists of Shelley Rogers (Chair), 

Oriana Nofi (Treasurer), Karen Osborne (Secretary), 

Sophie Holdstock (Associates Coordinator) and general 

committee members Alexandra Stillwell, Vashti Wallace 

and Mark Douglas. Student representatives will be Anna 

Booth, Danielle Chant, Adele Valladares, Dana Michalski 

and Kristina Dorniak-Wall. 

National Chair of the College of Organisational 

Psychologists Peter Zarris then addressed the audience, 

talking about the challenging process of seeking 

endorsement as a member of any College within the APS 

and the importance of making this membership more 

than a symbolic naming right. Peter also spoke about the 

launch of a national marketing committee and campaign 

and a survey of organisational psychologists who are APS 

members but not COP members, to determine how best to 

market our profession. 

Peter also addressed the unfortunate loss of many 

Masters programs in organisational psychology, as 

universities around the country tighten their belts. This 

has been particularly felt in SA where there is now only 

one university (Adelaide) offering a Masters program in 

organisational psychology. Peter acknowledged that the 

College will need to think strategically about how best 

to support universities who still offer these programs, to 

ensure their continued survival. 

The key message from the evening’s proceedings was 

“onwards and upwards”, as organisational psychology – part 

of what Peter Zarris calls the “second force in psychology “– 

demonstrates just how powerful a force it can be. 


MAY 2012 

College of Health Psychologists 

Marijeta Kurtin and Grant Dewar 

In October 2011, the College of Health Psychologists held a 

PD and networking event at The Astor Hotel. Nominations 

for committee members were also accepted at this evening. 

This saw Marijeta Kurtin and Grant Dewar elected 

as ‘shadow’ representatives to the existing committee: 

Professor Anna Chur-Hansen (Chairperson) and Professor 

Helen Winefield (Secretary and Treasurer). 

Marijeta Kurtin is a provisional psychologist, in the 

final stages of completing her Master of Psychology 

(Health) degree from the University of Adelaide. She is 

currently employed at Disability Services (Department for 

Communities and Social Inclusion), working with children 

and adolescents who have intellectual disabilities. She has 

a great interest in child and youth mental health, and in 

2011 completed her PhD which investigated adolescent 

mental health needs in rural areas of South Australia. 

Marijeta will act as the shadow chair of the committee 

until she obtains full membership of the Health College. 

She currently supports the chair, Professor Anna Chur- 

Hansen in her College activities. 

Grant Dewar is a registered Psychologist, having obtained 

a Master of Psychology (Health) from The University of 

Adelaide. He has recently been admitted to the combined 

Clinical Masters PhD program. He works part-time in 

Victor Harbor at Torrens House and uses evidence based 

therapies to assist people in changing their behaviour to 

improve their functioning and better manage thoughts, 

feelings and physical sensations. He has experience as 

an educator, health and safety and welfare adviser and a 

human resource professional. Grant will act as the shadow 

Secretary/Treasurer of the committee until he has obtained 

full Health College membership, and currently supports 

College of Clinical Neuropsychologists 

Rochelle Whelan, Chair, CCN, SA Branch 

The College hosted a whole day workshop led by Associate 

Professor Tim Hannan on March 14th. His topic of ‘Diagnosing 

Learning Disorders’ was very popular and attracted nearly 100 

attendees. On behalf of the CCN I would like to thank Mark 

Pertini for all his work in making this event come to fruition. 

An Expression of Interest has been sent out for a 

student representatives to be on the CCN committee, 

so as to promote neuropsychology with undergraduate 

students. It was proposed that there be separate student 

representatives from each university. 

The Chair has liaised with the University of Adelaide 

regarding the submission (‘business case’) for a 

neuropsychology course made early last year. We will 

be following up with Catherine Turnbull (Workforce 

Development, SA Health) regarding this submission. 


Grant Dewar, Matther Smout and 

Marijeta Kurtin 

Helen Winefield in her College 

activities. 

The College has planned four 

events for its members in 2012. 

Last month, Helen Winefield 

hosted an afternoon tea to 

welcome new students into the 

Master of Psychology (Health) 

program. A great afternoon 

was had by all who attended, 

and many thanks to Helen and 

her family for their generous 

hospitality. 

An evening PD event has 

been tentatively scheduled for 

May 30th at 6.00pm, with a 

focus on ‘How psychologists can communicate effectively 

with GPs (Venue TBA). Dr Tri Cao, a general practitioner 

from the Montague Farm Medical Centre has been invited 

as a guest speaker. Dr Cao will be speaking about her 

experiences in working with psychologists, and providing 

mental health care to clients in general practice. This 

event is being organised with the assistance of two College 

members, Erin Beilby and Melissa Opolski, who have 

experience in offering psychology services within a primary 

care setting. A formal invitation will be sent to College 

members later this month. 

Other events the committee will be planning for later in 

the year include a WorkCover rehabilitation/return to 

work PD event, and a Christmas function. If members 

have any suggestions for future PD or networking events, 

they can e-mail: marijeta.kurtin@student.adelaide.edu or 

grantdewarpsychologist@gmail.com 

13


College of Forensic Psychologists 

Emma Warne, chair CFP SA Branch 

2012 will involve an exciting seminar and workshop 

program for those interested in Forensic Psychology. 

To date, we have confirmed four seminars and an 

international speaker, Lawrence Jones. The topics covered 

this year will be as follows: 

Registration for all events will be online and we invite 

all to attend. CPD points will be sought for each seminar 

and where overlaps exist between colleges, we will seek 

endorsement accordingly. 

Lawrence Jones is the Lead Psychologist in the Peaks unit, 

Rampton Hospital, UK. He works with people diagnosed 

with personality disorders who have not responded to 

previous interventions and are seen as either difficult to 

manage or who have complex presentations warranting 

specialist intervention. He is a former chair of the Forensic 

College of Forensic Psychologists CPD activities, 2012 

Date Time Location Topic Speaker 

Friday 15/06/2012 1.45 – 5.00 The Brunswick Hotel Forensic clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 

Intellectual Disability and/or other specific needs: 

Implications for assessment and treatment 

Thursday 19/07/2012 9.30 – 12.00 

1.30 – 5.00 

Division, British Psychological Society. He has published 

on therapeutic community-based interventions, iatrogenic 

interventions with offenders, assessment of motivation 

and engagement, working with personality disordered 

sex offenders, case formulation for complex cases, offence 

paralleling behaviour (OPB) and is currently interested 

in the assessment of adverse responses to custody. We are 

very fortunate to have Lawrence visit Adelaide, and the 

seminar and workshop he presents will both be informative 

and practice oriented, and will be appropriate to all 

psychologists. 

We look forward to seeing you at the Brunswick for an 

informative seminar and an opportunity to network and 

meet other psychologists afterwards. 

If you would like further information, please don’t hesitate 

to contact Emma Warne) at emma.warne2@sa.gov.au 

Dr. Robyn Young 

Dr. Erin Bullus 

TBA Working with personality disordered clients Dr. Lawrence Jones 

(from the UK) 

Friday 21/09/2012 1.45 – 5.00 The Brunswick Hotel Neuropsychological Assessment within the criminal 

justice system 

Mr. Mark Reid 

Friday 07/12/2012 1.45 – 5.00 

Plus AGM to follow 

The Brunswick Hotel Working with Young Offenders Ms. Louisa Hackett 

College of Clinical Psychologists 

Chris Wigg, Chair CClin, SA Branch 

The program of CPD events for the College of Clinical 

psychologists was publicised in the March newsletter and 

reprinted here: 

• June 29: Reg Nixon, Treating adult posttraumatic stress: 

What should we be doing? 

• July 27: Maria Polymeneas, Pain. 

• Aug 31: Tracey Wade, Working with clinical 

perfectionism. 

• Sep 28: Kathy Moar, Difficult, different, delayed: 

assessment and diagnosis of complex developmental 

issues in pre-adolescent children. 

• Oct 26: Matthew Smout, Comorbidity: Conceptualisation 

and treatment planning. 

• Nov 30: Angela Davis: Beyond Sage Advice: working 

with very challenging children and their families. 

The College has a portable PA (speaker and microphone) 

which is not being used as seminars at EDC (Hindmarsh) 

include audio. Would Branch or other Colleges be 

14 


interested in using / having this as a shared asset? If so, 

where should it be stored? 

In 2011 the College commenced discussions with Lynne 

Casey about expanding and increasing the presence of 

psychology and SA APS psychologists in the media. There 

are some fantastic professionals doing amazing work, but 

better communication and branding as being undertaken 

by APS psychologists is needed. This is an issue for all SA 

members and we would like the Branch to continue these 

discussions further with EOIs to members, media training, 

APS guideline orientation, and local coordination. 

The APS College of Clinical Psychologists will convene 

the 2012 National Clinical Psychology Conference at the 

Sheraton on the Park, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney from 

Friday 29 June to Sunday 1 July. 

For further details and on-line registration go to: 

http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/GroupContent. 

aspx?ID=4105 


MAY 2012 

College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists 

Natalie Morphett, SA CEDP Co-Chair 

The College of Educational and Developmental 

Psychologists SA Section is excited to announce the 

following professional development programme for 2012 

(see below). A presentation may also be scheduled for 

Monday 13th August 2012, 5-6:30pm at Hindmarsh. 

College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists CPD activities, 2012 

Date Time Location Topic Speaker 

Saturday 23/06/2012 

9.30 – 11.00am Education Pearson Assessments (WASI-II,WMRT-III, NEPSY-II, Melissa Stephens 

9:30 – 3:15pm 

Development KeyMaths-3, BASC-2 Intervention Guide, AWMA/ 

Centre, Port Rd, Cogmed) 

11:30 – 1:00pm 

Hindmarsh 

Self-talk in Downs Syndrome Judy Opolski 

1:45 – 3:15pm Working with Children with Disability in Care Jisca Sterk and Kate 

Hollitt 

Monday 17/09/2012 5:00 – 6:30pm Australian Supporting Parents who Care for Children with 

Dr Angela 

Institute of 

Management, 

Port Rd, 

Hindmarsh 

Disabilities: Research and Practice 

Crettenden 

Monday 5/11/2012 

4:00 – 4:30pm Cathedral Hotel, AGM 

4:00 – 7:00pm 

4:30 – 6:00pm 

North Adelaide 

Refugee Experiences and its Impact on Learning and 

School 

Kate Prescott 

6:00pm onwards Nibbles/drinks 

Peter Martin – pioneer of Psychology in South 

Australia and nationally 

It was with great sadness that past members of the SA 

Psychological Board noted the sudden passing of our 

former CEO, Peter Martin in November 2011. 

Peter spent 37 years working as the Deputy Registrar and 

then the Registrar and CEO of the SA Psychological Board. 

In these roles he was instrumental in advancing the status 

of the profession of Psychology within South Australia and 

Australia. 

Peter played a key role in establishment of the Council 

of Registration Boards of Australia and NZ, providing 

sound advice to the successive Boards and the Government 

during the years the SA Psychological Practices Act was in 

force. He was also a very influential and highly respected 

member of the Council of Psychologists Registration Boards 

of Australasia (CPRB) and he was its longest-serving 

member. He maintained the archive of all relevant national 

policies and initiatives for CPRB prior to the National 

Scheme. 

Peter regularly provided information about the SA Board 

and responsibilities psychologists had under the Act 

to trainee psychologists (Masters level and some 4+2). 


We would like to welcome our new Secretary, Theodora 

Tsoulakas, whilst our nominated secretary, Diana Reilly, is 

on leave. 

We hope to offer on-line registration via the APS Events 

Calendar in the future, however, in the mean time 

please register your interest in presentations below to 

sacedpsecretary@gmail.com. 

He oversaw the development of the SA Guidelines on 

registration, supervision and professional conduct and 

practice. He also worked for a number of years on the 

complex review of the SA Psychological Practices Act 1973, 

which was overtaken by the move to National Registration. 

Once the Council of Australian Governments’ decision 

was made to move to a system of national regulation, 

Peter’s knowledge and expertise was vital in ensuring 

the migration of historical information across to AHPRA. 

Following National Registration, Peter continued working 

with the Occupational Therapy Board to assist in their 

transition to national registration. 

Peter’s knowledge and grasp of issues pertaining to the 

psychology profession in SA was extraordinary. His work 

role managing five regulatory boards involved long working 

hours as Boards and subcommittees met in the evenings. 

His unwavering contribution to the running of the Board 

was deeply appreciated by all members and he is greatly 

missed by his colleagues. 

Angela Davis, with contributions from former South 

Australian Board members 

15


PSYCH NEWS – THE APS NEW SOUTH WALES NEWSLETTER 

2012 advertising rates and specifications* 

There are usually five APS New South Wales newsletters published each 

year: March, May, July, September and November. Distribution numbers 

vary from one issue to the next. There are approximately 6230 APS 

members in New South Wales who all receive PSYCH NEWS free of charge. 

Advertisement Price (inc. GST) Specifications (mm) 

Full page $750 190mm wide x 277mm deep 

Half page $450 190mm wide x 120mm deep 

Quarter page $300 92mm wide x 120mm deep 

Eighth page $190 92mm wide x 57.5mm deep 

Insert $790 Maximum two A4 pages 

* All specifications are width by depth, and ads are NOT required to have any bleed 

2012 editorial and advertising deadlines** 

Any articles for publication, and advertising bookings, must reach the 

editor by the dates listed below. 

Issue Deadline Publication date 2012 

March 2012 9 February Mid March 

May 2012 9 April Mid May 

July 2012 8 June Mid July 

September 2012 8 August Mid September 

November 2012 8 October Mid November 

** Please take note of the publication date when promoting activities and events 

Katrina Simpson is the NSW PsychNews editor. To book an advertisement or insert^, 

please contact NSW PsychNews production assistant Loren Lembke. 

Email: lorenl@optusnet.com.au Work: (02) 8901 5240 

Articles: All readers, including students, are invited to submit editorial contributions 

in the form of news, professional information, letters to the editor, notices, opinion, 

comment or short articles and should be emailed to the editor for consideration 

(preferably attached as an MS Word file). Publication of articles – solicited or 

unsolicited – is not guaranteed. 

Advertising: The activities of APS member groups (Branches, Colleges and Interest 

Groups) may be advertised free of charge, dependent on available advertising space 

and upon consultation with the editor. 

Non-APS groups wishing to advertise professional development activities provided 

on a not-for-profit basis should contact the editor to discuss whether the activity 

may be advertised free of charge, subject to available space. All other non-APS 

advertising material will be charged according to the advertising rates listed above. 

The quoted rates may be changed without notice. 

All advertising and editorial material submitted must be accurate and adhere to 

the principles of the APS Code of Ethics. Materials may be checked with the APS 

Executive Officer and edited accordingly. 

Advertisements must be approved by the APS before being published. Please 

note that advertisements must comply with the new guidelines for advertising 

of regulated health services which have been issued by the Psychology Board of 

Australia (www.psychologyboard.gov.au). 

^ Inserts need to be booked with the production assistant by the deadlines listed 

above. You will then be provided with the address details to supply the printed 

material directly to the mail house in Melbourne. 

PUBLISHER’S DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in PSYCH NEWS are not necessarily 

those of the Australian Psychological Society. Letters to the editor are welcomed 

and will be published at the discretion of the editor and state committee. Published 

letters do not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the editor, committee or the APS, 

except where specifically indicated. The publication of an advertisement by the 

Australian Psychological Society is not an endorsement of the advertiser nor of the 

products or services advertised. Only those professional development activities 

carrying the APS logo and an appropriate endorsement statement can be considered 

to be specifically approved by the APS. Advertisers may not incorporate in a 

subsequent advertisement or promotional piece the fact that a product or service has 

been advertised in any publication of the Society. The publications of the Society are 

published for and on behalf of the membership to advance psychology as a science 

and a profession. The APS reserves the right unilaterally to cancel or reject advertising 

which is not deemed to be in keeping with its scientific and professional aims. Whilst 

all care is taken, the APS does not take responsibility for advertising containing 

incorrect information or for advertisements which do not appear as scheduled. 

SA Branch 

Chair 

Carmel Wauchope 

Email: c.wauchope@ 

astutepsychology.com.au 

Telephone: 08 8373 7620 

Secretary 

Tamsin Wendt 

Email: tamsinwendtpsych@ 

bigpond.com 

Telephone: 0419 990 940 

08 8553 2333 

Treasurer 

Shelley Rogers 

Email: shelley@iod.com.au 

Telephone: 0414 390 021 

Newsletter Editor 

Jane Turner Goldsmith 

Email: apsnewslettersa@gmail.com 

Telephone: 08 8303 5663 

Student Representative 

Lauren Moulds 

Email: lauren.moulds@student. 

adelaide.edu.au 

Committee Members 

Christopher Wigg 

Email: psychology@chariot.net.au 

Telephone: 08 8552 6697 

Alicia Ellis 

Email: Admin@ 

marionroadpsychology.com.au 

Richard Oborn 

Email: gazebo@bigpond.net.au 

Jodie Harris 

Email: jodie.harris2@health.sa.gov.au 

Kate Prescott 

Email: kate.prescott@sa.gov.au 

Telephone: 0401 123 152 

Jenny Williams 

Email: 9jenwilliams@gmail.com 

Telephone: 0400 367 081 

Quentin Black 

Email: quentinblack@bigpond.com 

Loraine Lim 

Email: loraine.lim@courts.sa.gov.au 

General Psychological 

Practice representative 

Samantha Jones 

samantha.james@activ8.net.au 

College Contacts 

Clinical Neuropsychology 

Rochelle Whelan 

Email: rochelle.whelan@health. 

sa.gov.au 

Clinical Psychology 

Chris Wigg 

Email: wigg@chariot.net.au 

Education and Development 

Educational and 

Developmental Psychology 

Natalie Morphett 

Email: sacedpchair@gmail.com 

Forensic Psychology 

Emma Warne 

Email: emma.warne2@sa.gov.au 

Telephone: 08 8226 9977 

Health Psychology 

Anna Chur-Hansen 

Email: anna.churhansen@adelaide. 

edu.au 

Telephone: 08 8222 5785 

Organisational Psychology 

Shelley Rogers 

Email: shelley@iod.com.au 

Interest Group 

Contacts in SA 

Buddhism and Psychology 

Neli martin 

Email: neli.martin@bigpond.com 

Child, Adolescent and Family 

Psychology 

Parnoon Entesari 

Email: sacaf0pig@y7mail.com 

Christianity and Psychology 

Bill Hough 

Email: billho@iweb.net.au 

Coaching Psychology 

Nanette McComish 

Telephone: 08 8332 3881 

Email: inpsight@bigpond.net.au 

Gay and Lesbian Issues and 

Psychology 

Damien Riggs 

Telephone: 0438 373 645 

Email: gerifirecraker@hotpop.com 

Psychology and Ageing 

Paul Kemp 

Telephone: 08 8357 6155 

Email: paul.kemp@rgh.sa.gov.au 

Psychologists for Peace (PFP) 

Professor Helen Winefield 

Telephone: 

08 8303 3172 (Mon & Tue) 

08 8222 5153 (Wed & Fri) 

Email:helen.winefield@adelaide. 

edu.au 

Women and Psychology 

Dorota Pomagalska 

Telephone: 08 8303 3856 

Email: d-pomaga@complex.psych. 

adelaide.edu.au 

Rehabilitation Psychology 

Interest Group 

Diana Dorstyn 

Email: diana.dorstyn@adelaide. 

edu.au 

People with Intellectual and/ 

or Developmental Disability 

and Psychology Interest 

Group 

Ian Pearce 

Telephone: 08 8422 6235 

Email: ian.pearce@minda.asn.au

PsychNews - Australian Psychological Society

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