Clinical Psychologist and Menopause Researcher
I am a researcher and clinical psychologist specialising in menopause, healthy ageing, and self-compassion. My work is grounded in belief that the most effective care brings together the best evidence (the head) and compassion (the heart).
This approach has been shaped by an unusual pathway of early training in economics and many months spent in a remote Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery prior to becoming a psychologist. This has nurtured a love of rigorous data and a commitment to the Buddhist practices of compassion and wisdom.
I completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and the University of Melbourne, and led a 2024 Lancet Series paper that helped challenge outdated stereotypes about menopause.
As a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Melbourne, I also help train the next generation of psychologists in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and practical therapy skills for managing a range of mental health issues as well as menopause, adjustment to health issues and ageing. In my work as a therapist, I treat a range of high prevalence mental health conditions with special interests in adjustment to illness, complex trauma, forgiveness and healing from the past.
“Use this space to share reviews from customers about the products or services offered.”
“Can self-compassion help us better navigate menopause?”
“How GPs can help their patients improve self-compassion and reduce depression.”
Podcast Episodes
Menopause and Healthy Ageing Research
״A clarion call for people in the mental health field to rethink their beliefs around menopause and depression״
"Self-compassion and positive ageing"
My book chapter explores how self-compassion can support us to grow in wisdom as we age, despite the inevitable challenges
"Is self-compassion associated with sleep quality? A meta-analysis"
Reviews global evidence on the relationship between self-compassion and a good night's sleep.
"Positive well-being during the menopausal transition"
Menopause can be a challenging yet at times transformative and empowering life transition. This paper explores the science of positive well-being over perimenopause
In the Press
"Menopause can be really empowering and an awesome opportunity for a relationship reset."
Quoted in The Herald Sun