Katrina is a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, member of the Australian Psychological Society and a Fellow of both the APS College of Clinical Psychologists and the APS College of Counselling Psychologists.

Katrina has a special interest in single, cumulative and complex PTSD across the lifespan and the impact of trauma on family, workplaces and wider systems.

Katrina has worked therapeutically and systemically with adults, families, children, adolescents and workplaces for around 20 years and has established two private practice clinics. She has acted as a clinical and project consultant for private, non-government and government organisations.

Katrina is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society for her Master of Psychology work including her thesis; Proposed criteria for Developmental Trauma Disorder, DSM-V: Manifestations and implications for a rural Australian Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.

This project seeks to understand the experiences and support needs of children and families of Australian Defence Force Veteran parent(s) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We aim to develop an increased and rich understanding of the mental health needs of the wider population of children with Veteran parents and carers experiencing PTSD in Australia, and particularly how Veteran parents with PTSD and their partners can be assisted to help the children in their care.

By the very nature of their work, Defence Force Personnel can be exposed to situations and events that place them at high risk of PTSD. Coupled with long deployment periods and separation from family and friends, the nature of ADF life can expose its members to unique mental and physical health challenges. Left untreated, PTSD and related issues can transition with ADF personnel once they are discharged.

This research will fall under the umbrella of an existing vSHADE Research Project (see https://vshade.com.au), co-ordinated by Project Lead Researcher and Supervisor of the Scholarship Project, Associate Professor Francis Kay-Lambkin. The vSHADE project has been funded by Defence Health Foundation to explore Australian ADF Veteran mood and alcohol use problems, and the impact of web-based interventions for this important group.

An outcome of this research will be the development of an eHealth intervention for children of Australian Veterans and their families, to accompany an existing eHealth program for the Veterans themselves (vSHADE).

Supervisors: Associate Professor Francis Kay-Lambkin