On Friday 15th
November, UoN School of Psychology successfully hosted and co-organised with Hunter
New England Health the biggest Psychology Professional Day in the Hunter in
history. More than 230 psychologists gathered together on campus from the
Health Service (50%), the University (20%), private practice (15%), government
agencies (14%) and NGOs (2%) for a day of professional development on promoting
clinical excellence and culturally respectful practices.
Aboriginal psychology
was the key theme of this year’s conference. The key note speaker Professor
Judy Atkinson has been a ‘big draw’ card for this year’s conference. She is a
very experienced and respected clinician and academic in the area of working
with Indigenous clients, particularly children who have experienced trauma. She
has an extensive track record in research on transgenerational trauma, which
the school has actively incorporated in its undergraduate curriculum for first
year psychology students since 2011.
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| The key note speaker: Prof Judy Atkinson |
Several members of
staff, postgraduate, and undergraduate students attended and played an active
role in the day. Stuart Marlin and Sean Halpin welcomed the conference
delegates on behalf of the school and psychology clinic at the beginning of the
day. Stefania Paolini, as active member of the conference organising committee,
acted as a key conduit between HNE and UoN; on the day she convened a
stimulating symposium on Newcastle-led research on Aboriginal wellbeing with Dr
Mark Lock and Dr Jo Gwynn from the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health
Research which has attracted the participation of a group of very diverse
researchers from a variety of disciplinary areas. Sean Halpin has run a
well-attended interactive workshop on assessment and diagnosis and Tony Kemp
has offered continuous AV assistance on the lead to the conference and on the
day and assisted a long list of speakers and workshop facilitators involved n
the day.
The conference showcased the great talent of psychologists we have
locally, demonstrated the varied areas of clinical excellence in practice, and
stressed the importance of effective interaction between educators in the
school, psychologists working in the community, and the needs of culturally diverse
clients.
This year’s event has been a nice demonstration of the psychologists
from HNE Health service and The University of Newcastle working together. We
look forward to newer opportunities in the future!
