The past decade has seen a rapid emergence of network models of psychopathology which challenge the existing latent variable explanations of psychological disorders. David will provide an overview of the limitations of current understandings of psychological disorder and describe the ways in which network approaches to psychological disorders may extend our understanding of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). By drawing on examples from his own work, David will highlight the potential of these approaches for improving our understanding of the factors which precipitate

About the speaker

David’s research aims to optimise treatment outcomes for people with posttraumatic and anxiety disorders by focusing on the translation of research findings to routine clinical practice. He has a particular interest in trauma-focused therapies and interventions which reduce intrusive trauma-related memories in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He has completed research projects in a wide range of clinical settings and was a Senior Research Fellow in trauma and mental health in the School of Psychiatry UNSW and St John of God Health Care - Richmond hospital prior to commencing an academic position at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and now ANU.

David was a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Early Career Fellow (2017-2020) and in recent years has been a chief investigator of numerous projects funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Australian Rotary Health. David has worked as a clinical psychologist in a variety of community-based and inpatient mental health settings since 2001, and he has particular experience in the treatment of anxiety disorders. He is an endorsed clinical psychologist and supervisor with the Psychology Board of Australia and also supervises postgraduate research projects.