JOURNAL ARTICLES

The relationship sabotage scale: An evaluation of factor analyses and constructive validity

September 19, 2021 | 0 Comments

Background: Some individuals are no longer entering romantic relationships, others move through relationships too quickly searching for “the one” and making quick assessments of their romantic partners, while others stay in their relationships but “check out” or do not work on their issues. These are conclusions from two studies: (1) an interview with psychologists who specialise in relationship therapy, and […]

Why Do we Sabotage Love? A Thematic Analysis of Lived Experiences of Relationship Breakdown and Maintenance.

July 21, 2020 | 0 Comments

Abstract Although many individuals are searching for love, failure can often be the expected outcome. A previous study investigated self-sabotage in romantic relationships and explored how psychologists in practice understand this phenomenon. A repertoire of self-sabotaging behaviors was identified by practitioners, with possible reasons as to why this occurs. The present study was the first to empirically explore self-sabotage in […]

The impact of localised general practice training on Queensland’s rural and remote general practice workforce.

April 20, 2020 | 0 Comments

Abstract Background: The diverse rural medical education initiatives that have been developed in Australia to address the medical workforce maldistribution have been less successful in many smaller and remote communities. This study explored the factors that attract and retain GP registrars and supervisors and the impact that localised training (i.e.,rural and remote workplace-based training and support) has on both GP […]

Defining romantic self-sabotage: A thematic analysis of interviews with practicing psychologists.

July 26, 2019 | 28 Comments

Abstract The term ‘self-sabotage’ is not well defined in the current literature. Self-sabotage is generally explained as a synonym of self-handicapping, which does not fully encompass intrinsic behaviours found in romantic relationships. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the theme of self-sabotage as viewed by practising psychologists. A series of 15 semistructured interviews with psychologists specialising […]

Building general practice training capacity in rural and remote Australia with underserved primary care services: A qualitative investigation.

May 28, 2019 | 27 Comments

Abstract Background: Australians living in rural and remote areas have access to considerably fewer doctors compared with populations in major cities. Despite plentiful, descriptive data about what attracts and retains doctors to rural practice, more evidence is needed which informs actions to address these issues, particularly in remote areas. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing General Practitioners (GPs), […]

Mental health diagnoses and relationship breakdown: Which is the chicken and which the egg?

November 26, 2018 | 1 Comment

Abstract Clients in therapy are typically diagnosed with mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. However, recent statistics show that romantic relationship difficulties are one of the most common reasons for people to seek counselling in the first place. A series of 15 semi-structured interviews with psychologists around Australia revealed that romantic relationship difficulties are under-recognised in the counselling […]

Comparing the effect of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others between Australia and Brazil.

July 26, 2017 | 2 Comments

Abstract Few studies have considered how suicide is perceived and impacted by stigma across cultures. A sample of 478 participants from Australia and Brazil was used to investigate cross-cultural perceptions of suicide and the impact of stigma on the recognition of suicide risk in others. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide framed a mixed method within and between groups design. English […]

I am an internationally recognised TEDx speaker, an emerging researcher, and passionate lecturer.

I work as a Psychology and Counselling Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland.

I hold a PhD and a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours from James Cook University (JCU) and a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Art History and Music from Sydney University.

I am interested in research on relationships, suicide, bullying, stigma, medical education and research methodology.

A highlight of my research includes giving a TEDx Talk on romantic self-sabotage. This talk has been well received globally and was featured in the TED series titled “How to Be a Better Human”.

I enjoy promoting scientific research to engage both academics and members of the general public, and I believe in creating awareness, promoting individual responsibility, and challenging people to act towards changing their reality. Overall, my work has received extensive media coverage including TV and radio interviews, newspaper articles and publications on The Conversation, ABC News and Psychology Today.

My work as an educator has been recognised with a prestigious Inclusive Practice Teaching Award. I am also passionate about raising awareness of mental health in higher education and have developed the Mental Health Program for Higher Degree by Research Candidates for JCU.

Overall, I am passionate about people and the expression of life. I am originally from Brazil and I have travelled and lived in many places around the world. I currently live in Brisbane, Australia, with my husband Matthew, our two cats Tigre and Patera, our Miniature Pinscher, Lobinha, and our Doberman, Urso.