Master of Mental Health Psychotherapy posters

The research component of the Masters of Mental Health Program is an opportunity to explore practice and clinical interests in greater depth.  Psychotherapy students often begin this journey with trepidation, curiosity and at times apprehension.  However, they possess highly transferable skills that make them natural researchers.  They are used to making sense of peoples complex and rich personal histories and experiences to deliver care and support.  They also have a great awareness of the gaps in the field of mental health and emotional wellbeing, due to their direct or indirect experiences in clinical practice.

This year students have been asked to position and consider themselves as mental health researchers.  They have reflected on their own philosophical assumptions that may influence what they study and how they study it.  Students have developed skills in synthesising and communicating knowledge.  Through this process of learning students have shifted from being consumers of knowledge to taking a more active role, in the production of knowledge.

The posters presented from psychotherapy students exemplify the wide variety of clinical interests and multidisciplinary influences in the Masters program.  This is the first year psychotherapy students have been involved in the exhibition, and they have responded to this challenge with perseverance and commitment.  Accordingly, the exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate students’ research work, and to also consider their wider participation in the Masters of Mental health Program.  Congratulations to all students on reaching this milestone.

Dr Jaya Valvoi