معرفی
Belinda Friezer serves as an Adjunct Research Fellow in the School of Education at Charles Sturt University, Australia. A registered psychologist and art therapist, she brings 25 years of specialized experience in infant mental health (birth to five years) to her academic role. Her professional affiliations include co-founding Secure Beginnings, a private practice providing consultancy, training, and clinical supervision for early childhood professionals.
Her educational background comprises a Doctor of Philosophy from Charles Sturt University (awarded 2022), Master of Arts in Psychology (Family Therapy) from University of Western Sydney (1999), Master of Arts in Art Therapy from University of Western Sydney (1997), and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Macquarie University (1988). Prior academic appointments include Guest Lecturer at NSW Institute of Psychiatry and Associate Lecturer in Art Therapy at University of Western Sydney.
Friezer's research centers on infant social development within peer groups in early childhood settings, examining how infants build sociality and group-related sensitivity. Her methodological approach combines laboratory-based observation with real-world childcare environments, utilizing video recording and psychoanalytic observation frameworks. Current work focuses on educators' roles in facilitating infant-peer interactions and supporting transition rituals in center-based care.
Her 20 most recent publications (2013-2024) reveal consistent focus on infant group dynamics, with increasing emphasis on practical applications for educators. Key trends include the development of 'group-related sensitivity' concepts, analysis of transition rituals, and exploration of nonverbal communication in infant triads and peer groups. Her work bridges developmental psychology and early childhood education practice.
- Charles Sturt Excellence Awards: Research (2023)
- Early Childhood Australia Doctoral Thesis Award (2023)
- Charles Sturt University Higher Degree by Research University Medal (2022)
- Beth Southwell Award for Outstanding Thesis, NSW Institute for Educational Research (2022)
- Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (Domestic Part Time) (2018)
Friezer actively contributes to professional development through workshops like 'Big Fat Smiles - Networking Evening' and 'Safe and Secure: Group Based Transitions'. Her research directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) through evidence-based approaches to early childhood care. Current activities include presenting 'The Peer Relationships of Infants and Toddlers' workshop (2024) and serving as reviewer for Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
