Liza Morton

Liza Morton is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), where she joined in February 2022. She contributes to teaching and research supervision on the HCPC and BPS accredited practitioner doctoral programmes in Counselling Psychology, Health Psychology and Sport and Exercise Psychology.

As a Chartered (BPS) and Registered (HCPC) Counselling Psychologist, Dr. Morton has extensive experience providing assessment and psychological therapy in both NHS and Independent Practice settings. She is a dual-qualified, practice-academic with a PhD from the University of Glasgow.

• Glasgow Caledonian University - Senior Lecturer in Applied Psychology (February 2022 - Present)
• University of Glasgow - Honorary Research Affiliate, School of Neuroscience and Psychology (September 2020 - Present)
• University of Suffolk - Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Congenital Cardiac Research Group (November 2017 - Present)

Dr. Morton's research focuses on promoting psychologically informed healthcare to prevent medical trauma and improve mental health, particularly for people with lifelong health conditions. Her work includes exploring disempowering aspects of medical care (such as the hospital gown) and developing the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) grounded in Polyvagal Theory. She is passionate about health advocacy for improved healthcare, psychological support, and social inclusion for people born with heart conditions.

Her recent publications highlight her expertise in psychological safety, medical trauma, and congenital heart disease. Dr. Morton has co-authored 'Healing Hearts and Minds: A holistic approach to coping well with congenital heart disease' (Oxford University Press, January 2023) and has a new book 'Beyond the Medical Gaze: Practicing Psychologically Informed Healthcare' available for pre-order.

Scientific Awards

• Baby Hearts Press People's Choice Award (December 2023)
• Royal College of Nursing: Child Health award (November 2023)
• Strathclyde University, Images of Research Impact Award (2019)

Dr. Morton serves as a health advocate and has held various external positions including with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the British Psychological Society, and the Somerville Heart Foundation. Her teaching and supervision across practitioner doctoral programmes reflect her expertise in CBT, complex trauma, medical trauma, psychological safety, and tackling ableism.