Andrea Spoto is a Full Professor at the University of Padua, Italy. His research focuses on psychological assessment methodologies, cognitive diagnostic models, moral judgment dynamics, and the application of Bayesian methods in healthcare and education. He has pioneered work on technology acceptance models (e.g., AV-TAM for automated vehicles) and developed innovative tools like the PENguIN mental health application. His interdisciplinary approach bridges psychology, statistics, and technology, addressing topics such as automated vehicles’ ethical dilemmas, clinical decision-making frameworks, and the psychometric validation of scales for anxiety, worry, and countertransference. Research interests span moral reasoning in self-sacrificial dilemmas, the role of decision thresholds in professional judgments (e.g., nursing triage, sports refereeing), and the network structure of psychopathological responses to crises. He has contributed to understanding nonverbal behavior in schizophrenia, coping mechanisms in neurofibromatosis patients, and the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple countries. His work integrates formal concept analysis and knowledge space theory to enhance adaptive assessment systems, particularly in educational and clinical contexts. Notable contributions include refining item response theory models and advancing methodologies for measuring emotional intelligence, scientifical-medical satisfaction, and social odor awareness.
Jan Ivar Røssberg is a Professor at the University of Oslo , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Adult Psychiatry Unit. His work focuses on psychotherapy research, mechanisms in treatment, individualized interventions, and serious mental disorders like schizophrenia and depression. Research Interests : Schizophrenia, psychosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, transference reactions, early intervention, family work, and patient experiences. Academic Background : Ph.D. (2005), medical degree (1989-95), part-time homeopathy studies (1987-89), and natural sciences studies (1986-87). Clinical Expertise : Specialist in psychiatry, trained in psychodynamic therapy, and certified cognitive behavioral therapy supervisor. Projects : DEPTREAT, First Eexperimental Study of Transference (FEST), The Countertransference Project, and others. Scientific Awards : Prize for outstanding research (2008), Scientific paper prize (2012), and Highly Commended Paper award (2012). Opinions : Critical of drug-free treatment policies lacking evidence, advocates for integrated approaches combining medication and psychotherapy. Recent Publications explore themes like stigma in mental health, recovery from schizophrenia, creativity and mental illness, medication management, and debates on drug-free policies. His work spans clinical trials, theoretical analyses, and public education.
Susanne Lunn is an Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, where she also serves as Coordinator of the Master Program in Clinical Psychology. She has been affiliated with the university since 1985, first as an Assistant Professor and then as Associate Professor since 1993. Her academic journey includes leadership roles such as Head of the University Clinic (1999-2007, 2009-2013) and President of the Danish Psychoanalytical Society (2010-2017). Her educational background includes: MSc in psychology (Cand. Psych.), University of Copenhagen (1978) Specialist in Psychotherapy and Supervision (1990) Certified group analytic psychotherapist (1985) Certified psychoanalyst (IPA) (1996) Certified training analyst (2002) Susanne Lunn's research focuses primarily on eating disorders and psychotherapy research. Her work on eating disorders encompasses theoretical, clinical, and empirical approaches, with special attention to personality characteristics, psychopathology, and the development of eating disorders. Her psychotherapy research centers on both effect and process: examining how different psychotherapies contribute to recovery from eating disorders, investigating non-specific factors like therapist and client characteristics (e.g., motivation and attachment patterns), and studying therapy relational patterns such as therapeutic alliance and therapist countertransference. Her research supports the hypothesis that one specific therapy does not suit all patients, indicating that the question 'which method is best' must be supplemented by 'what works for whom.' Her methodological approach combines both nomothetic and ideographic methods, exploring how quantitative and qualitative approaches contribute different kinds of knowledge. Her recent publications demonstrate continued focus on eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa, and psychotherapy process and outcome research. She frequently collaborates with Stig Poulsen and other colleagues in the Center for Psychotherapy Research. Her work spans clinical trials comparing different therapeutic approaches, investigations into attachment patterns and their impact on treatment, and explorations of mentalization in eating disorder treatment. The articles show a consistent trajectory of rigorous empirical work grounded in both psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral frameworks, with increasing methodological sophistication over time. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through research grants from prestigious organizations including: KU 2016, Governing obesity (DKK 750,000, 2014) The Egmont Fund (DKK 1,000,000, 2002) Danish Research Council for the Humanities (DKK 2,138,000, 2001) Multiple other grants totaling over DKK 3 million As an educator and mentor, Professor Lunn has supervised numerous PhD students including Louise Tækker, Sofie Folke, Karin Riber, Hannah Katznelson, Sarah I.F. Daniel, and Charlotte Sandros. She has coordinated external practicum programs and organized internal praxis teaching in clinical psychology for master students and postgraduate trainees. Her leadership extends to editorial roles, having served as Chief-editor of The Scandinavian Psychoanalytic Review (2002-2008) and Co-editor of Nordic Journal of Psychotherapy (1998-). Professor Lunn is actively involved in several research groups including the Center for Psychotherapy Research, the Bulimia Trial Research Group, and the Center of Psychoanalysis at the University of Copenhagen. She has organized numerous international conferences, including the Society for Psychotherapy Research international meeting in Copenhagen (2014) and the XXIII Nordic Psychoanalytic Congress (2012). Her current research projects include the Copenhagen Bulimia trial, identification of psychosocial factors affecting weight loss after surgery, historical studies of eating disorder diagnoses, and research on therapist responsiveness to clients.
Dr. Jessica Arenella is an Adjunct Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), specializing in clinical psychology with a focus on severe mental illness, psychosis, and schizophrenia. She serves as Chief Psychologist at St. Barnabas Health System in the Bronx, overseeing a large externship training program. Her expertise includes working with individuals experiencing extreme psychological experiences, emphasizing psychosocial approaches and recovery-oriented care. Dr. Arenella holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University (2000), a B.A. from the University of Toronto (1992), and a Health Coach certification from the American Council on Exercise (2013). She teaches courses such as PSY 758, PSY 760, and PSY 761 at John Jay. Her research explores intersections between psychosis, trauma, and societal factors, with notable work on objectification in anorexia and psychosis, and the impact of technology on clinical understanding of psychosis. She actively presents at conferences like the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis (ISPS), addressing topics ranging from emergency department challenges to cultural competence in psychiatry. Dr. Arenella received the 2019 Christian Müller Award for her dedication to ISPS-US and psychosocial approaches to psychosis. She is a lifetime member of ISPS-US and the New York State Psychological Association. Her work emphasizes reducing stigma, improving clinical training, and advocating for marginalized populations in mental health care.
Kay Saakvitne is an Adjunct Professor at Smith College School for Social Work and a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Michigan and a B.A. magna cum laude from Yale University. Saakvitne's clinical and research focus centers on trauma-related disorders, vicarious traumatization in therapists, and relational approaches to treating childhood trauma. She co-authored foundational texts including Trauma and the Therapist: Countertransference and Vicarious Traumatization and developed the Risking Connection training curriculum for trauma professionals. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Saakvitne has received prestigious awards from the American Psychological Association's Division of Trauma Psychology and the Connecticut Psychological Association for her contributions to trauma psychology practice. She maintains a private practice in Northampton, Massachusetts, offering psychotherapy and clinical consultation.
Carrie Barber is a Research Associate in the Maori and Psychology Research Unit at the University of Waikato. As a registered clinical psychologist, her research examines perinatal mental health, parenting stress, and digital interventions for families during life transitions. She develops accessible tools like the 'Positively Pregnant' app to support emotional well-being. Her research focuses on stress management during pregnancy and early parenting, psychometric validation of assessment tools, cultural variations in child-rearing, and mental health interventions. Recent work examines pandemic impacts on postnatal mental health and fathers' experiences during parenthood transition. Dr. Barber applies Rasch methodology to enhance precision in psychological instruments like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Baby Care Questionnaire. Her mindfulness app trials demonstrate significant reductions in postnatal distress. She collaborates internationally on parenting belief studies and cross-cultural infant care practices. She teaches Infant and Child Development and Clinical Psychology courses, integrating cultural perspectives. Clinical work informs her research on communication gaps between perinatal patients and providers, and psychosocial needs in pediatric healthcare settings.
Howard E. Markus is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. His work focuses on clinical psychology, particularly in group psychotherapy, countertransference, and therapeutic engagement. Education: PhD in Counseling & Guidance from State University of New York at Buffalo (1997) MS in Counseling & Guidance from Northwestern University (1993) BS in Not Classifiable from Cornell University (1991) Dr. Markus has contributed to peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy and Professional Psychology: Research and Practice . His research examines clinical training challenges, group therapy methodologies, and mood disorders in older adults. Notable publications include studies on peer consultation models, surveys of group psychotherapy training, and strategies for addressing resistance in therapy. He has also authored chapters on psychopathology in aging populations.
Lara Vesentini is a Doctor-assistant in the Health Sciences Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Brussels, Belgium. With over two decades of academic contribution, she has produced 69 research outputs including articles, commissioned reports, chapters, and theses, demonstrating sustained scholarly activity from 1999 through 2025. Dr. Vesentini's research expertise focuses primarily on intimacy and sexuality within the psychotherapeutic relationship, encompassing sexual harassment, boundary issues, taboos, and ethics. Additional interests include epidemiological studies and mixed methods research in public mental health. Her work forms a distinctive fingerprint across disciplines including Psychotherapy (80%), Emotions (75%), Mental Health (46%), and Taboo topics (41%). Her recent scholarly output demonstrates growing impact, with publication rates increasing from 1-10 papers annually (2002-2015) to 6-9 papers per year (2021-2023), indicating heightened research productivity in recent years. These works span diverse methodologies including quantitative studies, qualitative analyses, and mixed-methods approaches, with particular emphasis on boundary violations in mental healthcare, sexual health discussions among patients with chronic conditions, and policy development for academic work environments. Among her professional recognitions: Best Presentation Award (2018) Dr. Vesentini actively supervises academic work, having guided multiple theses including doctoral research on "Intimacy and sexuality in the psychotherapeutic relationship" (2021) and master's theses on topics ranging from sexual boundary violations in Flemish mental health care to the experiences of single parents. She participates extensively in academic service through committee work, conference presentations (62 recorded activities), and public engagement initiatives focused on mental health policy. Her collaborative work extends across multiple research domains, particularly evident in projects like DIAMENT (addressing psychosocial needs of diabetes patients) and studies examining transgressive behavior in academic contexts. These initiatives reflect her commitment to translating research into practical healthcare improvements and policy development.
Theresa Wilberg is a Professor in the Adult Psychiatry Unit at the University of Oslo , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on personality disorders, particularly avoidant and borderline types, and their treatment through psychotherapy. She has contributed to studies on mentalization-based treatment, societal costs of mental health conditions, and the psychometric evaluation of diagnostic tools. Key collaborations include the Norwegian network for personality disorders and the TREATment project. Wilberg has published extensively in journals like Frontiers in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Research , emphasizing clinical outcomes, therapeutic processes, and patient experiences. Her work integrates clinical practice with long-term observational studies and qualitative analyses. Education & Background: While formal education details are not explicitly stated, her academic trajectory is evident through her long-term contributions to clinical psychiatry research and leadership in mental health initiatives. Research Interests: Wilberg’s work centers on personality disorder etiology, treatment efficacy (e.g., CBT vs. psychodynamic therapy), mentalization, and the socio-economic impact of mental health issues. She explores topics like alexithymia, countertransference, and patient-reported outcomes in specialized treatment programs. Grants & Projects: Involved in projects such as MECHANISMS OF CHANGE IN PSYCHOTHERAPY (MOP) and TREATMENT: Treatment of mental disorders and distress . Research groups include Personality Psychiatry and Psychotherapy for adults . Labs/Teams: Leads or contributes to research teams focused on personality disorder treatment, including the Adult Psychiatry Unit’s clinical research initiatives.
Elfrida Hartveit Kvarstein serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Medicine within the Adult Psychiatry Unit at Oslo University Hospital Ullevål. Her primary clinical and research focus centers on personality disorders, particularly borderline and avoidant personality disorders, with extensive work on mentalization-based treatment (MBT) approaches. Her research spans multiple critical areas including therapeutic alliance dynamics , countertransference phenomena , alexithymia assessment , reflective functioning , and the economic burden of personality disorders . She has been instrumental in developing assessment tools like the Mentalization Breakdown Interview and conducting large-scale studies on personality disorder treatment outcomes. Her work frequently employs longitudinal and naturalistic study designs to understand treatment processes and outcomes in real-world clinical settings. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on transdiagnostic approaches to personality disorders, with particular attention to how factors like alexithymia , mentalization capacity , and somatic comorbidities influence treatment outcomes. Her research increasingly incorporates economic analyses of personality disorders, demonstrating the substantial societal costs associated with these conditions. The Extreme Challenges research project represents a major ongoing initiative examining patients with severe self-harm behaviors. As a key member of the Norwegian Network for Personality Disorders, she has contributed to the field's development over three decades. Her methodological expertise includes psychometric validation studies, longitudinal observational research, and cost-effectiveness analyses within psychiatric care systems. Her collaborative work extends across multiple Norwegian institutions and international partnerships, with frequent co-authorship with researchers like Geir Pedersen, Theresa Wilberg, and Benjamin Hummelen. She has made significant contributions to understanding how personality functioning changes during treatment and how therapeutic factors influence outcomes for patients with complex personality pathology.
Dr. Andrew Kami is Core Faculty in the Department of Marriage & Family Therapy at Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, California. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, an MA in Marriage & Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College, and a BA in Psychobiology from Occidental College. PhD - Clinical Psychology (Depth Specialization), Pacifica Graduate Institute MA - Marriage & Family Therapy, Pacific Oaks College BA - Psychobiology, Occidental College Dr. Kami’s research and clinical work focus on schizophrenia spectrum disorders, trauma, psychopharmacology, and veteran mental health. He is developing innovative treatments for brain-based illnesses and is authoring major works including The Treatment of Schizophrenia and Psychodynamic Practices and Interventions . His teaching includes graduate courses in Trauma, Psychopharmacology, and Practicum. The recent publications and presentations reflect a strong trend in mental health treatment, particularly in schizophrenia, trauma, cultural competence, and psychopharmacology. His work bridges clinical practice, policy, and community engagement, emphasizing recovery, collaboration, and patient empowerment. Dr. Kami is an active lecturer and community educator, presenting to NAMI, the California State Department of Health, law enforcement, and mental health agencies. He has not received publicly listed scientific awards, but his professional impact is evident through outreach and clinical leadership. He advises students and clinicians through his role at Pacific Oaks and Argosy University. He has secured community partnerships and training roles but no specific grants are mentioned. He is engaged in research and writing, though no formal lab or team is specified. His private pro bono practice serves military veterans, reflecting his commitment to underserved populations.
Randi Ulberg is a Professor at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , University of Oslo , with a focus on psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents and adults. She specializes in therapy process-outcome research , mediators and moderators in psychotherapy , and non-psychotic disorders . Professor, University of Oslo (2017–present) Ph.D., University of Oslo (2010) Cand.med., University of Oslo (1988) Research Interests include personalized psychotherapy, transference interventions, group therapy, and development of assessment tools. Her work explores mechanisms of change in treating adolescent depression, focusing on transference work , countertransference , and digital mental health interventions . Recent studies examine sociodemographic predictors of treatment outcomes and therapist well-being during the pandemic. Publications trend toward comparative therapy efficacy , longitudinal outcome analysis , and cross-cultural burnout studies . Key projects include the FEST-IT trial (First Experimental Study of Transference Work in Teenagers) and contributions to TREATme (European Network for Individualized Therapy). Authorized Psychotherapy Supervisor (2009–present) Specialist in Psychiatry (1999) and Child-Adolescent Psychiatry (2005)
Professor Reinhard Lindner is a medical doctor and Professor of Theory, Empiricism and Methods of Social Therapy at the University of Kassel. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a leading expert in geriatric psychiatry, suicide prevention, and psychodynamic psychotherapy for older adults. His work bridges clinical practice, research, and social policy, with particular emphasis on understanding and addressing suicidality in aging populations. Lindner's research interests focus on the complex interplay between aging, mental health, and suicide risk. He has developed specialized approaches to psychodynamic psychotherapy for elderly patients, with particular attention to those experiencing suicidal ideation. His work examines the psychological, social, and medical dimensions of suicide prevention in older adults, including the controversial intersection with assisted suicide. He has been actively involved with the National Suicide Prevention Program for Germany (NaSPro), contributing to policy development and clinical guidelines. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate continued active engagement in the field, with research spanning from theoretical frameworks to practical clinical applications. Key themes in his recent work include psychodynamic approaches to suicide prevention, the therapeutic use of nursing home environments, the psychological impact of global crises on aging populations, and critical examinations of assisted suicide policies. His interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from psychoanalysis, gerontology, social work, and public health to develop comprehensive suicide prevention strategies. Lindner has made significant contributions to understanding the specific manifestations of suicidality in older adults, recognizing that risk factors and protective factors differ substantially from younger populations. His work emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate therapeutic interventions and the need for specialized training for mental health professionals working with elderly clients.
Dr. Shannon McIntyre is an Assistant Professor and Core Faculty in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Antioch University New England, where she also serves as Director of Internship. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University and an undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. Her professional background includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance and clinical work at Pennsylvania Hospital. Research Focus Dr. McIntyre's work centers on therapeutic empathy, adult development, and psychotherapy processes. Her research examines attachment theory, psychoanalytic frameworks, and therapist characteristics influencing clinical outcomes. Recent investigations focus on empathy dynamics during crises and therapist training methodologies. Publication Trends Her publications consistently explore empathy in clinical contexts, with recurring themes of therapist-patient dynamics, training interventions, and adaptation to challenging environments. Recent work emphasizes rupture-repair mechanisms and pandemic-era psychotherapy. Leadership & Practice Director of Internship at Antioch University New England (2020–Present) Early Career Representative for the Psychoanalytic Specialty Council Maintains private practice using psychodynamic-humanistic approaches
Mark MacMillin serves as faculty in the Clinical Psychology PsyD program at The Chicago School's College of Professional Psychology, based at the Anaheim campus since 2011. He previously directed the on-campus training clinic for 8 years and an APPIC member internship program for 5 years. Education: Psy.D. from Biola University, Rosemead School of Psychology (1990) B.A. from UCLA (1984) His research centers on attachment theory, ACES (adverse childhood experiences), personality formation, and the intersection of spirituality with clinical psychology. Dr. MacMillin specializes in psychoanalytic and attachment-based therapeutic approaches, with clinical focus areas including forgiveness, grieving processes, and narrative formation in therapy. His scholarly work demonstrates consistent exploration of trauma resilience, mentalization techniques, and the therapeutic application of countertransference. Professional Activities: Active California licensed psychologist in private practice Regular presenter on ACES, attachment theory, and psychoanalytic practice Teaches courses in psychotherapy, diagnostic seminar, adult psychopathology, and intervention practices
