Simon Hofman is an external PhD candidate at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences and a Scientific Researcher at Parnassia Groep since April 2020. His work focuses on clinical psychology, particularly personality disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trauma therapy. Research Interests Diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders EMDR therapy and its theoretical foundations (AIP model) Impact of trauma on psychological and physiological responses Pharmacological influences on social neuroscience Randomized controlled trials in clinical settings Pain perception and behavioral adaptation Article Contributions 2024: Article on underdiagnosis of PTSD in personality disorder outpatients 2024: Article on AIP model for EMDR therapy in personality disorders 2022: TEMPO study protocol on trauma-focused EMDR 2021: Study on acetaminophen's effects on social rejection
Iris Engelhard is Full Professor of Clinical Psychology at Utrecht University, specializing in experimental psychopathology. She leads innovative research on trauma disorders and anxiety treatments through her Experimental Psychopathology Lab. A Fulbright Scholar and cognitive behavioral therapist, she develops mechanistic understanding of PTSD while advancing EMDR therapy techniques. Honors include prestigious NWO grants (VENI/VIDI/VICI) and TOP funding. She teaches in clinical psychology programs and serves as Scientific Integrity advisor.
Kelly "Ked" Dixon is an Adjunct Instructor at the Tulane School of Social Work, where she also earned her MSW in 2010 through the part-time program. She is currently a Behavioral Health Therapist at CrescentCare in New Orleans, where she helped develop the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health program and runs the Play Therapy clinic. Her educational background includes: MSW, Tulane University School of Social Work Ked's research and practice interests center on trauma-informed and playful interventions for marginalized youth, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on transgender youth. She integrates modalities such as EMDR and play therapy into gender-affirming care, emphasizing ethical practice and clinical supervision. Her work bridges clinical innovation with education and training for mental health professionals. Ked holds several professional certifications and recognitions, including: Registered Play Therapist (RPT) Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS) EMDRIA Certified Therapist in EMDR She is also a consultant with the BACH Group of New Orleans, where she develops continuing education curricula on ethics for mental health professionals. While she does not have a formal list of advisees or research publications in the provided text, her role as a clinical supervisor and educator highlights her commitment to training the next generation of social workers. Ked maintains a strong presence in both clinical and academic settings, contributing to program development, clinical supervision, and ethical training in behavioral health.
Dr. Lianne Bakkum is an Assistant Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam within the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, holding affiliations in Clinical Child and Family Studies, APH - Mental Health, and LEARN! - Child rearing. She earned her PhD in Public Health and Primary Care from the University of Cambridge (2017–2021), focusing on attachment and trauma in the Adult Attachment Interview. Her research explores intellectual disability, child protection systems, mental health interventions, and the impact of digital social contact during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education, good health, and reduced inequalities. Key projects include reducing involuntary care in intellectual disability settings and analyzing the effectiveness of EMDR therapy for PTSD in adults with intellectual disabilities. She teaches courses on family studies, child-rearing practices, and scientific reasoning rooted in attachment theory. Bakkum’s publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to disability care, trauma resolution, and policy evaluation. She leads and collaborates on projects funded by academic institutions, focusing on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations through evidence-based strategies.
Dr. Julia Gillard is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), based in Cambridge. She holds dual roles as a Clinical Psychologist in an NHS specialist mental health service for adult PTSD patients and an academic researcher. Her primary affiliations include the Faculty of Science and Engineering, with membership in the ARU Centre for Mind and Behaviour and the Clinical and Wellbeing Group. Dr. Gillard's education includes a DClinPsy from University College London (2016-2019), a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Cambridge (2013-2016), and an MSc in War & Psychiatry from King’s College London (2012-2013). Her research focuses on trauma interventions, cross-cultural mental health, and social cognition in depression, with specialties in digital innovation for mental health accessibility. She supervises research projects aligned with these themes and teaches modules like Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her clinical practice involves delivering trauma-focused therapies including CBT, NET, CFT, and EMDR. Research grants include a Topol Digital Fellowship with Health Education England. Notable publications span PTSD treatment efficacy in healthcare workers, pediatric trauma interventions, and cultural variations in depression symptomatology. She actively contributes to professional bodies like the European Society for Traumatic Stress and BABCP. Dr. Gillard has presented at conferences such as the Human Brain Mapping Conference and the Syrian American Medical Society National Meeting. Her work emphasizes mental health equity for veterans, refugees, and marginalized populations, with recent focus on adapting therapies for pandemic conditions and digital mental health solutions.
Glen Bates is a Professor in the School of Health Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology , Australia. His research focuses on trauma, mental health, and psychological well-being, with a particular emphasis on social anxiety, complex PTSD, self-compassion, and resilience. He has a strong publication record and actively supervises PhD students across diverse topics in clinical and health psychology. His research interests span several interconnected domains: Clinical and health psychology, especially trauma-related disorders and mood disorders Social and personality psychology, focusing on stigma, resilience, and identity Applied and developmental psychology, including educational and workplace mental health Digital mental health interventions and telehealth applications Mechanisms of therapy such as emotion regulation, mindfulness, and nonattachment His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on understanding psychological mechanisms in anxiety, trauma, and resilience. The articles show strong use of advanced statistical methods (meta-analysis, structural equation modelling) and qualitative approaches (thematic analysis, phenomenological inquiry). Key themes include the measurement and treatment of complex PTSD, the role of self-compassion and emotion regulation in social anxiety, resilience among marginalized populations, and the impact of societal challenges like the pandemic and food insecurity on mental health. Scientific contributions include: Over 100 publications including high-impact journal articles Systematic reviews and meta-analyses advancing methodological rigor in trauma and anxiety research Development and validation of digital interventions for mental health Exploration of novel constructs such as nonattachment and their role in psychological development He has supervised numerous Doctoral (PhD) candidates, with projects covering areas such as EMDR therapy, digital mental health, intergenerational trauma, HIV resilience, and workplace stress. His grant funding includes projects on monitoring anxiety and depression nationally and on raising teacher status through social innovation. He leads a research program that bridges clinical psychology with public health and educational innovation. He is actively involved in research teams and collaborations, particularly in projects related to trauma, mental health interventions, and social innovation in education. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration across psychology, public health, and digital technology.
Dr. Julia Gillard is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Psychology, Sport and Sensory Science department. She also works as a Clinical Psychologist in an NHS specialist mental health service for adults with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her research spans clinical psychology, cross-cultural psychology, and neural mechanisms underlying mental health conditions, with a focus on trauma, depression, and social cognition. Education: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University College London (2016-2019) PhD in Biological Sciences, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge (2013-2016) MSc in War & Psychiatry, King’s College London (2012-2013) BSc Hons Psychology, University of Glasgow (2008-2012) Her work includes trauma-focused interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), with a particular interest in risk and resilience factors in mental health. She leads research projects examining digital innovation in mental health services and has contributed to systematic reviews on disaster response therapies. Dr. Gillard is a member of the ARU Centre for Mind and Behaviour and holds professional certifications with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), and European Society of Traumatic Stress (ESTSS). She received the Topol Digital Fellowship for her work on digital inclusion in mental health. Scientific Awards: Topol Digital Fellow, Health Education England, NHS, UK
Professor Caroline Hollins-Martin is a faculty member at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Health and Social Care , specializing in maternal and child health. She is a leading expert in birth satisfaction scales, with extensive cross-cultural validation work on the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), including translations into Slovak, German, Japanese, Czech, and Vietnamese. Her research spans perinatal bereavement care, midwifery education, and psychological interventions for postnatal mental health. Research Themes : Maternal and child health, mental health, public health, midwifery, and educational practices. Key Collaborations : Dr. Andrew Smith (School of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment), Prof. Thanos Karatzias (Mental Health), and Dr. Gail Norris (Maternal Health). Grants : Funded by organizations including Newborns Vietnam , Held in Our Hearts Limited , and NHS Lothian . Scientific Contributions : She has developed global standards for measuring birth satisfaction and contributed to policy on respectful maternal care. Her work includes studies on fathers' postnatal mental health, EMDR therapy for perinatal PTSD, and continuity models in midwifery care. Advising : Supervised PhD students such as Natalie Bain-Reguis (school ventilation systems) and Francesca Giannatiempo (bereavement support). She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects like Compassionate Companions and Respectful Care in Vietnam .
Dr. Maryam Rafieifar is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, specializing in immigration and child welfare. Her work focuses on underserved populations, particularly immigrant families and refugees, addressing trauma, resilience, and policy impacts. She employs community-based participatory methods and has collaborated with international organizations like the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Education: PhD in Public Health and Social Work (Florida International University, 2022); MS in Urban and Regional Planning (Stockholm University, 2013); MSS in Social Science Research (Islamic Azad University, 2009); BSS in Statistics (Allameh Tabatabaei University, 2005). Her research interests include forced migration, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and the intersection of immigration policies and child welfare. Recent projects examine family separation planning among undocumented immigrants and comparative efficacy of online vs. in-person group interventions. Awards: Interdisciplinary Groups Award (2023) Initiative for Cross-Institutional Student Collaboration (2022) Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence (2022) Dr. Rafieifar has secured grants totaling over $40,000, including studies on Florida’s immigration policy impacts and resilience among African women repatriated from UAE. She teaches courses on research methods and human behavior in social environments. She co-founded PhD Peer Power in Miami and serves on committees addressing children and families in social work education.
Jill Phillips is a Professor of Graduate Counseling at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA (2015–present), with a focus on substance use and mental health disorders. She also operates JP Counseling & Associates, LLC (2012–present) and previously worked at Gateway Rehabilitation Center (1995–2014) as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and director. M.S. in Counseling (1994), Shippensburg University B.S. in Business (1992), West Virginia Wesleyan College Her research and practice emphasize behavioral/process addictions, social and cultural foundations in counseling, and advanced mental health interventions. She is fully trained in EMDR therapy and specializes in co-occurring disorders. Phillips is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC). She has presented extensively on substance use and mental health for providers and communities. Distinguished Toastmaster, Toastmasters International She previously served as Chair of the Beaver County System of Care and contributes to coalitions addressing drug abuse and gambling. Her personal interests include writing, family time, and learning Spanish.
Prof. Derek (Paddy) Farrell is a Professor in Trauma Psychology and Veterans Affairs at Northumbria University (Newcastle) and Queen's University Belfast. He is President of Trauma Aid Europe and President-Elect of EMDR All Ireland, with extensive humanitarian work in conflict zones globally. His research focuses on EMDR therapy, PTSD treatment, and moral injury in frontline workers. He holds an MBE (2020) and the Francine Shapiro Award (2024). Education: PhD in Psychology (2003). Research Interests : Trauma therapy innovations via EMDR Humanitarian trauma response in regions like Iraq, Lebanon, and Myanmar Moral injury in law enforcement and military populations EMDR applications for individuals with intellectual disabilities Key Article Trends : Recent work emphasizes EMDR's efficacy in conflict zones, telemedicine applications during pandemics, and trauma treatment for marginalized groups. His studies bridge clinical practice with global health challenges. Awards : David Servan Schreiber Award (2013), Humanitarian of the Year (2018), TES Shortlist (2017) Grants : £35k project on military-connected children's trauma (2024–2026) Labs/Teams : Lead researcher in Trauma Aid Europe initiatives
Inga Blom is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at The New School for Social Research and serves as Interim Director of the Safran Center for Psychological Services. She holds a PhD (2009), MA (2003), and BA (2000) from The New School for Social Research, Trinity College, and The University of Toronto, respectively. Her research focuses on attachment theory, perinatal mental health, and reproductive mental health, with a particular interest in maternal identity development and the interplay between personal/cultural history and psychological adjustment. She integrates psychoanalytic theory (ego psychology, relational, object-relations) with somatic approaches, trauma theory, and communications research. Current work explores perinatal mood disorders and assisted reproductive technology’s impact on family dynamics. Blom’s clinical training programs emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration in medical settings, bridging research and practice to address systemic barriers in mental healthcare access. She is affiliated with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology, and EMDR International Association. Recent teaching includes courses on Developmental Psychology (NPSY 2256), Counseling Center Test Supervision (GPSY 7020), and First Year Train Clinic Practicum (GPSY 6905).
Dr. Jessica Reno Burkholder is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Addiction Counseling department at Emory & Henry College , within the School of Health Sciences. She holds licensure as a professional counselor in Virginia and New Jersey, and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Her research focuses on ethical development and training of counselors, alongside clinical expertise in trauma counseling and EMDR therapy. Education : Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Kent State University (Kent, Ohio) M.A. in Community Counseling, Denver Seminary (Denver, Colorado) B.S. in Organization Behavior Management and Human Resources Management, Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) Professional Experience : Full-time faculty at Georgian Court University (2011–2016) and Monmouth University (2016–2021) 18+ years of clinical experience in community mental health agencies, college counseling centers, hospitals, schools, and private practice Research Focus : Dr. Burkholder’s work emphasizes ethical practices in counseling, trauma-informed care, and advancing counselor training methodologies. Her clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches like EMDR to address complex trauma cases. Contact : Located at the Emory & Henry University Health Sciences Campus, Marion, VA 24354.
Dr. Becky Choma is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and Director of the Social and Political Psychology (SPP) Lab. She earned her PhD from Brock University and completed a SSHRC-funded postdoctoral fellowship. Her research focuses on intergroup attitudes, prejudice reduction, and sociopolitical ideologies. Education: PhD in Social/Personality Psychology, Brock University Her work, supported by SSHRC, CIHR, and Canadian Heritage, explores how ideologies, emotions, and context affect intergroup tolerance, addressing inequalities related to gender, race, religion, and weight. Recent publications span sociopolitical ideologies, pandemic behavior, social media, and dietary-climate interactions. Her scientific awards include SSHRC PhD and Postdoctoral fellowships, and a 2014 SPPS open-access recognition. She mentors students and collaborates on interdisciplinary studies, with over 60 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Laura M. Schmuldt is an Associate Professor and Interim Department Chair in the Counseling Department at National Louis University. With over 25 years of clinical experience and 15 years in counselor education, she specializes in trauma counseling, group therapy, and women's mental health. Her work spans psychiatric rehabilitation, addiction treatment, and private practice, complemented by advanced training in EMDR and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Ph.D., University of Central Florida: Counselor Education and Supervision M.A., Northeastern Illinois University: Counselor Education B.A., University of Illinois at Chicago: Psychology Dr. Schmuldt's research focuses on trauma counseling, abortion-related mental health, and EMDR adaptation for diverse populations. She integrates therapeutic documentation and curative factors into group counseling frameworks. Recent publications emphasize stress reduction, pandemic-era counseling, and the intersection of childhood abuse and addiction. Her presentations at national and international conferences highlight innovative applications of EMDR and DBT. Dr. Schmuldt serves as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Associate in North Carolina and is affiliated with organizations like the American Counseling Association and Association for Specialists in Group Work. Contact: lschmuldt@nl.edu | Office: 910-409-7773
