Mindfulness an antidote to a range of woes, says newly arrived psychologist
Published on 18 January, 2012
Mindfulness can be a great antidote to a range of woes including depression, anxiety, pain and stress, says newly arrived clinical psychologist Dr Kumari Fernando, who is based at CQUniversity's Rockhampton Campus.
Dr Fernando's research has focused on rumination (overthinking/overanalysing) as well as thought suppression.
"Mindfulness - the practice of deliberately focusing attention on the present moment and accepting experiences non-judgmentally, is a powerful, effective contrast to either of these approaches," she says.
"More and more researchers are becoming interested in mindfulness."
After PhD research into how people in romantic relationships regulate their emotions, Dr Fernando's postdoctoral research involved being part of a randomised trial of schema therapy versus cognitive behaviour therapy for depression.
While in New Zealand, she worked as a clinical psychologist for acute inpatient units which saw a number of admissions of people who chronically engage in deliberate self-harm.
Dr Fernando championed a 'green card' system enabling preventative admission and client involvement in treatment plans, which led to a dramatic reduction in the time people needed to be in the unit.
"The green card system was more dignified and promoted autonomy and faster return to functioning, as opposed to relying on crisis admissions," she says.
Born in Zambia to Sri Lankan parents, Kumari grew up in South Africa and spent her initial professional career in New Zealand before moving to Australia for the 2012 academic year.
Dr Fernando will teach into CQUniversity's Masters of Clinical Psychology program, which is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).