Stuart Fisher

Biography

Stuart’s research is to evaluate the efficacy of a structured play, sensory-motor intervention in children who have experienced early-life trauma. The study will evaluate a 20-week sensory-motor based, structured play, therapeutic intervention for primary school aged children (6-11) with complex trauma / PTSD. The program will run as a group-based intervention in children who have a history of abuse or neglect at the hands of a parent or primary carer. A longitudinal, repeated-measure, case-control design will be employed to evaluate the efficacy of the program over four time points. This project aims to provide empirical-evidence as to the efficacy of neuromodulation therapeutic models for the treatment of psychopathology and neuropsychopathology whose genesis is in early-life trauma within the domestic setting.

PhD Research Title: The Evaluation of the Psychological, Behavioural, and Academic Benefits of a Group-Based Delivery of the REPAIR™ Program in Children with Complex Trauma: a Sensory-Motor and Structured Play Intervention

Supervisors:
Principle - Prof. Jane Conway
Co - Dr Jane Clark
Co - Prof. Don Hine

Qualifications

• Masters of Clinical Counselling: UNE
• Graduate Diploma in Counselling for Health & Social Care (GDCHSC):UNE
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (BPsychSc, UNE)
• Masters of Art: Royal College of Art, London
• Diploma in Art Therapy, UK
• B.A. (Hons) Fine Art: University of Dundee; Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art

Teaching Areas

School of Rural Medicine: Sexuality & Counselling.

Research Interests

• Hemispheric imbalances: LBD-Dyslexia, processing disorders. RBD- ADD, Autism Asperger's etc.,
• Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS); children that do not fully experience all five senses
• Early Life Trauma in children; neglect, sexual abuse, maltreatment and PTSD
• Art in Therapy that looks at non-re-traumatisation of ELT children
• Enduring effects of complex trauma in childhood brain development that can have major neurobehavioural consequences

Publications

Fisher, S., Sinnamon, G.C.B., (2015). Dumbledore’s Wand: The (not so) secret to putting the magic in the therapeutic alliance. Original article: Peer-review journal. The Counseling Psychologist (under review).

Sinnamon, G.C.B., Fisher, S. (2015).The Impact of Early-Life Trauma: Characteristics and Consequences. Review article: Peer-review journal. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse (under review).

Sinnamon, G.C.B., Fisher, S. (2015). Treating Early-Life Trauma: Neurodevelopmental considerations for evidence-based intervention. Original article: Peer-review journal. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse (under review).

Memberships

• ASTSS: Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
• ACA: The Australian Counselling Association
•  CAPA: Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (pending)
• IAC: International Association for Counselling
• ANZMH: Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association

Consultancy Interests

• Practicing Clinical Counsellor
• Indigenous Counselling
• Private Practice