Traumatology is the study of individual and group responses to crises. Traumatologists treat people exposed to highly stressful and traumatic events, such as terrorist bombings, war, disasters, fires, accidents, criminal and familial abuse, hostage-taking, hospitalisation, major illness, abandonment, and sudden unemployment.

Traumatologists help victims to better understand how to work through disasters, as well as managing these crises before, during and after the events. While much of the efforts of traumatologists are “hands on” crisis interventions, their skills also extend from strategic planning and evaluation for disaster preparation, to recovery and rehabilitation services subsequently.

Some examples of my prior Australian and International Traumatology interventions include:

  • Australian Defence Force (2019 – Present) Provision of specialist Psychology and Traumatology Services to the following ADF bases: Amberly RAAF, Duntroon Military College, HMAS Cerberus Navy Base, Kapooka Army Barracks, Robertson Army Barracks, South Bandiama Army Barracks, Tindal RAAF, Wagga Wagga RAAF, Williams Town RAAF.
  • Nauru and Manus Island Regional Processing Centres (2014) – Provision of specialist Psychology and Traumatology Services to both Island Detention Centres.
  • Malaysian Airlines MH370 and MH17 Disasters (2014) – coordination of all debriefing and counselling interventions to the families of the missing Australian passengers, as well as consultancy to airline staff and media.
  • Bundaberg floods (2013) – provision of on-site disaster management and counselling to regional Councils, as well as radio interviews and press articles (on disaster recovery) to local media.
  • Tasmanian Bushfire’s (2013) – consultation with Premier Giddings regarding the State’s psychological recovery.
  • Jacintha Suldhana Suicide (2012) – media commentary for BBC London and ABC Sydney with regard to the effects of prank callers to vulnerable individuals.
  • Bali Bombings tenth anniversary (2012) – provided on-site (on call) supervision to victims and their families, subsidised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Centrelink.
  • Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia (2011-12) – engaged as a trauma consultant to three surf carnivals, and provided coordination of counselling services following the drowning deaths of two child competitors.
  • Queensland Health Department (ATODS) (2011-12) – contracted by ATODS as Senior Psychologist for counselling and organisational development.
  • Traverse Drilling Shootings, Lae PNG (2011) – contracted to engage in on-site debriefing and psychological assessment of workers regarding their fitness to return to work following an armed raid.
  • Brisbane Floods Disaster (2011) – provided on-site trauma consultancy to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Lifeline and the Department of Communities, and audited the operation of the RNA show grounds Evacuation Centre.
  • Medicare Australia (2009-10) – Honorary Consultant to Medicare Australia regarding Psychologist’s compliance to Medicare Provider-ship.
  • Victorian Bushfire’s (2009) – provided on-site consultancy to the Victorian Rural Fire Authority.
  • Des Caling Drilling Tragedy – George (2007) – provided psychological assessment and counselling to an employee convicted of criminal negligence causing death.
  • Nauru (2006) – contracted by G4s Security as a consultant to client services staff of Asylum Seekers on Nauru.
  • Beaconsfield Mine Disaster (2006) – provided advice to Mine Management with regard to emergency psychological treatment.
  • Bali Bombings (2005) – engaged as an on-site consultant to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Consular General in Bali.
  • Order of Australia Association (2004-2010) – Member of the Order of Australia Queensland Branch Executive Committee. Participated in the organisation of an annual five-day conference of 500 delegates.
  • Indian Ocean Tsunami campaign (2004/05) – provided emergency psychological management advice to former Prime Minister (Hon. John Howard) during the Indian Ocean Tsunami campaign.
  • Queensland Health Practitioners Tribunal and QCAT (2004 to present) – presiding member for complaints against psychologists.
  • Australian Embassy Bombing in Jakarta (2004) – contracted by the Chamber of Commerce in Jakarta to provide on-site support to business owners and their staff subsequent to the adjacent bombing of the Australian Embassy.
  • Queensland Police Service (2003 to present) – member of the Commissioner’s Homicide Division Resource Group and contracted as a clinical psychologist in numerous investigations, including the disappearance and murder of Daniel Morcombe.
  • W. Marriott Hotel Bombing in Jakarta (2003) – contracted by the Marriott Hotel Chain (Washington DC) to conduct on-site support services to the staff and patrons of the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Jakarta.
  • Bali Bombings first anniversary (2003) – provided on-site direct care counselling to victims and relatives, at the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
  • Bali Bombings (2002) – conducted on-site CISD training courses to the medical staff of the Bali International Medical Clinic, as well as direct care counselling of victims and relatives, at the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
  • WorkCover Queensland (1995 – 2006) – contracted to provide psychological assessments regarding workplace accidents and injuries.
  • Thredbo Landslip (1997) – provided direct on-site support and counselling to victims’
  • Port Arthur Shootings (1996) – engaged in direct care counselling to victims of the disaster at Port Arthur and Nubeena for three weeks subsequent, and appointed as Queensland Coordinator for the entirety of the rehabilitation campaign of sixteen (16) months subsequent.
  • Margaret River Landslide (1996) – provided direct support and counselling to victims’
  • Moura Mine Disaster (1994) – supported community agencies as an on-site consultant to Police, Priests and Ministers and local community agencies.
  • Christian Brothers Inquiry into school-based sexual abuse (1993) – Contracted by the Christian Brothers to assist with mediation into allegations of past sexual abuse.
  • Charleville Floods and Droughts (1993) – provided training courses to Shire Council workers regarding Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.
  • Lifeline Australia (1984 to 2013) – contracted by Lifeline to provide ongoing external staff supervision.

 

What is Trauma Assessment for Court purposes?

An individual may approach a Traumatologist for any reason pertinent to a trauma. Some of the more common instances surround the following:

  • You’ve sustained a significant trauma (motor vehicle accident, workplace injury, assault or natural disaster).
  • You’ve witnessed another person (perhaps a loved one) being hurt.
  • You’re worried about your children (perhaps residency or guardianship, their experience of divorce or separation, or Access arrangements).
  • You’ve wound up in Court following a trauma, and need help with compensation or Defence.
  • You’ve wound up in court regarding Domestic Violence and require a mental status examination.
  • You’re in danger of losing your Immigration Visa (partnered visa’s, study visa’s or work visa’s).

When it comes to choosing a Traumatologist to make the assessment, the quality is bolstered by these three considerations.

Credibility

My qualifications and experience are over fifty (50) years. I am a Fellow and the former National President of both Australian Association of Psychologists and Australian College of Clinical Psychologists. I have four University degrees (to masters level), and have lectured in Psychology at the University of Qld., University of Southern Qld., Griffith, Bond and Southern Cross Universities. I am also a published author of four trauma related texts.

Ability

I’ve completed more than five (500) hundred (possible as many as 1,000 by now) trauma assessments for WorkCover, Insurance Companies, Accident & Injury Solicitors, Criminal Barristers, Immigration Agents and Family Law Solicitors. I have comprehensive knowledge and practical experience of rehabilitation, pain and injury management, alcoholism and drug dependence, trauma management, pre-sentencing, parole and probation requirements and Family Law Court mediation. My skills in Court Report writing are similarly of the highest standard. I use the most appropriate assessment tests (including P.I.R.S.) to back up every assertion, culminating in highly defensible recommendations.

Expertise

I have a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and a United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Awards for services to disaster management both in Australia and internationally. I have appeared as a Court appointed (expert) witness on many occasions.

Assessment Process

An assessment usually requires an interview with the client or patient over about two hours. The interpretation of results and preparation of the Court Report can take several more. The cost, however, is stable. The Court Report can be prepared urgently (within a day) and emailed or couriered if required. If not urgent, a signed copy will be posted within one week. Court attendance is offered in all cases, but is charged separately.