Lecturer - Rural Mental Health
Email: harrisaj@utas.edu.au

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering
• Graduate Diploma of Environmental Studies
• Graduate Diploma of Counselling Psychology

Andrew is a registered psychologist and has been recruited to develop a strategic approach to mental health service provision, recruitment, retention and training of practitioners in rural and regional Tasmania. He will also contribute to mental health related projects undertaken by the Department.

Andrew comes to us from the Phoenix Centre, which is the Tasmanian Support Service for Survivors of Torture. Andrew began his professional life as a civil engineer, including work in the oil and mining sectors and as an environmental engineering consultant. Since commencing formal counselling and psychology training in 1990, Andrew has developed specialist ability in narrative therapy, working with violence in families, cross-cultural work and trauma.

Andrew is studying for a Masters of Medical Science with UDRH, researching culturally appropriate counselling for African men.

Research Project Title: Development of Culturally Appropriate Counselling Pathways for African Men in Tasmania

Synopsis: Culturally appropriate counselling pathways for African men in Tasmania will be mapped, using the following methods:

• Exploratory interviews with African staff working in the settlement field
• Consensus groups with African male migrants and refugees who are engaged in community support
• Digital video filming of groups
• Qualitative questionnaires developed after consensus group data are analysed
• Content and process analysis of lived history and turning points that respondents identify as promoting their wellbeing

The research aims to provide a sound basis for the development of appropriate counselling approaches for this client group. It is planned that these approaches will be evaluated in a future study.

Andrew will be providing sessional input to the Psychology Department Counselling and Rehabilitation Program.