Meet Dr Karin
Born in South Africa where I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I have also lived in New Zealand for 10 years before moving to Australia in 2008. My post-graduate Masters and PhD studies in Psychology focused on couples' relationships, conflict and attachment.
I currently predominantly wear two work 'hats'. Most of my time is spent in private practice - I am a Registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association and specialise in working with couples primarily using the Gottman Method. I also am a registered supervisor with the Vocational Mental Health Association Australia (VMPHAA) with a particular focus on supporting clinicians in their relationships/couples' cases and building private practice. For more information or to enquire about my availability, please click on the link to my practice website: www.relationshipssquared.com or read my couples counselling blog.
For my second 'hat' I also do some occasional academic writing/work as Adjunct Associate Professor at Victoria University. I have extensive experience as a researcher with strong skills in managing complex multi-site research projects and clinical trials. My area of focus has been broadly in mental health and medical research, including managing a clinical cardiac registry, and more recently university student wellbeing.
My research experience extends to relationship-building, leading teams and strategically interfacing with a wide range of people from cardiac surgeons to construction workers and young people. I am well versed in mixed methods research, evidence reviews and program evaluation. I am dedicated to research excellence, including consumer engagement, adhering to ethical standards, effective resource management and translating evidence-based findings to policy and practice.
Dr Karin du Plessis
Couples Counsellor & Adjunct Associate Professor, Victoria University, Registered Supervisor Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association Australia (VMPHAA)
PhD (Psychology) MA (Psychology)
BA (Psychology) DipCouns, MACA