Sleep and Psychology Laboratory

The Sleep and Psychology Laboratory offers treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic stress, and are also experiencing sleep disturbances. We are also conducting research to explain the complex relationships between exposure to traumatic events, sleep, and mental health. Traumatic events can include, but are not limited to, exposure to family or community violence, motor vehicle accidents, physical or sexual abuse, and assault.

What we do

We offer evidence-based therapies for traumatic stress and sleep disruption. Therapy is offered in the context of research trials where we investigate how to make existing therapies for traumatic stress and sleep disruptions more effective. For further information about trauma-focused therapy and/or sleep therapy, visit these sites:

We are currently recruiting for one trial, see below. Therapy is provided free of charge.

Who we are

Associate Professor Jessica Paterson
Associate Professor Jessica Paterson is a Clinical Psychologist with over 17 years of research experience in the field of sleep, fatigue, mental health and psychopathology. She has worked across multiple industries where sleep disruption and trauma exposure are common, particularly health care and the emergency services. Associate Professor Paterson is a member of the Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, the Open Door initiative and is the Director of the Sleep and Psychology Laboratory.

Cassandra Rose
Cassandra Rose is a provisional psychologist and Clinical Psychology PhD student with a passion for enhancing the effectiveness and understanding of treatment for PTSD in children and adolescence. Cassandra has considerable experience working in youth mental health, early childhood education, and as a crisis supporter at Lifeline. Her current research seeks to explore ways to improve treatment outcomes using an integrated cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) approach for trauma-exposed primary school-aged children with sleep difficulties.

Our current treatment trials

Child and Adolescent Treatment for Trauma and Sleep (CHATTS)

This study aims to enhance existing treatments for primary school-aged children (ages 5 to 12) who are experiencing worry and sleep problems after experiencing a traumatic event(s). You and your child will receive 10 free one-hour weekly therapy sessions with a trained psychologist, starting with 4 sessions of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) and 6 sessions of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT). This treatment will contribute valuable insights to refine current treatment effectiveness for primary school-aged children, ensuring mental health professionals can offer more accessible and effective options within a Medicare framework. If you are seeking additional information, please email us at CHATTS@flinders.edu.au to express your interest, and a member of our psychology team will reach out to you promptly.

Information

Consent form