Dr. Sharelle Smith is a highly qualified and experienced Clinical Psychologist with advanced training and a special interest in the treatment of trauma and severe and complex mental health conditions. Sharelle has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Psychology (Clinical), and a Post Graduate Diploma of Psychology through Bond University, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from Monash University.

 

Sharelle’s professional career began with extensive clinical work within the Crisis Stabilisation Unit, Emergency Department, and Acute Mental Health Units of the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, where she provided critical care to individuals in acute psychological distress. Sharelle has also held positions as an Assistant Director for the Open Arms Family and Counselling 24/7 Contact Centre and a Senior Clinician for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her breadth of experience includes working with both children and adults exposed to a wide range of traumatic events, as well as those living with complex and often chronic mental health difficulties.

 

Sharelle’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based methodologies, including:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CPT)

• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

• Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment (TIST)

 

Sharelle has obtained TIST-certified practitioner status, providing her with advanced practice skills in the treatment of trauma-related symptoms and conditions including:

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Complex PTSD

• Dissociative disorders

• Personality disorders

• Eating Disorders

• Severe Mood Disorders

• Psychosis and Psychotic Disorders

• Chronic Mental Health Conditions

• Suicidal and Self-Harm Ideation and Behaviour

• Substance Misuse

• Aggressive Behaviour

 

Sharelle is a STAP-trained and Board-Approved Supervisor and works closely with psychologists at all stages of their careers. Sharelle is also committed to professional development and regularly offers community education, workshops, and training to promote best practices in clinical psychology and trauma care.

 

Driven by a commitment to understanding the factors that support long-term recovery, Sharelle has completed research focused on trauma, interpersonal violence, PTSD, and related mental health disorders. Her research has culminated in the development and validation of the Cognitive Model of PTSD and the Trauma Recovery Measure (TRM), which is a strengths-based outcome tool designed to assess psychological recovery following trauma exposure. Sharelle is committed to the development of clinical interventions for the treatment of trauma and trauma-related conditions and is actively engaged in ongoing clinical research.

 

Current Research Engagement

• Effectiveness of the Trauma Recovery Measure in Clinical Practice

• Examination of the Intrapersonal Moral Injury Scale

• Moral Injury in Parents of Children who have Experienced Sexual Abuse

• The Role of Self-Compassion and Posttraumatic Cognitions in Complex Trauma Interventions

 

Past Research Activities

• Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Trauma Recovery Measure

• Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Cognitive Model of Trauma Recovery

• Development and Path Examination of the Trauma Cognition Model of PTSD for Survivors of Interpersonal Trauma

• The Role of Shame, Blame, and Negative Self Perceptions in the Development of PTSD Following Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence

• Evaluating the Core Competencies of Health Professionals Involved in Managing Consumers with Eating Disorders

• Technology Facilitated Intimate Partner Violence: An Examination and Conceptualisation of a New Genre of Violence Against Women

• Dignity Therapy and Life Review for Palliative Care Patients at End of Life

• Validation of the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire