Dr Georgina Rowse BSc (Hons), Clin.Psy.D., CPsychol

Address:
Clinical Psychology Unit
Department of Psychology
Sheffield S10 2TN
Tel: (+44) (0)114 2226574
Fax: (+44) (0)114 2226610
Email: g.rowse@sheffield.ac.uk
Room: WB B2a

Qualifications

BSc(Hons) (Sheffield), Clin.Psy.D. (Manchester)

Research Interests

My research interests are within the area of experiences that have been traditionally conceptualised as psychosis. Clinically I work in an Early Intervention Service for Young People with Psychosis, where our ethos is to work with people and their families within a youth focused, stigma free and normalising model.

Normalisation and Continuum Model
I am interested in exploring experiences, beliefs and behaviours that in certain contexts are deemed `normal´ and in other contexts labeled as mental health difficulties, specifically psychosis. Research in these areas is important with a view to furthering our understanding of the continuum model of psychosis and in the normalisation of experiences. One recent research project in this area has qualitatively explored the relationship between strong spiritual or religious beliefs and experiences of unusual beliefs or hearing voices.

Cognitive Processes involved in Persecutory Ideas and Paranoia
Much of my research to date has included analysis of the cognitive processes involved in the formation of persecutory ideas and paranoia, across diagnoses and the lifespan. Attributional style and theory of mind, for example, could be viewed as cognitive mediators between early life experience and psychosis, and further work is planned in this area.

Adverse Life Experiences and Resilience
The relationship between traumatic experiences and psychosis is a burgeoning research field, and one that I have a strong interest in. I am interested in how adverse life experiences, both in early childhood or adult life, are coped with. With further research into resilience following social or life adversity, perhaps coupled with more Positive Psychology research in the area of psychosis, a greater understanding of the psychological processes involved can be found.

Other Research Themes
Continuing the theme of normalization, I am also interested in the relationship between substance use and psychotic experiences, and the role these may have in the self-harm, suicide continuum, we have previously investigated this using Psychological Autopsy methodology.

Grants

• WARP (Women Academic Returners Programme). ROWSE, G. (awarded February 2008) £14,000.
• National Treatment Agency, Department of Health. Oliver, P., Keen, J., ROWSE, G., Mathers, N., & Dorries, C. A Psychological Autopsy Study of Acute Heroin-related Overdoses. (awarded August 2003). £90,000.

Activities & Distinctions

• Committee member on the British Psychological Society (BPS), Committee for the Early Intervention Special Interest (from 2006)
• Chartered Principle grade Clinical Psychologist in the NHS from 2004.
• Academic Referring for British Journal of Psychiatry, Psychology and Psychotherapy; Theory, Research and Practice and Behaviour, Research and Therapy.

Postgraduate Students

• Gemma Kothari(DClinPsy)
• Kerry Ware (DClin Psy)
• Margo Ononayie (DClinPsy)
• Mike Marriott (DClinPsy)
• Rebecca Thompson (DClinPsy)
• Christine Telford (DClinPsy)
• Helen Childs (DClinPsy)
• Rachael Cotton (DClinPsy)
• Gary Tebble (DClinPsy)

Research Assistants

Post to be advertised to join programme of work in area of resilience, impact of adverse experiences and psychosis

Research Group

Georgina Rowse is based with the Clinical Psychology Unit (CPU) and Centre for Psychological Services Research.

Clinical Psychology Unit (CPU)

Publications

A list of key publications can be found below. For a full list of publications please click here