Biography

Prior to her employment at Calvary, Dr Connor was  employed as the Implementation Manager for the Intensive Treatment and Support Program (ITAS), Disability ACT, developing and implementing an intensive treatment and support program for 21 individuals identified as having a dual diagnosis (mental health/disability). She was previously employed over several years as a Senior Psychologist for Care and  Protection Services, (Office of Children, Youth and Family Support), providing a consultative service to other staff members regarding complex cases.

Dr Connor was also Senior Psychologist in the Assessment Unit of Family Services, undertaking voluntary and court ordered assessments of adults, children and families.  She has been employed as a Psychologist and mediator with the Family Court Mediation Service; and as a Psychologist with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health Service (now Mental Health ACT). 

Over the past 14 years, Dr Connor has also undertaken clinical psychological practice in her own private practice (Pam Connor & Associates). The work undertaken for her practice has comprised a range of services: psychological assessment for individuals (on referral from community organizations, health practitioners, and legal firms); cognitive and educational assessments; Autism Spectrum Disorder/Aspergers’ assessments; family and individual assessments for both the Family Court and Magistrates Court (she is a registered as an accredited assessor with both courts); and individual therapy and counselling services for individuals and families.

Teaching Areas

• Psychology Clinic Director (from April 2010) ;
• Unit convenor of MCP units;
• Clinical supervision;
• Research supervision (masters students only);

Research Interests

• Complex Post Traumatic Stress ;
• Attachment Disorder;
• Parenting Styles;

Dr Connor’s predominant research interest has been in the field of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, her Doctoral research involving the development, implementation and evaluation of a treatment program for adults who had suffered long-term and multiple trauma experiences during their childhood or adult years.  Dr. Connor’s strong interest in complex trauma presentations led to her involvement in the Australian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ASTSS) over several years, and she was formerly on the National Executive of this body.  Publications include the following:

Selected Publications

Connor, P. K. & Higgins, D. J. (2008). The ‘‘HEALTH’’ model – Part 1: treatment program guidelines for Complex PTSD.
Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 23(4), 293-303.

Connor, P. K. & Higgins, D. J. (2008). The ‘‘HEALTH’’ model – Part 2: case study of a guideline-based treatment program for Complex PTSD relating to childhood sexual abuse.
Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 23(4), 401-404.

Dr Connor is currently undertaking research into the impact of specific parenting practices (e.g. controlled crying on child development).
 
During 2012, she will be conducting an evaluation of a Circle of Security parenting education program to be conducted I the student clinic. She will also be working closely with students in evaluating the Family Intervention Program for young persons with Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder (Mark Dadds).

Professional Qualifications & Memberships

• Member of the APS College of clinical Psychologists;
• Committee Secretary of the ACT State Committee of the Australian Psychological Society (APS);
• Representative for the local Branch of the APS on Act Medicare Local;
• Elected Member of ACT Registration Board in November 2009;
• Member of ACT/Tasmanian/Victorian Regional Committee, AHPRA, 2011;
• APAC Assessor (undertook training in 2010);
• APS Representative on Private Mental Health Workforce Alliance (PMHWA);