Women and Psychology

Prizes and Awards

🏆 Women and Psychology Interest Group – Elaine Dignan Award

The Elaine Dignan Award recognises the contribution to psychology and to the Society made by Queensland psychologist, Elaine Dignan, who died in 1990.

The Award encourages research about women; women’s studies in psychology; or professional work of a psychological nature involving women, which addresses gender and other social attributes (eg race, class, sexuality) and considers their psychological effects.

 

 

🏵️ Elaine Dignan Award Winners

 

🎉 2024 Award Winner Profile: Lisa McLean

Executive Director, Laurel Place Inc.
Advocate for Trauma-Informed Practice & Gender-Based Violence Recovery

🌟 About Lisa

Lisa McLean leads Laurel Place Inc., a specialised sexual assault service supporting children, young people, and adults across regional Queensland. With over 30 years of experience in psychology, Lisa has dedicated her career to addressing the complex impacts of gender-based violence through trauma-informed, evidence-based care. Her leadership extends beyond clinical work to supervision, mentoring, and organisational wellbeing.

đź’ˇ Key Contributions

  • Clinical & Research Excellence: Lisa’s PhD explores the use of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) for survivors of sexual violence a modality she describes as the “missing piece” in therapeutic recovery.
  • Sector Leadership: She champions the role of psychologists in public and non-government sectors, advocating for broader recognition of their contributions beyond private practice.
  • Social Justice Commitment: Grounded in a lifelong feminist lens, Lisa’s work is driven by a deep commitment to supporting victim-survivors of all genders and promoting systemic change.

đź“š Influential Resources

  • Recovering from Trauma Using Compassion Focused Therapy â€“ Dr Deborah Lee
  • The Compassionate Mind â€“ Prof. Paul Gilbert
  • Trauma and Recovery â€“ Judith Herman
  • The Body Remembers â€“ Babette Rothschild
  • Training: Blue Knot Foundation

đź’¬ Lisa’s Advice to Future Psychologists

“Consider working in public and non-government sectors, there’s so much to learn and contribute. No matter your client population, understanding trauma-informed practice is essential.”