Sebastian Salicru | Private Practice (original) (raw)

Papers by Sebastian Salicru

Psychology Today, 2024

KEY POINTS • Diagnosis alone is not enough for successful mental health treatment and outcomes. •... more KEY POINTS
• Diagnosis alone is not enough for successful mental health treatment and outcomes.
• A process known as case conceptualization enables more personalized treatment and better outcomes.
• Adopting a “Sherlock Holmes mindset” can be the key to developing a case conceptualization.
• Effective therapy requires collaboratively developing a case conceptualization with your therapist.
In this article, I specifically focus on the benefits of adopting a Sherlock Holmes mindset within the context of psychotherapy, based on a recent paper I authored that was published in the journal Psychology (PSYCH). More specifically, I argue that adopting a “Sherlock Holmes mindset” can be the key to developing your case conceptualization.

Psychology, 2024

Background: Schema therapy (ST) is a proven effective treatment in chronic psychopathology and ha... more Background: Schema therapy (ST) is a proven effective treatment in chronic psychopathology and has thus become a popular transdiagnostic treatment approach among practitioners in recent times. Nonetheless, ST is not free of theoretical criticisms, research gaps, and practical challenges. As a complex model with a multiplicity of components and subcomponents, ST can be challenging for therapists to learn, and for clients to use. Purpose: To present the Sherlock Holmes metaphor as a highly suitable therapist-generated enactive or embodied metaphor to explain to clients four key components and tasks: the therapeutic alliance; case conceptualization; the practice of mindfulness; and the role, functionality, and embodiment of the Healthy Adult (HA) mode. Method: Qualitative-literature review and vignette examples, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The psychological linkages between theory and practice are elucidated, and the therapeutic factors and mechanisms of change embedded in the use of enactive/embodied metaphor are unpacked. Conclusion: The Sherlock Holmes metaphor is an image schema that offers clients a vivid, powerful, and memorable anchor they can use to evoke and enact their HA mode, as a positive psychological intervention to achieve their goals. For psychotherapists, the Sherlock Holmes metaphor represents a parsimonious, creative, and flexible device, aligned with the integrative psychotherapy tradition, which they can blend into their own style and practice. The paper contributes to the multiple nuances of ST, responds to calls to understand the dynamics and signification of metaphor as action in psychotherapy, and illustrates how imagination supports the mental ability to respond to fictional characters.

Psychology Today, 2022

Spirituality has been defined as an expression of the transcendent ways in which to fulfill human... more Spirituality has been defined as an expression of the transcendent ways in which to fulfill human potential. • Spirituality is a recognized psychological construct that is different from religiosity and has transcultural applicability. • Extensive research evidence indicates that spirituality is important in treating psychological conditions.

Psychology, 2023

This conceptual paper presents the Healthy Adult mode in Schema Therapy using the octopus metapho... more This conceptual paper presents the Healthy Adult mode in Schema Therapy using the octopus metaphor. As a relatively new form of integrative psychotherapy, Schema Therapy has in recent times become increasingly popular among psychotherapists, as a preferred transdiagnostic treatment approach. Schema Therapy, however, is not free from theoretical criticisms and practical challenges. The aim of this article is twofold. First, to offer clients a simple, pictorial, creative, powerful, and memorable metaphor that they can use to develop and strengthen their Healthy Adult mode as a positive psychological intervention to achieve their goals. Second, to present a parsimonious, creative, and flexible model, aligned with the integrative psychotherapy tradition, for psychotherapists to blend into their own style and practice. Drawing on relevant theoretical and empirical findings, and taking a scientist-practitioner stance, this article unpacks the therapeutic factors and mechanisms of change embedded in the use of metaphor, and how they can be integrated into Schema Therapy. The article elucidates the psychological linkages between theory and practice, and highlights the corresponding outcomes and benefits for clients. Thereby, it contributes to the multiple nuances and versions of Schema Therapy and integrative psychotherapy.

World Journal of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research, 2022

We are experiencing global mental health and addiction crises that have created unprecedented cha... more We are experiencing global mental health and addiction crises that have created unprecedented challenges for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. These crises cannot be dealt with using traditional delivery models of services alone. They have created the need for interventions using new ways of delivering mental healthcare services. This conceptual paper explores how psychiatrists can contribute to alleviating the current crises through the revival of mental health self-help. Coined as 'the wave of the future' over three decades ago, mental health self-help is an umbrella term that encompasses a multiplicity of participatory and collaborative approaches dating back to the 1950s. Integrating extant theoretical and empirical findings, and taking a scientist-practitioner stance, this paper unpacks the therapeutic factors and mechanisms of change embedded in mental health self-help and self-help groups. Their corresponding outcomes and benefits are also highlighted by elucidating the linkages between theory and practice. The paper further discusses how psychiatrists can support the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in global mental health, beyond what has been traditionally understood. By examining past and present relevant research findings to explore the future of mental health, this paper advances understanding of the need for collaboration between psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, end-users and the community at large, as a way of moving out of the current crises.

Open Journal of Depression, 2021

Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading ... more Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2030, despite significant efforts and investments made to treat it. This menace has been exacerbated by the current COVID-19 pandemic which has triggered psychological distress and a surge in experiences of emptiness, sadness, and loss of meaning in life. Meaninglessness is one of the biggest threats of our times and is associated with depression and suicide. Gap: Existential psychotherapy has been neglected by researchers and remains misunderstood by the new generation of clinicians as an integrative approach to the prevention and treatment of depression, despite being one of the longest-established forms of psychotherapy. Objective: To address the above gap, recommendations, and emerging risks. Methodology: Review of theoretical and empirical findings, and autoethnography taking a scientist-practitioner stance. Results: A comprehensive, practical, integrated, flexible, and evidence-based model for the prevention and treatment of depression, and other internalizing disorders. Utility: This model will be of interest to researchers, practitioners, students of psychology, and the wider public. Conclusion/Recommendations: The model can be used to promote preventative factors in youth development, develop protective factors in high-risk populations with vulnerability to depression, and treat individuals experiencing depression or other internalizing disorders.

American Journal of Applied Psychology, 2022

Background: Impostor syndrome or impostor phenomenon relates to the difficulty in internalizing s... more Background: Impostor syndrome or impostor phenomenon relates to the difficulty in internalizing success due to feelings of being phony or inauthentic, despite having evidence of the contrary. It is an insidious and pervasive condition that is exacerbated in professional settings, and negatively impacts the mental health and psychological functioning of individuals and across populations. Multiple comorbidities include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction, as well as decreased job satisfaction and performance. Gap: To date, no clear treatment guidelines or specific recommendations exist to treat impostor syndrome, and effective interventions are urgently needed. Objective: To address this treatment deficiency by integrating the Immunity to Change learning process and Schema Therapy into a unified framework. Methodology: This qualitative paper draws on the relevant extant literature, takes a scientist-practitioner stance, and uses a mini-case study that incorporates a client-therapist vignette to illustrate the model's protocol and operationalization. Results: A transdiagnostic, pragmatic model and protocol for short-term individual psychotherapy, to generate rapid change for clients to achieve their goals. Conclusion: This model will benefit psychologists practicing in organizational settings, and those working in career development or with student populations, busy professionals, and high-performing executives, who often experience impostor syndrome.

Leadership Results: How to Create Adaptive Leaders and High-Performing Organisations for an Uncertain World, 2017

Leadership Results explores the fall of traditional leadership thinking and the struggling multib... more Leadership Results explores the fall of traditional leadership thinking and the struggling multibillion dollar leadership development industry that is failing to deliver results, and explains the mindset, skills, ways of being and methods that will get results in the new context and evolving paradigm. The Leadership Results model is practical and predictive, providing a way forward for companies seeking to build sustainable leadership capacity, develop individual leaders, boost employee engagement and deliver breakthrough results through shared and collective leadership. Actionable steps guide you through the process of evolving leadership culture to see increased productivity, growth opportunities and ensured profitability borne on a culture of trust, collaboration, fairness and a commitment to innovation and real prosperity. Expert analysis debunks pervasive myths and assumptions surrounding leadership, employee engagement, and talent development, while demystifying the role technology plays in innovation and progress.

Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 2018

This paper explores how contemporary leaders can use storytelling as a sensemaking strategy that ... more This paper explores how contemporary leaders can use storytelling as a sensemaking strategy that translates events into plausible scenarios and images to mobilize others to take action in complex, turbulent and high velocity environments that pose adaptive challenges. Literature on leadership, sensemaking, and storytelling is evaluated to address the increasing interest in leadership effectiveness during times of accelerated change and to examine how ethical leadership relates to storytelling. The article will be of interest to business leaders and managers, and to practitioners and students.

Academy of Management Proceedings, 2019

In this Symposium, an international group of practicing scholars and scholarly practitioners aim ... more In this Symposium, an international group of practicing scholars and scholarly practitioners aim to share their fresh research and practice initiating the next generation of learning in the field of Leadership-as-Practice (L-A-P). Comparable to its cousin “as-practice” approaches, such as Strategy-as-Practice, L-A-P views its primary unit of analysis, leadership in our case, as occurring as a practice rather than residing in the traits or behaviors of particular individuals. In the next generation of L-A-P studies, we hope to launch our inquiries at multiple interacting levels; to attempt to understand the tacit processes that contribute, albeit at times unintentionally, to the multi-intersectional leadership changes that occur in everyday work; to consider cultural-historical conventions and communication constructions that impact current practices; and to uncover the material-discursive processes that get us closer to the lived reality that people do rather than what they say they do, all while experimenting with novel methodologies, such as collaborative autoethnography and performance accounts, including artistic and multi-modal expression.

Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 2020

Leveraging leadership capability is a critical challenge for contemporary organizations. Yet lead... more Leveraging leadership capability is a critical challenge for contemporary organizations. Yet leadership development (LD) remains problematic because the existing multibillion-dollar leadership industry fails to deliver results. This paper contends that the underlying reason for this precarious state of affairs is that current approaches to LD are out of sync with our changing world. To address this problem, this paper offers a new model of “leadership-as-practice development” for consulting psychologists and organizational development (OD) practitioners. The paper provides a rationale for the need for the model based on extant literature, and consulting anecdotal evidence. The paper’s position statement is presented by outlining definitions, assumptions, and perspective. An overview of the evolution of leadership models is discussed with an emphasis on, and critique of, the competency movement and the use of competency-based models as the main approach to LD. Moreover, and taking a practice orientation, the theoretical foundations of the model, which identifies and integrates three components and 42 elements, is described and discussed. Various case examples are presented. Finally, the paper recognizes the limitations of the model and offers recommendations on how to address these.

InPsych: Bulletin of the Australian Psychological Society, Oct 1, 2008

Clinical Psychiatry, 2021

This paper reviews the re-emergence of existential psychotherapy themes (death, isolation, emptin... more This paper reviews the re-emergence of existential psychotherapy themes (death, isolation, emptiness, meaning, authenticity, responsibility, freedom and choice), some of which are predictors of overall psychological wellbeing, as effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of depression-and other internalizing disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper outlines the current challenges within this context, the key focus, conceptualization, research evidence effectiveness, and unique strengths and benefits of meaning-making approaches, as well as recommendations in moving forward.

Open Journal of Depression , 2021

Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading ... more Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2030, despite significant efforts and investments made to treat it. This menace has been exacerbated by the current COVID-19 pandemic which has triggered psychological distress and a surge in experiences of emptiness, sadness, and loss of meaning in life. Meaninglessness is one of the biggest threats of our times and is associated with depression and suicide. Gap: Existential psychotherapy has been neglected by researchers and remains misunderstood by the new generation of clinicians as an integrative approach to the prevention and treatment of depression, despite being one of the longest-established forms of psychotherapy. Objective: To address the above gap, recommendations, and emerging risks. Methodology: Review of theoretical and empirical findings, and autoethnography taking a scientist-practitioner stance. Results: A comprehensive, practical, integrated, flexible, and evidence-based model for the prevention and treatment of depression, and other internalizing disorders. Utility: This model will be of interest to researchers, practitioners, students of psychology, and the wider public. Conclusion/Recommendations: The model can be used to promote preventative factors in youth development, develop protective factors in high-risk populations with vulnerability to depression, and treat individuals experiencing depression or other internalizing disorders.

Journal of Business Strategy, 2014

Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 2020

Leveraging leadership capability is a critical challenge for contemporary organizations. Yet lead... more Leveraging leadership capability is a critical challenge for contemporary organizations. Yet leadership development (LD) remains problematic because the existing multibillion-dollar leadership industry fails to deliver results. This paper contends that the underlying reason for this precarious state of affairs is that current approaches to LD are out of sync with our changing world. To address this problem, this paper offers a new model of “leadership-as-practice development” for consulting psychologists and organizational development (OD) practitioners. The paper provides a rationale for the need for the model based on extant literature, and consulting anecdotal evidence. The paper’s position statement is presented by outlining definitions, assumptions, and perspective. An overview of the evolution of leadership models is discussed with an emphasis on, and critique of, the competency movement and the use of competency-based models as the main approach to LD. Moreover, and taking a practice orientation, the theoretical foundations of the model, which identifies and integrates three components and 42 elements, is described and discussed. Various case examples are presented. Finally, the paper recognizes the limitations of the model and offers recommendations on how to address these. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)

Psychology, 2020

This article offers a transdiagnostic framework for the prevention and treatment of mental health... more This article offers a transdiagnostic framework for the prevention and treatment of mental health by reducing early psychopathology. The framework supports the contention that the time has come to retire dominant categorical classification systems of mental disorders (e.g. DSM and ICD), and the current prevailing biomedical model of mental illness by moving to a psychoso-cial model of psychopathology. This entails reclaiming and integrating the long-standing legacy of psychology with recent advances in neuroscience and related disciplines. To this end, this conceptual paper synthesizes and integrates the extant literature and empirical findings, takes a scientist-practitioner stance, and draws on recent developments in transdiagnostic approaches to mental health, psychotherapy integration and advances in modern attachment theory. The advantages of this approach are that: 1) Clarifies the existing confusion surrounding the myriad of different interventions available; 2) Enables consistent funding guidelines from healthcare and community education systems; 3) Is more likely to have a greater positive impact for most people; 4) Reduces general psychopathology risks in childhood; 5) Avoids the challenge that prevention is less successful in later life; 6) Better addresses the stigma associated with mental illness; and 7) Maximizes the efficiency of interventions .

Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 2018

This paper explores how contemporary leaders can use storytelling as a sensemaking strategy that ... more This paper explores how contemporary leaders can use storytelling as a sensemaking strategy that translates events into plausible scenarios and images to mobilize others to take action in complex, turbulent and high velocity environments that pose adaptive challenges. Literature on leadership, sensemaking, and storytelling is evaluated to address the increasing interest in leadership effectiveness during times of accelerated change and to examine how ethical leadership relates to storytelling. The article will be of interest to business leaders and managers, and to practitioners and students.

Psychology Today, 2024

KEY POINTS • Diagnosis alone is not enough for successful mental health treatment and outcomes. •... more KEY POINTS
• Diagnosis alone is not enough for successful mental health treatment and outcomes.
• A process known as case conceptualization enables more personalized treatment and better outcomes.
• Adopting a “Sherlock Holmes mindset” can be the key to developing a case conceptualization.
• Effective therapy requires collaboratively developing a case conceptualization with your therapist.
In this article, I specifically focus on the benefits of adopting a Sherlock Holmes mindset within the context of psychotherapy, based on a recent paper I authored that was published in the journal Psychology (PSYCH). More specifically, I argue that adopting a “Sherlock Holmes mindset” can be the key to developing your case conceptualization.

Psychology, 2024

Background: Schema therapy (ST) is a proven effective treatment in chronic psychopathology and ha... more Background: Schema therapy (ST) is a proven effective treatment in chronic psychopathology and has thus become a popular transdiagnostic treatment approach among practitioners in recent times. Nonetheless, ST is not free of theoretical criticisms, research gaps, and practical challenges. As a complex model with a multiplicity of components and subcomponents, ST can be challenging for therapists to learn, and for clients to use. Purpose: To present the Sherlock Holmes metaphor as a highly suitable therapist-generated enactive or embodied metaphor to explain to clients four key components and tasks: the therapeutic alliance; case conceptualization; the practice of mindfulness; and the role, functionality, and embodiment of the Healthy Adult (HA) mode. Method: Qualitative-literature review and vignette examples, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The psychological linkages between theory and practice are elucidated, and the therapeutic factors and mechanisms of change embedded in the use of enactive/embodied metaphor are unpacked. Conclusion: The Sherlock Holmes metaphor is an image schema that offers clients a vivid, powerful, and memorable anchor they can use to evoke and enact their HA mode, as a positive psychological intervention to achieve their goals. For psychotherapists, the Sherlock Holmes metaphor represents a parsimonious, creative, and flexible device, aligned with the integrative psychotherapy tradition, which they can blend into their own style and practice. The paper contributes to the multiple nuances of ST, responds to calls to understand the dynamics and signification of metaphor as action in psychotherapy, and illustrates how imagination supports the mental ability to respond to fictional characters.

Psychology Today, 2022

Spirituality has been defined as an expression of the transcendent ways in which to fulfill human... more Spirituality has been defined as an expression of the transcendent ways in which to fulfill human potential. • Spirituality is a recognized psychological construct that is different from religiosity and has transcultural applicability. • Extensive research evidence indicates that spirituality is important in treating psychological conditions.

Psychology, 2023

This conceptual paper presents the Healthy Adult mode in Schema Therapy using the octopus metapho... more This conceptual paper presents the Healthy Adult mode in Schema Therapy using the octopus metaphor. As a relatively new form of integrative psychotherapy, Schema Therapy has in recent times become increasingly popular among psychotherapists, as a preferred transdiagnostic treatment approach. Schema Therapy, however, is not free from theoretical criticisms and practical challenges. The aim of this article is twofold. First, to offer clients a simple, pictorial, creative, powerful, and memorable metaphor that they can use to develop and strengthen their Healthy Adult mode as a positive psychological intervention to achieve their goals. Second, to present a parsimonious, creative, and flexible model, aligned with the integrative psychotherapy tradition, for psychotherapists to blend into their own style and practice. Drawing on relevant theoretical and empirical findings, and taking a scientist-practitioner stance, this article unpacks the therapeutic factors and mechanisms of change embedded in the use of metaphor, and how they can be integrated into Schema Therapy. The article elucidates the psychological linkages between theory and practice, and highlights the corresponding outcomes and benefits for clients. Thereby, it contributes to the multiple nuances and versions of Schema Therapy and integrative psychotherapy.

World Journal of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research, 2022

We are experiencing global mental health and addiction crises that have created unprecedented cha... more We are experiencing global mental health and addiction crises that have created unprecedented challenges for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. These crises cannot be dealt with using traditional delivery models of services alone. They have created the need for interventions using new ways of delivering mental healthcare services. This conceptual paper explores how psychiatrists can contribute to alleviating the current crises through the revival of mental health self-help. Coined as 'the wave of the future' over three decades ago, mental health self-help is an umbrella term that encompasses a multiplicity of participatory and collaborative approaches dating back to the 1950s. Integrating extant theoretical and empirical findings, and taking a scientist-practitioner stance, this paper unpacks the therapeutic factors and mechanisms of change embedded in mental health self-help and self-help groups. Their corresponding outcomes and benefits are also highlighted by elucidating the linkages between theory and practice. The paper further discusses how psychiatrists can support the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in global mental health, beyond what has been traditionally understood. By examining past and present relevant research findings to explore the future of mental health, this paper advances understanding of the need for collaboration between psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, end-users and the community at large, as a way of moving out of the current crises.

Open Journal of Depression, 2021

Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading ... more Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2030, despite significant efforts and investments made to treat it. This menace has been exacerbated by the current COVID-19 pandemic which has triggered psychological distress and a surge in experiences of emptiness, sadness, and loss of meaning in life. Meaninglessness is one of the biggest threats of our times and is associated with depression and suicide. Gap: Existential psychotherapy has been neglected by researchers and remains misunderstood by the new generation of clinicians as an integrative approach to the prevention and treatment of depression, despite being one of the longest-established forms of psychotherapy. Objective: To address the above gap, recommendations, and emerging risks. Methodology: Review of theoretical and empirical findings, and autoethnography taking a scientist-practitioner stance. Results: A comprehensive, practical, integrated, flexible, and evidence-based model for the prevention and treatment of depression, and other internalizing disorders. Utility: This model will be of interest to researchers, practitioners, students of psychology, and the wider public. Conclusion/Recommendations: The model can be used to promote preventative factors in youth development, develop protective factors in high-risk populations with vulnerability to depression, and treat individuals experiencing depression or other internalizing disorders.

American Journal of Applied Psychology, 2022

Background: Impostor syndrome or impostor phenomenon relates to the difficulty in internalizing s... more Background: Impostor syndrome or impostor phenomenon relates to the difficulty in internalizing success due to feelings of being phony or inauthentic, despite having evidence of the contrary. It is an insidious and pervasive condition that is exacerbated in professional settings, and negatively impacts the mental health and psychological functioning of individuals and across populations. Multiple comorbidities include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, somatic symptoms and social dysfunction, as well as decreased job satisfaction and performance. Gap: To date, no clear treatment guidelines or specific recommendations exist to treat impostor syndrome, and effective interventions are urgently needed. Objective: To address this treatment deficiency by integrating the Immunity to Change learning process and Schema Therapy into a unified framework. Methodology: This qualitative paper draws on the relevant extant literature, takes a scientist-practitioner stance, and uses a mini-case study that incorporates a client-therapist vignette to illustrate the model's protocol and operationalization. Results: A transdiagnostic, pragmatic model and protocol for short-term individual psychotherapy, to generate rapid change for clients to achieve their goals. Conclusion: This model will benefit psychologists practicing in organizational settings, and those working in career development or with student populations, busy professionals, and high-performing executives, who often experience impostor syndrome.

Leadership Results: How to Create Adaptive Leaders and High-Performing Organisations for an Uncertain World, 2017

Leadership Results explores the fall of traditional leadership thinking and the struggling multib... more Leadership Results explores the fall of traditional leadership thinking and the struggling multibillion dollar leadership development industry that is failing to deliver results, and explains the mindset, skills, ways of being and methods that will get results in the new context and evolving paradigm. The Leadership Results model is practical and predictive, providing a way forward for companies seeking to build sustainable leadership capacity, develop individual leaders, boost employee engagement and deliver breakthrough results through shared and collective leadership. Actionable steps guide you through the process of evolving leadership culture to see increased productivity, growth opportunities and ensured profitability borne on a culture of trust, collaboration, fairness and a commitment to innovation and real prosperity. Expert analysis debunks pervasive myths and assumptions surrounding leadership, employee engagement, and talent development, while demystifying the role technology plays in innovation and progress.

Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 2018

This paper explores how contemporary leaders can use storytelling as a sensemaking strategy that ... more This paper explores how contemporary leaders can use storytelling as a sensemaking strategy that translates events into plausible scenarios and images to mobilize others to take action in complex, turbulent and high velocity environments that pose adaptive challenges. Literature on leadership, sensemaking, and storytelling is evaluated to address the increasing interest in leadership effectiveness during times of accelerated change and to examine how ethical leadership relates to storytelling. The article will be of interest to business leaders and managers, and to practitioners and students.

Academy of Management Proceedings, 2019

In this Symposium, an international group of practicing scholars and scholarly practitioners aim ... more In this Symposium, an international group of practicing scholars and scholarly practitioners aim to share their fresh research and practice initiating the next generation of learning in the field of Leadership-as-Practice (L-A-P). Comparable to its cousin “as-practice” approaches, such as Strategy-as-Practice, L-A-P views its primary unit of analysis, leadership in our case, as occurring as a practice rather than residing in the traits or behaviors of particular individuals. In the next generation of L-A-P studies, we hope to launch our inquiries at multiple interacting levels; to attempt to understand the tacit processes that contribute, albeit at times unintentionally, to the multi-intersectional leadership changes that occur in everyday work; to consider cultural-historical conventions and communication constructions that impact current practices; and to uncover the material-discursive processes that get us closer to the lived reality that people do rather than what they say they do, all while experimenting with novel methodologies, such as collaborative autoethnography and performance accounts, including artistic and multi-modal expression.

Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 2020

Leveraging leadership capability is a critical challenge for contemporary organizations. Yet lead... more Leveraging leadership capability is a critical challenge for contemporary organizations. Yet leadership development (LD) remains problematic because the existing multibillion-dollar leadership industry fails to deliver results. This paper contends that the underlying reason for this precarious state of affairs is that current approaches to LD are out of sync with our changing world. To address this problem, this paper offers a new model of “leadership-as-practice development” for consulting psychologists and organizational development (OD) practitioners. The paper provides a rationale for the need for the model based on extant literature, and consulting anecdotal evidence. The paper’s position statement is presented by outlining definitions, assumptions, and perspective. An overview of the evolution of leadership models is discussed with an emphasis on, and critique of, the competency movement and the use of competency-based models as the main approach to LD. Moreover, and taking a practice orientation, the theoretical foundations of the model, which identifies and integrates three components and 42 elements, is described and discussed. Various case examples are presented. Finally, the paper recognizes the limitations of the model and offers recommendations on how to address these.

InPsych: Bulletin of the Australian Psychological Society, Oct 1, 2008

Clinical Psychiatry, 2021

This paper reviews the re-emergence of existential psychotherapy themes (death, isolation, emptin... more This paper reviews the re-emergence of existential psychotherapy themes (death, isolation, emptiness, meaning, authenticity, responsibility, freedom and choice), some of which are predictors of overall psychological wellbeing, as effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of depression-and other internalizing disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper outlines the current challenges within this context, the key focus, conceptualization, research evidence effectiveness, and unique strengths and benefits of meaning-making approaches, as well as recommendations in moving forward.

Open Journal of Depression , 2021

Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading ... more Problem: Depression is spreading rapidly worldwide. It has been forecasted to become the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2030, despite significant efforts and investments made to treat it. This menace has been exacerbated by the current COVID-19 pandemic which has triggered psychological distress and a surge in experiences of emptiness, sadness, and loss of meaning in life. Meaninglessness is one of the biggest threats of our times and is associated with depression and suicide. Gap: Existential psychotherapy has been neglected by researchers and remains misunderstood by the new generation of clinicians as an integrative approach to the prevention and treatment of depression, despite being one of the longest-established forms of psychotherapy. Objective: To address the above gap, recommendations, and emerging risks. Methodology: Review of theoretical and empirical findings, and autoethnography taking a scientist-practitioner stance. Results: A comprehensive, practical, integrated, flexible, and evidence-based model for the prevention and treatment of depression, and other internalizing disorders. Utility: This model will be of interest to researchers, practitioners, students of psychology, and the wider public. Conclusion/Recommendations: The model can be used to promote preventative factors in youth development, develop protective factors in high-risk populations with vulnerability to depression, and treat individuals experiencing depression or other internalizing disorders.

Journal of Business Strategy, 2014

Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 2020

Leveraging leadership capability is a critical challenge for contemporary organizations. Yet lead... more Leveraging leadership capability is a critical challenge for contemporary organizations. Yet leadership development (LD) remains problematic because the existing multibillion-dollar leadership industry fails to deliver results. This paper contends that the underlying reason for this precarious state of affairs is that current approaches to LD are out of sync with our changing world. To address this problem, this paper offers a new model of “leadership-as-practice development” for consulting psychologists and organizational development (OD) practitioners. The paper provides a rationale for the need for the model based on extant literature, and consulting anecdotal evidence. The paper’s position statement is presented by outlining definitions, assumptions, and perspective. An overview of the evolution of leadership models is discussed with an emphasis on, and critique of, the competency movement and the use of competency-based models as the main approach to LD. Moreover, and taking a practice orientation, the theoretical foundations of the model, which identifies and integrates three components and 42 elements, is described and discussed. Various case examples are presented. Finally, the paper recognizes the limitations of the model and offers recommendations on how to address these. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)

Psychology, 2020

This article offers a transdiagnostic framework for the prevention and treatment of mental health... more This article offers a transdiagnostic framework for the prevention and treatment of mental health by reducing early psychopathology. The framework supports the contention that the time has come to retire dominant categorical classification systems of mental disorders (e.g. DSM and ICD), and the current prevailing biomedical model of mental illness by moving to a psychoso-cial model of psychopathology. This entails reclaiming and integrating the long-standing legacy of psychology with recent advances in neuroscience and related disciplines. To this end, this conceptual paper synthesizes and integrates the extant literature and empirical findings, takes a scientist-practitioner stance, and draws on recent developments in transdiagnostic approaches to mental health, psychotherapy integration and advances in modern attachment theory. The advantages of this approach are that: 1) Clarifies the existing confusion surrounding the myriad of different interventions available; 2) Enables consistent funding guidelines from healthcare and community education systems; 3) Is more likely to have a greater positive impact for most people; 4) Reduces general psychopathology risks in childhood; 5) Avoids the challenge that prevention is less successful in later life; 6) Better addresses the stigma associated with mental illness; and 7) Maximizes the efficiency of interventions .

Journal of Leadership, Accountability and Ethics, 2018

This paper explores how contemporary leaders can use storytelling as a sensemaking strategy that ... more This paper explores how contemporary leaders can use storytelling as a sensemaking strategy that translates events into plausible scenarios and images to mobilize others to take action in complex, turbulent and high velocity environments that pose adaptive challenges. Literature on leadership, sensemaking, and storytelling is evaluated to address the increasing interest in leadership effectiveness during times of accelerated change and to examine how ethical leadership relates to storytelling. The article will be of interest to business leaders and managers, and to practitioners and students.

Handbook of engineering management: The digital economy , 2023

The impact of globalisation and digitisation has changed the world. This includes the world of en... more The impact of globalisation and digitisation has changed the world. This includes the world of engineering and engineering management, which calls for an urgency to create new capabilities for digitisation to contribute to the transition to a lower-carbon economy, the emergence of new industries, markets, paths to economic prosperity, and the leadership required to drive this vision forward. This has now become a critical imperative for advancing the engineering profession, as well as to keep it relevant and connected, in an era of heightened outsourcing and global competition. Despite the fact that this need to educate and develop 21st-century engineers with stronger leadership capability and identity has already been acknowledged, with significant efforts made to address it, no unified leadership framework for engineering managers exists to date. This chapter addresses this major gap in both the academic and practitioner literatures, as well as in the industry and the professional development of engineering managers. To this end, building on the extant leadership in engineering literature, and informed by theoretical and empirical findings in leadership research, this chapter presents the Engineering Managers’ Leadership Capability Framework (EMLCF) – a contemporary, global, and futuristic framework of leadership education and development for engineering managers. The EMLCF comprises the following eight high-level capabilities or meta-competencies: (1) Self-leadership; (2) Contextual Intelligence; (3) Learning Agility; (4) Sensemaking, Framing, and Storytelling; (5) Global Leadership, Global Mindset, and Cultural Intelligence; (6) Emotional Intelligence; (7) Creative Thinking and Innovative Behaviour; and (8) Ethical Behaviour and Ethical Leadership. This chapter will be valuable for students of engineering management, and emerging and established engineering managers wishing to further develop their leadership knowledge, capability, and impact.

Leadership Results: How to Create Adaptive Leaders and High-Performing Organisations for an Uncertain World, 2017

A model for developing the leaders and delivering the leadership results the world needs. Leaders... more A model for developing the leaders and delivering the leadership results the world needs. Leadership Results explores the fall of traditional leadership thinking and the struggling multibillion dollar leadership development industry that is failing to deliver results, and explains the mindset, skills, ways of being and methods that will get results in the new context and evolving paradigm. The Leadership Results model is practical and predictive, providing a way forward for companies seeking to build sustainable leadership capacity, develop individual leaders, boost employee engagement and deliver breakthrough results through shared and collective leadership. Actionable steps guide you through the process of evolving leadership culture to see increased productivity, growth opportunities and ensured profitability borne on a culture of trust, collaboration, fairness and a commitment to innovation and real prosperity. Expert analysis debunks pervasive myths and assumptions surrounding leadership, employee engagement, and talent development, while demystifying the role technology plays in innovation and progress.

Leaders, coaches, trainers, OD practitioners, change agents, and students will find insightful guidance, thought-provoking discussion and illustrative case studies that will help them:
• Rethink leadership to make a stronger impact
• Take bold action to change the status quo
• Marry strategic and innovation leadership into a force for real change
• Stop making the same mistakes and start forging a new path forward

From the heads of state on down, all levels of leadership are experiencing a rapid loss of trust and confidence — and the glaring absence of results that follows. Unethical business practices are costing more than five per cent of the global GDP every year; citizens around the world have lost faith in the public and private sectors; only 13% of employees are engaged at work — clearly, there is a severe lack of effective leadership. Leadership Results provides a practical way forward through this global quagmire, with a clear, actionable model for leadership that works.

27th International Congress of Applied Psychology (ICAP), July 11 – 16, Melbourne, Australia., 2010

International Leadership Association’s 21St Annual Global Conference, 2019

This paper concerns the practice of leadership workplace courage in contemporary organizations. L... more This paper concerns the practice of leadership workplace courage in contemporary organizations. Like character, courage is one of the hallmarks of authentic, ethical, shared, collective and effective leadership. Workplace courage is also critical to manage workplace bullying and harassment, and other types of aggressive, humiliating, destructive or psychologically manipulative work behavior. In a corporate world driven by self-interest rather than the peruse of the collective good, where the lack of trust in business leaders is growing, the extant literature highlights the importance of further investigating why and how workplace courage happens while considering multiple research pathways. To address this gap following these research suggestions, and using a scoping critical literature review design, this paper offers a new integrated model to better understand and exercise collective leadership workplace courage in contemporary organizations. Implications, contributions, limitations, suggestions for future research and conclusions are also offered.