- rebeccagrayresearch@gmail.com
rebeccag@ransw.org.au
Rebecca Gray
The University of New South Wales, Art & Social Science, Department Member
- Philosophy, Sociology, Social Sciences, Research Methodology, Social Psychology, Health Sciences, and 15 moreWomen's Studies, HIV/AIDS, Sexual Identity, Stigma, Therapeutic Relationship, Culture, gender and sexuality, Shame Theory, Drug Use and Prohibition (Anthropology), (Homo)Sexualities, Drugs And Alcohol, Hepatitis C, Psychotherapy and Counseling, Critical Theory, English Literature, and Chronic illnessedit
- A broadly trained research practitioner, my research has focused on client perceptions of counselling and therapeutic... moreA broadly trained research practitioner, my research has focused on client perceptions of counselling and therapeutic services. This has led to work about marginalised and disenfranchised client communites, and a preferece for qualitative and sensitive research models.
Originally an English Literature graduate (BA Hons), I specialised in Literary Theory (University of Salford UK) and then Critical Theory (Masters at University of Nottingham UK). I trained as a counsellor and group worker when I moved to Australia, in 2001, and due to my professional experiences at a Women's Dual Diagnosis AOD Residential Rehab, I undertook a PhD on shame and stigma at the Centre for Social Research in Health (UNSW). While at the centre, I assisted on qualitative health projects, including Hep C risk management and Aboriginal Patterns of Health Care in New South Wales. Currently the Senior Manager of Research at Relationships Australia (NSW), I now focus on research based evaluations which address domestic violence, client engagement, and the social impact of clinical work. I was made an honorary associate of the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney in 2014, and the University of Technology, Sydney in 2015. I help supervise doctoral students undertaking research modules in individual, couple and family therapy.edit
Although general practitioners (GPs) play a central role in responding to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Australia, the social history of their contribution in the early years has remained largely untold. In-depth interviews were... more
Although general practitioners (GPs) play a central role in responding to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Australia, the social history of their contribution in the early years has remained largely untold. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 GPs who provided HIV care between 1982 and 1996. De-identified transcripts were broadly coded in NVivo, then analysed for themes regarding GP experiences during the early years. Participants recalled a time of death, fear and prejudice, with large numbers of patients diagnosed with and dying from a highly stigmatised disease. An enduring emotional legacy resulted, with GPs developing survival strategies such as better managing relationships with patients, seeking mental health support and reducing working hours. These GPs represent the first generation of GPs in Australia caring for people with HIV. Understanding their experiences can inform and inspire the next generation, who inherit a much brighter future for HIV care.
Research Interests: General Practice, Publishing, Australia, Global Positioning System, Medicine, and 15 moreHIV, Survival, Humans, Academic research, Female, Male, Care, Commissioning, AIDS, Clinical Sciences, Middle Aged, Public health systems and services research, General Practitioners, Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and Interviews as topic
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Social Work, Cancer, Health Literacy, Australia, Silence, and 15 moreQualitative Research, Medicine, Humans, Needs Assessment, Female, Male, New South Wales, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Neoplasms, Indigenous, Community Based Mental Health Services, and Community health services
Research Interests: Sociology, Cognitive Science, Narrative, Cultural Competency, Ethnicity And Health, and 15 moreCultural Diversity, Medicine, Community Based Participatory Research, Humans, Female, Male, New South Wales, Middle Aged, Questionnaires, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Neoplasms, Patient Participation, Indigenous, and Health Services Accessibility
Introduction. Despite Aboriginal Australians being over-represented in populations of people living with hepatitis C (HCV), there is a dearth of research to guide policy and programme development in the area of care and treatment,... more
Introduction. Despite Aboriginal Australians being over-represented in populations of people living with hepatitis C (HCV), there is a dearth of research to guide policy and programme development in the area of care and treatment, particularly relating to new HCV treatments. Method. In-depth interviews were conducted with 39 people identifying as Aboriginal Australians and living with HCV in New South Wales. Results. Participants' experiences were characterised by a lack of detailed or appropriate information provided at diagnosis, high levels of stigma associated with HCV and low overall knowledge of HCV as reported for themselves and their communities. Despite poor diagnosis experiences, participants had undertaken changes to their lifestyle, especially in relation to alcohol use, in order to promote liver health. Concerns about treatment side effects and efficacy impacted participants' decisions to undertake treatment. Eleven participants had undertaken HCV treatment in a variety of care models with a peer worker and in prison. Conclusions. The similarities between concerns and experiences of Aboriginal people and other populations living with HCV do not suggest that services and strategies to engage these populations should also be the same. These results suggest that further engagement of the primary care sector in HCV care is important as well as increasing Aboriginal community knowledge of HCV. A variety of service models should be available to meet individuals' preferences, including those offered within Aboriginal community controlled health services emphasising holistic notions of health, and supported by information and communication programmes using principles of health literacy relevant to Aboriginal people.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT Research in Australia has examined factors associated with filicide in order to more accurately instigate points of intervention. Factors include parental separation/divorce, depression in the perpetrator and domestic violence.... more
ABSTRACT Research in Australia has examined factors associated with filicide in order to more accurately instigate points of intervention. Factors include parental separation/divorce, depression in the perpetrator and domestic violence. Therefore, services that facilitate men's behaviour change programmes provide one such point of intervention. Relationships Australia NSW offers ‘Taking Responsibility’: an 18-week programme that addresses men's use of violence and abuse in their intimate relationships, through group work and individual support. Fundamental to this programme is the whole family's safety, which is managed through initial screening, ongoing contact and access to additional therapeutic services. Programme evaluation has revealed that men's change factors are influenced by varying levels of motivation, at intake and throughout. These accounts have indicated that the relationship status with their partner affects their motivation, which in turn has the potential to affect their investment in the programme. This relates to both increased and diminished motivation. Partners and former partners, however, expressed ambivalence towards their continuing relationships. Given the risk factors for filicide associated with domestic violence and separation, these interviews contribute to what is known about men's motivation to change violent and abusive behaviours, and in turn the clinical objectives for professionals working on these programmes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.‘Fundamental to this programme is the whole family's safety’Key Practitioner Messages:The client's relationship status often changes throughout the course of a men's behaviour change programme.A separation can negatively affect motivation and behaviour change processes.Professionals working with men who use violence are advised to raise the topic the client's relationship status, to prevent attrition, and work with them to broaden their motivations.
Research Interests:
Domestic violence is a significant social issue with serious implications for victims, families, and the wider community. The present research seeks to investigate specific characteristics that influence the propensity to behave... more
Domestic violence is a significant social issue with serious implications for victims, families, and the wider community. The present research seeks to investigate specific characteristics that influence the propensity to behave violently. This first stage of a research-based evaluation identifies key differences between men attending a group work intervention program and the general community in terms of gender equity beliefs, self-esteem, personal mastery, and psychological distress. These findings not only provide valuable information for the provision of intervention services but also form a basis that future research may build on in evaluating the effectiveness of such programs.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Molecular Evolution, Public Health, Hepatitis C, and 15 moreBayesian Inference, Phylogeny, Humans, Molecular clock, Female, Hepatitis C Virus, Evolutionary Dynamics, Positive Selection, Evolutionary rate, Host Specificity, Host Pathogen Interactions, Bayes Theorem, RNA Virus, Chronic Infection, and Hepacivirus
There is growing interest in increasing uptake of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment. HCV is strongly associated with injecting drug use and is a stigmatised illness. People with HCV may be reluctant to engage with health care services. A... more
There is growing interest in increasing uptake of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment. HCV is strongly associated with injecting drug use and is a stigmatised illness. People with HCV may be reluctant to engage with health care services. A community-based, nurse-led integrated care clinic was established in Christchurch, New Zealand with the intention of bridging the health care gap for those unwilling or unable to access mainstream health care. This paper explores the experiences and perceptions of health professionals regarding the implementation of this clinic, with particular attention paid to the interprofessional relationships relevant to the clinic. Qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 stakeholders, including four staff of the clinic and other service providers with varying relationships to the clinic. Participants generally endorsed the clinic model and described its operation as easy to access, non-judgmental and non-threatening, and, therefore, able to attract a...
Research Interests:
General practitioners (GPs) identify that depression can be difficult to diagnose in populations with high rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. This is a particular concern with gay men who are a population known to engage in high... more
General practitioners (GPs) identify that depression can be difficult to diagnose in populations with high rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. This is a particular concern with gay men who are a population known to engage in high rates of AOD use and who are vulnerable to depression. This paper uses data from 563 gay men and their GPs to describe concordance between assessments of major depression and, in particular, whether AOD use undermines concordance. Data were collected as part of a larger study of male ...
Research Interests: General Practice, Government, Australia, Health, Public Health, and 15 moreHealthcare, Humans, Major Depressive Disorder, Educational, Methamphetamine, Alcohol Drinking, Male, Middle Aged, Questionnaires, Adult, Reproducibility of Results, Australian, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, and Medical and Health Sciences
Since 2010, Relationships Australia (NSW) has conducted a mixed methods evaluation of their domestic violence group program: Taking Responsibility. This article explores 21 interviews with women (the partners and former partners of... more
Since 2010, Relationships Australia (NSW) has conducted a mixed methods evaluation of their domestic violence group program: Taking Responsibility. This article explores 21 interviews with women (the partners and former partners of clients) gathered at program completion. Key findings
indicated the complex nature of change within ongoing relationship dynamics, particularly the interplay between client motivation and their partner’s new found knowledge about relationships gained from victim/survivor groups. This increased awareness had the tendency to reduce women’s
tolerance of their partners’ behaviour, and their expectations about their ongoing relationships. This article contributes to what is known about service responses to domestic violence, through the qualitative accounts of women.
indicated the complex nature of change within ongoing relationship dynamics, particularly the interplay between client motivation and their partner’s new found knowledge about relationships gained from victim/survivor groups. This increased awareness had the tendency to reduce women’s
tolerance of their partners’ behaviour, and their expectations about their ongoing relationships. This article contributes to what is known about service responses to domestic violence, through the qualitative accounts of women.
Research Interests:
Until recently, the focus for child protection in NSW has been on risk assessment, supportive measures for parents, and ‘the best interests of the child’. The needs of the birth families, once their children have been removed have not... more
Until recently, the focus for child protection in NSW has been on risk assessment, supportive measures for parents, and ‘the best interests of the child’. The needs of the birth families, once their children have been removed have not received the same attention. An emerging body of research indicates a growing awareness of the importance of the link between good outcomes for children in care and positive ongoing links with their birth parents. Biological parents of children who have been removed invariably continue to have parenting relationships, if not with the removed child, then with subsequent birth children, step children and children in their extended family. Service provision for this group of parents is critical given the complexity and scale of their emotional needs, and the implications for the children they will care for. In this paper, we describe one such intervention: Kids in Care, a
group program offered at Relationships Australia NSW, and consider the arising issues and dilemmas for both parents
and group workers. Developed to address the particular needs of parents whose children have been taken into care, the group creates an environment of acceptance and support. This opens up possibilities for parents to consider issues of grief, stigma and trauma, as well as to develop skills in communication, assertiveness and emotional regulation.
group program offered at Relationships Australia NSW, and consider the arising issues and dilemmas for both parents
and group workers. Developed to address the particular needs of parents whose children have been taken into care, the group creates an environment of acceptance and support. This opens up possibilities for parents to consider issues of grief, stigma and trauma, as well as to develop skills in communication, assertiveness and emotional regulation.
Research Interests:
This paper presents selected findings from a research-based evaluation of a men’s domestic violence intervention programme, which aims to assist men to develop alternative ways of relating to their partners, children and others. The... more
This paper presents selected findings from a research-based evaluation of a men’s domestic violence intervention programme, which aims to assist men to develop alternative ways of relating to their partners, children and others. The qualitative component of this evaluation involved conducting interviews with 21 group participants after their completion of the course. These interviews investigated several issues, including participants’ perceptions of their relationships with their children. The main theme underpinning all discussions of children was an expression of love, in that love for their
children served as a motivation to stop using violence and to develop alternative ways of relating to all family members. The paper concludes by discussing the potential of men’s
relationships with their children as powerful contexts, or points of leverage, through which the impact of their violent behaviour can be realised and confronted. By realising the impact that violent behaviour can have on children’s wellbeing and fathers’ interpersonal relationships with them, it is argued that intervention programmes can support men to develop more appropriate ways of relating to their children, and thus safeguard children from potential long-term consequences of domestic abuse.
children served as a motivation to stop using violence and to develop alternative ways of relating to all family members. The paper concludes by discussing the potential of men’s
relationships with their children as powerful contexts, or points of leverage, through which the impact of their violent behaviour can be realised and confronted. By realising the impact that violent behaviour can have on children’s wellbeing and fathers’ interpersonal relationships with them, it is argued that intervention programmes can support men to develop more appropriate ways of relating to their children, and thus safeguard children from potential long-term consequences of domestic abuse.
Research Interests:
Domestic violence is a significant social issue with serious implications for victims, families, and the wider community. The present research seeks to investigate specific characteristics that influence the propensity to behave... more
Domestic violence is a significant social issue with serious implications for victims, families, and the wider community. The present research seeks to investigate specific characteristics that influence the propensity to behave violently. This first stage of a research-based evaluation identifies key differences between men attending a group work intervention program
and the general community in terms of gender equity beliefs, self-esteem, personal mastery, and psychological distress. These findings not only provide valuable information for the provision of intervention services but also form a basis that future research may build on in evaluating the effectiveness of
such programs.
and the general community in terms of gender equity beliefs, self-esteem, personal mastery, and psychological distress. These findings not only provide valuable information for the provision of intervention services but also form a basis that future research may build on in evaluating the effectiveness of
such programs.
Research Interests:
Research in Australia has examined factors associated with filicide in order to more accurately instigate points of intervention. Factors include parental separation/divorce, depression in the perpetrator, and domestic violence.... more
Research in Australia has examined factors associated with filicide in order to more accurately instigate points of intervention. Factors include parental separation/divorce, depression in the perpetrator, and domestic violence. Therefore, services that facilitate men’s behaviour change programmes provide one such point of intervention. Relationships Australia (NSW) offer Taking Responsibility: an 18 week programme that addresses men’s use of violence and abuse in their intimate relationships, through group work and individual support. Fundamental to this programme is the whole family’s safety, which is managed through initial screening, ongoing contact and access to additional therapeutic services. Programme evaluation has revealed that men’s change factors are influenced by varying levels of motivation, at intake and throughout. These accounts have indicated that the relationship status with their partner affects their motivation, which in turn has the potential to affect their investment in the programme. This relates to both increased and diminished motivation. Partners and former partners, however, expressed ambivalence towards their continuing relationships. Given the risk factors for filicide associated with domestic violence and separation, these interviews contribute to what is known about men’s motivation to change violent and abusive behaviours, and in turn the clinical objectives for professionals working on these programmes.
Relationships Australia NSW and Baptist Community Services (NSW & ACT), through its BCS LifeCare Counselling & Family Services program, collaborated to evaluate their men’s domestic violence programs. Recruitment targeted male clients and... more
Relationships Australia NSW and Baptist Community Services (NSW & ACT), through its BCS LifeCare Counselling & Family Services program, collaborated to evaluate their men’s domestic violence programs. Recruitment targeted male clients and their female partners, across six locations in New South Wales, Australia. In total, 63 qualitative interviews were gathered from 28 participants, between 2007 and 2009, at program intake, program completion and six month follow up. The focus of this article is on the male interviews conducted with 14 participants at program completion (10) and at six month follow-up (10). Recurring themes from these interviews indicate the potentially disruptive effect of client dialogue on group dynamics. While positive group discussion had the potential to enhance client motivation, negative peer discussions, external to group sessions, can diminish group functioning and client motivation, for these participants. The paradoxical nature of the group-intervention experience is explored in light of these accounts. Suggestions for men’s domestic violence program facilitation and research are outlined.
This study explores the impact of perceptions of shame on counselling in alcohol and other drug (AOD) settings. While some recent research points to the potential treatment barriers that result from discrimination against AOD clients by... more
This study explores the impact of perceptions of shame on counselling in alcohol and other drug (AOD) settings. While some recent research points to the potential treatment barriers that result from discrimination against AOD clients by health care professionals, there is a dearth of research on the impact of shame and stigma on the work of allied health professionals, such as counselors and AOD workers. The qualitative data presented here are drawn from 17 in-depth interviews with counselors and AOD workers based in New South Wales, Australia. Counselors and other AOD workers perceive client shame as being compounded by the derogatory labels and stigmatisation often associated with problematic drug use. The article focuses on the professional tensions arising in managing stigma, alongside the alienating and isolating manifestations of shame, by exploring three themes: (1) the application of negative labels such as “addicts” and “junkies”; (2) the stigmatisation of AOD settings; and (3) the impact of labelling and stigmatisation on service provision. These findings point to the potential treatment barriers of stigma when counselling clients in AOD settings and highlight the fissures that can occur between colleagues when practice does not cohesively link with evolving knowledge around problematic drug use.
Research Interests:
The aim of this paper is to observe the impact of shame and stigma on the therapeutic process through the perceptions and experiences of counselors and alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers. This includes the relationship between chronic... more
The aim of this paper is to observe the impact of shame and stigma on the therapeutic process through the perceptions and experiences of counselors and alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers. This includes the relationship between chronic shame and the multiple axis of treatment, such as: the prevalence of shame in the stories of problematic drug use; the stigmatisation of AOD clients; and ultimately the treatment setting. Greater awareness of this dynamic may help to create a space to counteract barriers in a way that enhances the relationship between client and counselor, and ultimately increase the opportunities for the client in their recovery. Data presented here are drawn from qualitative interviews with frontline workers to contextualise the extensive literature on shame. Emerging themes from in depth interviews are discussed through the practice implications of person-centred counseling.
Research Interests:
This information sheet is based on a collaborative study by the NCHSR (UNSW) and the HARP Unit (SESIAHS). The information and quotes presented here are drawn from interviews with people who inject drugs, identify as heterosexual and use... more
This information sheet is based on a collaborative study by the NCHSR (UNSW) and the HARP Unit (SESIAHS). The information and quotes presented here are drawn from interviews with people who inject drugs, identify as heterosexual and use NSPs in metropolitan, suburban and coastal areas of Sydney and the Illawarra region, Australia. Additional information is drawn from the research literature. The names of participants have been changed.
Intimate relationships frequently incorporate a high degree of collaboration and sharing, this is as much the case for couples who inject drugs as other partnerships. Australian and international data indicates that the reuse of injecting equipment frequently occurs in intimate relationships. This includes both needles and syringes and ancillary equipment. Hence, the intimate relationship is a potential site of hepatitis C risk. This information will outline key findings that relate to this study and provide implications for NSP workers, who work with clients in intimate relationships.
Intimate relationships frequently incorporate a high degree of collaboration and sharing, this is as much the case for couples who inject drugs as other partnerships. Australian and international data indicates that the reuse of injecting equipment frequently occurs in intimate relationships. This includes both needles and syringes and ancillary equipment. Hence, the intimate relationship is a potential site of hepatitis C risk. This information will outline key findings that relate to this study and provide implications for NSP workers, who work with clients in intimate relationships.
Research Interests:
Relationships Australia New South Wales provides information and referral services within two courts: Bathurst Local Court and Sydney Family Court. The aim is to provide warm and proactive referrals for individuals and families entering... more
Relationships Australia New South Wales provides information and referral services within two courts: Bathurst Local Court and Sydney Family Court. The aim is to provide warm and proactive referrals for individuals and families entering the legal system. A large number of families are described as vulnerable in that there is the presence of coercive and controlling domestic violence, high levels of conflict between parents, or children at risk of harm. The scant available research on these service models, however, describes these parties as "falling through the cracks". That is, they were assessed as being unsuited to family dispute resolution and probably needing the support by a third party, but upon referral they seemed to drop out of sight. In this presentation, we demonstrate the range of outcomes associated with our referral services at court, through professional accounts. Findings indicate that such referrals are more robust and that we are locating and engaging clients who would not have considered using a support service previously. We also provide emerging evidence of a number of unforeseen benefits through our presence at court, these include a reduction in criminal activity by defendants, and increased collaboration between therapeutic and legal professionals. This was thought to guard against some of the distressing aspects of the work, and of having the potential to decrease the regularity and intensity of burn out. In this presentation we will outline our localised service models and provide narrative accounts of their benefits.
Oral paper presented at the Annual Conference. "Enabling Human Potential: The centrality of self and identity"
Research on domestic violence group interventions has demonstrated poor results for long term behaviour change in male clients. However, there is a dearth of research which captures the perceptions of male clients, and their female... more
Research on domestic violence group interventions has demonstrated poor results for long term behaviour change in male clients. However, there is a dearth of research which captures the perceptions of male clients, and their female partners. Relationships Australia (NSW) has conducted a longitudinal, mixed methods evaluation of one such program. This presentation will present an overview of the recently completed evaluation project of the reformed Taking Responsibility program, which has sought to address several of the limitations identified in previous evaluation research. The focus of this presentation will be on our exploration of the effectiveness of Taking Responsibility in enabling change amongst the clients in attendance. This dialogue of how clients and their partners have experienced personal and interpersonal change will also hold significant implications for clinical practice, as will be discussed.