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“Understanding how and for whom treatments for mental health problems work are some of the most challenging research questions in the contemporary psychology. These questions are important from both scientific as well as clinical perspective, and can only be answered by using most innovative research methodology and technology. In my research I aim to integrate these different perspectives.”

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The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary treatment of child abuse

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In this multicenter ZonMW-supported project the effectiveness of an innovative treatment protocol, Resolutions Approach (RA), is investigated using single-case methodology. Main goals are to examine whether RA leads to a decrease in child abuse incidents and increase in safety in the families. Additional goals are to investigate whether reductions in family stress and improvements in the openness of communication about child abuse lead to better outcomes. Close collaborators: Annemariek Sepers, PhD student (Centrum ’45), Dr. Trudy Mooren (Centrum ’45), Vera van der Werff, junior researcher (UvA), Rivierduinen Leiden, Family Supporters, Altra.

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Single-case experimental designs in clinical practice

 

In this project several activities are undertaken: (i) development of guidelines for the conduct of single-case studies in clinical practice in collaboration with methodologists; (ii) valorization of this knowledge via individual supervision, congress symposia, workshops, and participation in policy boards concerned with mental health care in the Netherlands. Close collaborators: Loek Peute (Single 54/Rino/VGCt), Dr. Milica Miocevic (UU), Dr. Yvonne Stikkelbroek, Dr. Daan Creemers.

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Mechanisms of personalized treatment for youth anxiety

 

In a multi-center ZonMW-supported project non-specific mediators of personalized CBT outcomes are investigated. Methods: 130 youths are randomized to CBT with therapists’ feedback or CBT without feedback for the therapist. Mediators studied: therapeutic alliance, therapists’ flexibility, child involvement. Moderators: parent involvement, basic vs. specialist care. Close collaborators: Dr. Bonny van Steensel, Principal Investigator (UvA), Liesbeth Telman, PhD student (UvA), Prof. Dr. Susan Bögels (UvA), Dr. Germie van de Berg (Municipality Amsterdam).

 

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CBT for anxious youth: component analysis

 

Efficacy of cognitive therapy over and above exposure therapy is investigating in 8 children and adolescents with anxiety disorders using single-case methodology. Close collaborators: Prof. Dr. Else de Haan, Dr. Lidewij Wolters (AMC/De Bascule).

EMDR and social engagement

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EMDR is recommended as an effective treatment for trauma victims. However, despite empirical evidence and positive experiences in the clinical practice, it has lately been suggested, and our clinical experience conforms this, that for a lasting effect to occur, the EMDR protocol in its sole use may be insufficient to encounter the whole spectrum of traumatic experience. In this project, the influence of social engagement systems on the neuropsychology of trauma during EMDR treatment is explored. Close collaborators: Frieda Aelen, clinical psychologist, behavioral and family therapist, supervisor VGCt, and educator NVRG.

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Comorbid ADHD and anxiety disorders in youth

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Within this project several activities are undertaken to learn more about the etiology and treatment outcomes of this comorbid condition in children. For example, a meta-analysis was conducted (Maric et al., 2018, CCFPR) to learn about the influence of comorbid anxiety on executive functioning in ADHD. Further, UvA minds comorbid ADHD+anxiety data from 2008 to present is investigated with regard to following questions: (a) What is the role of anxiety disorders in children with ADHD?; (b) What is the most effective treatment for comorbid ADHD and AD? What is the role of medication on therapy outcomes? Finally, a single-case study is designed to investigate the efficacy of an integrated treatment protocol (CBT+parent training). Close collaborators: Dr. Bonny van Steensel (UvA), Prof. Dr. Susan Bögels (UvA), Prof. Dr. Tom Ollendick (VT USA), assistants: Jeroen Wassmer, Boukje Nass, Savannah de Vos.

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Explicit and implicit self-esteem and its relation to anxious and depressive symptoms in youth

 

Interactions between explicit and implicit self-esteem in youth and associations with anxious and depressive symptoms, and dyslexia are investigated. Further, effectiveness of a self-esteem training is examined. Close collaborators: Maaike Vertregt, MSc (UvA), Dr. Bram van Bockstaele (UvA), Prof. Dr. Reinout Wiers (UvA), Dr. Daan Creemers, Lotte van Marwijk, MSc, Office Student Psychologists UvA, Dr. Patrick Snellings (UvA).

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Involvement in other research projects

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  • Parenting Reset: Promotion of parental and young children’s self-regulation through a parenting intervention. PI Dr. Ana Pereira, University of Lisbon.

  • Sleep therapy for individuals with insomnia and depression. PI Dr. Jaap Lancee (UvA).

  • Writing therapy for demoralized cancer patients. PI Dr. Arnold van Emmerik (UvA).

  • Moderators of Working Memory Training for childhood ADHD. Dr. Bas Dovis (UvA).

  • Efficacy of trauma treatment using single-case methodology. PI Dr. Maartje Schoorl (PsyQ/Leiden University).

  • Efficacy of family therapy and EMDR for childhood trauma and abuse PI Dr. Irma Hein (AMC De Bascule).

  • Efficacy of interventions for religious coping in youth mental health care. PI Jenneke Hoekzema, MSc, Dr. Hanneke Schaap-Jonker (Eleos, De Hoop GGZ).

 

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© 2018 by studioenblanco

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