Dr Karlen Barr

About Me

I am a clinical psychologist who supports adolescents and adults with various mental health presentations. I have completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology. 

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I aim to help people understand themselves better and tailor my treatment approach based on individual needs. I enjoy working with people who are looking for medium to long-term therapy to help them explore and  understand themselves. This type of therapy may explore a person's relationships, their emotions, thoughts and behaviour, and repeating patterns in their life. The therapy approach is relational and informed by evidence-based psychodynamic theory. 

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I am particularly interested in working with people who have experienced personality disorder or difficulties with relationships, emotional regulation, and identity.

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Special Interest Areas

• Anxiety

• Anger management

• Conflict resolution

• Depression

• Grief & loss

• Identity problems

• Personality disorder

• Relationship issues

• Self-harm

• Trauma

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Treatment Approaches

I have experience with the following therapy approaches.

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• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Psychodynamic Therapy

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Services Offered

I provide individual psychology sessions in-person or by telehealth using videoconference.

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Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours Psychology)

• Master of Psychology (Clinical)

• PhD (Clinical Psychology) 

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Registration

Psychology Board of Australia 

Registration Number: PSY0002180651

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Publications

Townsend, M. L., Barr, K. R., Miller, C. E. & Sanzone, G. (2024). Self-harm and suicidal behaviors in children: perspectives of mental health clinicians. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 1-9.  https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsae044

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Bhadelia, A., Barr, K. R., John, J. R., Jalaludin, B., Dissanyake, C., Williams, K., Woolfenden, S. & Eapen, V. (2024). Difficult toddler temperament – Prevalence and associated factors at 18-month follow-up of a birth cohort. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment,  967-977, https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S454949

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van Schie, C. C., Lewis, K., Barr, K. R., Jewell, M., Malcolmson, N., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. S. (2024). Borderline personality disorder and stigma: Lived experience perspectives on helpful and hurtful language. Personality and Mental Health, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmh.1609. 

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Kauley, N, John, J.R., Barr, K.R., Wu, W.T., Grove, R., Masi, A., & Eapen, V. (2024). Predicting communication skills outcomes for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder following early intervention. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 20, 35-48. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S435740

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Barr, K. R., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. S. (2023). Carer peer workers in borderline personality services: Providing reciprocal understanding and personal strategies to family members. Health and Social Care in the Community, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5398996 

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Barr, K. R., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. S. (2021). Peer support for consumers with borderline personality disorder: A qualitative study. Advances in Mental Health, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/18387357.2021.1997097

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Townsend, M. L., Barr, K. R., & Grenyer, B. F. S. (2021). Early identification of personality disorder: Helping to understand youth suicide risk. Australian Journal of General Practice, 50(5), 332-334. https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-08-20-5568

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Barr, K. R., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. S. (2020). Using peer workers with lived experience to support the treatment of borderline personality disorder: a qualitative study of consumer, carer and clinician perspectives. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 7(20), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-020-00135-5 

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Barr, K. R., Jewell, M., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer B. F. S. (2020). Living with personality disorder and seeking mental health treatment: patients and family members reflect on their experiences. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 7(21), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-020-00136-4 

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Barr, K. R., Jewell, M., Herrick, A. M., Giles, J. A., Townsend, M. L., & Grenyer, B. F. S. (2020). Peer support for people with personality disorder: A 6-session peer and clinician co-facilitated group program – Facilitator Manual. Wollongong, Australia. University of Wollongong.
 

 

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