Psychological Assessment of Torture and Trauma Survivors

Gordana Hol is a Clinical Psychologist and one of the Team Leaders of the NSW Service for the Treatment And Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS). Knowledge and skills she possesses have been acquired over years. Her Masters Degree, in Clinical Psychology, ongoing trainings and 26 years of experience as a clinician, have allowed her greater understanding of psychological assessment and appropriate treatment for specific mental health disorders, including a complex presentation of torture and trauma survivors that are Gordana’s main professional interest in the last 15 years.

Gordana is able to utilise various therapeutic approaches in the group and individual treatment of STARTTS’ clients from diverse age groups: children, adolescents, adults and elderly. As a highly qualified professional she has been employed by the international organisations, and internationally recognised mental health institutions: the United Nation High Commission for Human Right (UNHCR)- Mental Health Department, Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) – Netherlands and USA International Rescue Committee-Mental Health Unit.

Currently Gordana is employed by STARTTS as a Clinical Psychologist/Psychotherapist. She is also a Team Leader of 10 counsellors. As a Senior Clinical Supervisor she provides ongoing supervision and training to STARTTS counsellors, as well as mental health professionals within health areas and school. Gordana contributes to STARTTS clinical training and participates in a delivery of the clinical topic, sharing her knowledge with clinicians and mental health professional that are supporting and treating torture and trauma survivors.