Charlotte Keating

Resident psychologist on ABC Radio

Career Highlights

• Charlotte has a PhD in Neuroscience and a Masters in Clinical Psychology. 
• She works with children, adolescents and young adults.
• She is a member of the Editorial Board and Associate Editor at the journal, Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews.
• She’s the Resident psychologist on ABC Radio, Afternoons and frequent contributor to print media on the topic of young people.
• She is an adjunct Research Fellow at the Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology.
• She was the recipient of a Postdoctoral Neuroimaging Fellowship at Swinburne University of Technology where she researched social experiences, attachment and emotion regulation in body image and eating disorders using neuroimaging.
• Charlotte is an international keynote speaker on the topic of eating disorders.
• She is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society and Associate Member of the College of Clinical Psychologists.

Question and answer

Why is the issue of bullying of particular interest to you?

I regularly see people through my practice who have experienced bullying. Bullying can have a debilitating impact on a young persons social, emotional and academic development. It can also profoundly impact the way they see themselves. The way bullying can be experienced has changed – it’s no longer limited to the physical environment. It can happen anywhere, anytime, online. I see first hand the anxiety and depression it can cause. We have a responsibility to promote the wellbeing and healthy development of all young people - understanding and addressing the root cause of bullying is essential and takes a community level approach.

Where do you believe you have made a difference in your field?

In my career to date, I have contributed to two bodies of research.  Eating and body image disorder’s and related emotional difficulties. In recognition of my contribution to the field I have been invited to present international keynotes to the psychiatry community. Because of these areas of expertise I have been able to bring greater understanding in my capacity to treat in psychological practice and engage the community more broadly via ABC radio.

How does your area of expertise help you to contribute to NCAB?

Childhood and adolescence is a sensitive developmental period - growing into yourself, and expressing who you are needs to happen in a safe supportive environment, so that young people can get on with thriving.  The way we teach children to relate to themselves, and others, at a young age becomes a template for adulthood. I believe that changing the landscape on bullying begins with repairing relationships. My expertise in neuroscience and psychology means that I have a well-informed understanding of development and approach to treatment. I will use my expertise to contribute to, and hopefully enhance the work of NCAB.