Meet the team
Paulina Mech
Psychologist, MAPS
BPsychSc, PG Dip Psych, DPsych (Health)
Paulina is a registered psychologist, and has worked in research and health-care settings with children, adults and older adults. She is passionate about helping others feel involved and empowered in their health care choices and health behaviours. Her research work has focused on translating research and evidence into accessible health information for people from different backgrounds, while her clinical work has focused on offering psychological support to those adjusting to the impacts of physical illness and injury. She has worked with individuals with a range of chronic conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease and pain. She also has extensive experience working in rehabilitation hospitals within interdisciplinary teams and understands the importance of working together for best-practice, patient-centered care. Her approach is collaborative, empathetic and practical, and she utilizes evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions.
Publications and Presentations
Publications
Mech, P., Toumbourou, J. W., & Ghayour-Minaie, M. (2017). Review of alcohol-related harm in Wodonga and the alcohol-reduction interventions literature. Prepared by the Consulting Group within the School of Psychology and Centre for Early Emotional and Social Development (SEED), Deakin University for Wodonga City Council.
Ghayour-Minaie, M., Toumbourou, J. W. & Mech, P. (2017). Reduction of alcohol-related harm in Wodonga: Needs Analysis Report. Prepared by the Consulting Group within the School of Psychology and Centre for Early Emotional and Social Development (SEED), Deakin University for Wodonga City Council.
Batterham, R., Osborne, R., McPhee, C., Mech, P., & Townsend, B. (2016). Evidence check on consumer enablement. Prepared by the Health Systems Improvement Unit within Deakin University for The Agency of Clinical Innovation.
Mech, P., Hooley, M., Skouteris, H., & Williams, J. (2016). Parent-related mechanisms underlying the social gradient of childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review. Child: Care, Health & Development, 42 (5), 603-624.
Dodson, S., Mech, P., Batterham, R., Beauchamp, A., Buchbinder, R., and Osborne, R. (2015). The health literacy response framework: grounded identification of strategies for providers and organisations. Presented at the 7th Annual Health Literacy Research Conference, Bethesda.
Society memberships
Australian Psychological Society
