The Mind-Body Research in Health Lab is a team of world-class researchers specialising in behavioural medicine and leveraging the mind-body connection to improve physical and mental health in people experiencing chronic illness and pain.
Our work focuses on conditions such as endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic pain and cancer, among others. We are especially committed to advancing the reproductive wellbeing of women and gender-diverse people through innovative online and supportive care models. Our goal is to transform healthcare experiences from menarche to menopause and beyond.
We specalise in developing and testing treatment approaches that combine psychology, movement, and nutrition to help reduce pain and distress while working closely with the community, advocacy groups, and clinicians.
Our research streams
Research in Women’s Mental and Physical Health (RISE)
The intersection of mental – reproductive health in women, girls, and gender diverse people.
Brain-Gut Science (BGutS)
The connection between the gut and the brain in physical and mental health.
People, Land and Climate Environments (PLACE)
How physical environments shape wellbeing.
Living with Cancer and Chronic Illness (LIVE)
The psychological aspects of living with cancer and chronic illness.
WellbeIng through Study Of Mindfulness and Yoga (WISDOM)
Mindfulness, insight and compassion-based approaches for mental and physical health.
Child & Adult Lifestyle for Mental Health (CALM)
Lifestyle medicine for mental health in children, teens, mid age and older adults.
Our research approach
We use a range of mind-body, psychological and lifestyle approaches to improve the wellbeing of people living with chronic conditions, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness
- Self-Compassion
- Health Education
- Hypnotherapy
- Yoga
- Wild Swimming
- Forest Therapy
- Nutrition
Researchers
Researchers
- Dr Shannon Bennett
- Dr Daniel Romano
- Dr Catherine Brown
- Lily Blake
- Danielle Nicole Mosterd
- Dr David Skvarc
- Dr Anna Klas
- Dr Fiona Grattan
- Eric O
- Dr Emma Marshall
- Dr Jacquie Mills
- Dr Robyn Moffitt
- Dr Catherine Emerson
- Dr Lisa Olive
- Associate Professor Phil Tully
- Professor Melissa O’Shea
- Professor Vicki White
- Dr Lisa Grech
- Dr Neil Bailey
- Dr Richard Whitehead
- Dr Hannah Capon
- Dr Hannah Bereznicki
- Associate Professor Simon Knowles (Swinburne)
- Dr Leesa Van Niekerk (UTAS)
- Dr Marilla Druitt (Barwon Health)
- Kat Stanley (Endometriosis Activist)
Research students
Research students
- Connie Janiszewski
- Elizabeth Beasley
- Anna Vigano
- Jennifer O’Brien
- Luanna Dos Silva
- Suiyin Cheah
- Jess Wilson
- Julia Alonso
- Emma Bourke
- Maggie Eyers
- Helen McGeoch
Our partners
