About Me - Gwenda Miriam Willis PhD

Gwenda Miriam Willis PhD

I am a New Zealand Registered Clinical Psychologist with expertise in strengths-based, holistic approaches to improving client wellbeing and preventing harm.

As a scientist-practitioner, my clinical work is informed by research, and my research is inspired by my work as a clinician. I am an Associate Professor at The University of Auckland and have authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications. My research has impacted clinical practice globally, especially in the field of sexual offending assessment, treatment, and prevention. See my Google Scholar profile here for a list of authored publications.

I started my career as a correctional psychologist in Aotearoa New Zealand before embarking on a joint clinical and research career in New Zealand, the US, and Australia. I have been based in Auckland since 2013, and offer training and consultation globally. I am invested in improving client and correctional rehabilitation program outcomes through holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices.

Professional Memberships

New Zealand Registered Clinical Psychologist (90-03502)
Member, The New Zealand Psychological Society
Member and Fellow, Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA). ATSA Fellow is an honorary designation in recognition of allegiance to my profession and a strong commitment to the ongoing work of ATSA. ATSA is an international multi-disciplinary organisation dedicated to preventing sexual abuse.

Professional qualifications

Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

2009 Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

2009 Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology

2009 Certificate in Criminal Justice Psychology

2004 Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours

awards & research grants (selected)

New Zealand Psychological Society Hunter Award (2019)
- Awarded every three years to recognise distinguished, long-term achievement in scholarship and research in psychology.
Rutherford Discovery Fellowship (2015)
- Five-year research grant awarded by the Royal Society for a research program focussed on developing a strengths-based framework for sexual violence prevention.

New Zealand Psychological Society Early Career Goddard Award – Applied Psychology (2012)
- Awarded for oustanding research and achievements in forensic psychology.
Fulbright New Zealand Senior Scholar Award (2010)
- Visiting Senior Scholar Award to support a United States based multi-site research project evaluating correctional rehabilitation program responsiveness to the Good Lives Model.