1. Professor Paula Barrett
B.Sc (Hons), M.Clin.Psych., MAPS, PhD
Founder, Pathways Health and Research Centre
Author, Fun Friends, Friends for Life, My Friends Youth and Adult Resilience Program
Paula is internationally recognised as a prominent scholar and groundbreaking researcher in the
field of child psychology. Paula has a distinguished international reputation as a keynote
presenter, and has been published widely in the area of prevention and treatment of anxiety and
depression and the promotion of resilience through the evidence-based ‘FRIENDS’ programs.
Recently, Paula received the Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year Award, was
shortlisted for the Australian of the Year Queensland Award and the Queenslander of the Year
Award, and received the Highly Commended Certificate in the Human Rights Medal of the
Australian Human Rights Commission for her contribution to the wellbeing of children, youth and
the wider community.
Paula was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship at the end of her high school studies, a Commonwealth
Scholarship in 1991 to complete her research Doctorate, the National Australian Association for
Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy Early Career Award for her research and innovation in the field
of Clinical Psychology in 1998, and the National Australian Psychology Society Award for
outstanding scholarship in the discipline of Psychology in 1999. Paula also received the ‘Lord
Mayor’s Australia Day Achievement Award’ for far-reaching services in the community for families
and children.
Paula is the founding Director of the innovative research-based clinic, Pathways Health and
Research Centre. In 2008, Pathways Health and Research Centre was a Finalist in the Telstra
Business Awards in the category of Innovation. Since its creation in 2003, Pathways has helped
innumerable families worldwide.
For over two decades Paula has authored and evaluated the well-known FRIENDS for Life program
recognized in an evidence-based review conducted by the World Health Organization for the
prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety and depression.
The FRIENDS program has enjoyed worldwide success within Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the
United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Hong Kong, China, the US, Portugal,
Greece, Cyprus, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Japan, Singapore and India, and is also undergoing
randomized controlled trials in many other countries.
In 2007, Paula’s Fun Friends program was officially launched by the Queensland Premier to
promote resilience and aid in the prevention of anxiety in 4 to 7 year olds. Paula has also
published FOCUS, a recognised treatment for OCD that has been proven effective after 7 years
follow up.
Paula is an acclaimed and engaging speaker in both international and national forums, having
delivered numerous keynote addresses worldwide.
Despite this impressive list of achievements, Paula remains humble and true to her cause of
helping as many children as possible and building a sense of community. She enjoys conducting
research and loves working with children. Her passion lies in the preservation of natural
environments and the wellbeing of all living beings, including all animals.
Paula is a strong believer in life long learning, staying active and a positive psychology approach.
Collectively her prolific writing, generosity of spirit and fervour for research has had a significant
impact on the lives of literally thousands of children all over the world.