Biography
I graduated with a first class honours degree in psychology from Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and after a year studying clinical - community psychology at the University of South Carolina on a postgraduate scholarship, I returned and completed my PhD in addictive behaviours at QUB. I subsequently undertook clinical psychology training at the Institute of Psychiatry in London.I have held joint appointments in the UK between universities (University of Wales at Bangor and from 1994 Queen's University Belfast) and the health services in each region. My early clinical practice then was within the specialisms of substance misuse, adult mental health and neuropsychology. Since 2000 I have worked within the field of paediatric psychology and neuropsychology. I have also been director of doctoral training programmes in Clinical Psychology at Queen's University Belfast (2001 - 2016) and more recently at University College Cork (2016 - present).
My research programme is focused on understanding psychological processes related to outcomes in childhood chronic illness and trialling psychological interventions therein. Working with longitudinal datasets with colleagues from medical and nursing disciplines, we explored neuropsychological phenotypes, psychological models of interventions and developed and evaluated new early intervention programmes to promote adjustment and improve outcomes in these children and their families.
I have also been hugely committed to advancing the relevance and influence of clinical and applied psychology in healthcare and society. I have worked through the British Psychological Society and the Division of Clinical Psychology when in the UK and led on many initiatives. These have included a review of accreditation standards for clinical psychology in the UK, establishment of a cross-divisional forum to help bring greater synergy to the work of the divisions in NI, the development of new pre-qualification pathways for a new psychological workforce in NI, being deputy specialty advisor to the chief medical officer for NI, development of an outcomes framework for psychological services in NI and contribution to the work of the psychological therapies strategies and workforce reviews in the region.
I have been privileged to have been involved in training the clinical psychologists of the future for over 20 years. I strive to make a real difference to the future of the profession and to the lives of those often marginalised and in distress. This has been the passion underpinning all of my teaching, research and professional activities.
Research Interests
- Psychological and familial processes in understanding outcomes to chronic childhood illness and disability.
- Psychological interventions to promote familial resilience and childhood adjustment to chronic illness and disability.
- Neuropsychological phenotypes in childhood - congenital heart disease, acquired brain injury, epilepsy and other syndromes.
- My work has been within cross-disciplinary research teams and has been focused on children with congenital heart disease, neurological presentation, neurodevelopmental disorders and psychogenic seizures. It has involved working with both cross-sectional and longitudinal data sets. It is highly translational in focus and in large part has focused on the development and evaluation (through RCTs and other controlled evaluations) of family focused intervention programmes delivered at key developmental transitions.
- Previous research interests (still pursued through collaborations with research students) relate to cognitive processes underlying clinical presentations such as addictive behaviours and mood disorders.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family First - A family intervention programme to promote adjustment in children with acquired brain injury | Other: Not Listed | 01-SEP-15 | 31-AUG-20 | €300,000.00 | |
| Longitudinal outcomes following early intervention for children with congenital heart disease and their families | Other: Not Listed | 01-JAN-09 | 01-JAN-11 | €50,000.00 | |
| Congenital Heart disease Intervention Programme (CHIP) - New programme of early psychological interventions for children with congenital heart disease and their families | Other: Not Listed | 01-SEP-00 | 30-JUN-04 | €305,000.00 | |
| Neurodevelopment outcomes in children treated with steroids for respiratory difficulties in infancy | Cancer Research UK | 01-OCT-02 | 30-SEP-05 | €200,000.00 | |
| Promoting activity levels in adolescents with congenital heart disease | Other: Not Listed | 01-JAN-08 | 01-SEP-10 | €65,000.00 | |
| Evaluation of a new assessment and treatment service for children with ADHD | Other: Not Listed | 01-JAN-05 | 31-DEC-07 | €20,000.00 |
Publications
Books
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | Congenital heart disease and neurodevelopment: understanding and improving outcomes. McCusker CG; Casey F (2016) Congenital heart disease and neurodevelopment: understanding and improving outcomes. London: Elsevier Academic Press. [Details] |
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | 'Neurodevelopmental patterns in congenital heart disease across childhood – longitudinal studies from Europe' Hovels-Gurich H; McCusker CG (2016) 'Neurodevelopmental patterns in congenital heart disease across childhood – longitudinal studies from Europe' In: Congenital Heart Disease and Neurodevelopment: Understanding and Improving Outcomes. London: Elsevier Academic press. [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Is there a behavioural phenotype for congenital heart disease?' McCusker CG; Casey F (2016) 'Is there a behavioural phenotype for congenital heart disease?' In: Congenital Heart Disease and Neurodevelopment: Understanding and Improving Outcomes. London: Elsevier Academic press. [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'The Congenital Heart disease Intervention Program (CHIP) and interventions in infancy' Doherty NN, McCusker CG (2016) 'The Congenital Heart disease Intervention Program (CHIP) and interventions in infancy' In: Congenital Heart Disease and Neurodevelopment: Understanding and Improving Outcomes. London: Elsevier Academic press. [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Conclusions and future directions for neurodevelopment research and interventions in congenital heart disease' McCusker CG; (2016) 'Conclusions and future directions for neurodevelopment research and interventions in congenital heart disease' In: Congenital Heart Disease and Neurodevelopment: Understanding and Improving Outcomes. london: elsevier Academic press. [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Growing up - interventions in childhood and CHIP - School' McCusker CG; (2016) 'Growing up - interventions in childhood and CHIP - School' In: Congenital Heart Disease and Neurodevelopment: Understanding and Improving Outcomes. London: Elsevier Academic press. [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Postnatal neurodevelopment in CHD: short and long-term neurodevelopment and interventions' Hovels-Gurich H; McCusker CG (2016) 'Postnatal neurodevelopment in CHD: short and long-term neurodevelopment and interventions' In: Fetal Cardiology: Embryology, Genetics, Physiology, Echocardiographic Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Perinatal Management of Cardiac Diseases, Third Edition. London: Taylor & Francis Group. [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'Challenging an anglocentric story: the history of clinical psychology in Northern Ireland' McCusker CG; (2015) 'Challenging an anglocentric story: the history of clinical psychology in Northern Ireland' In: Clinical Psychology in Britain: Historical Perspectives. London: British Psychological Society. [Details] | |
| (2006) | 'Towards understanding loss of control: automatic processes in addictive behaviours' McCusker CG; (2006) 'Towards understanding loss of control: automatic processes in addictive behaviours' In: Cognition and Addiction. New York: Oxford University Press. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2022) | 'The impact of the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up program on attachment-related parent behavior - a systematic review' O'Byrne E, McCusker CG, McSweeney, S (2022) 'The impact of the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up program on attachment-related parent behavior - a systematic review'. Infant Mental Health Journal, 44 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Long-term neuropsychological and behavioral outcome of mild and moderate hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy' Halpin S, McCusker CG, Fogarty, L, White J, Cavaliere E, Boylan G, Murray D (2022) 'Long-term neuropsychological and behavioral outcome of mild and moderate hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy'. Early Human Development, 165 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'What can we learn from the experience of non-responders to a parent-only intervention for childhood anxiety' Dorgan J, McCusker CG, Byrne G (2022) 'What can we learn from the experience of non-responders to a parent-only intervention for childhood anxiety'. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 31 :2134-2144 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Alexithymia is associated with emotion dysregulation in young people with autistic spectrum disorder' Gormley E, Ryan C, McCusker CG (2022) 'Alexithymia is associated with emotion dysregulation in young people with autistic spectrum disorder'. Journal Of Developmental And Physical Disabilities, 34 :171-186 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'When children with congenital heart disease become adults - understanding psychosocial attainments and functioning in comparison to census population norms' Mills R, McCusker CG, Tennyson C, Gordon JM, Lockhart CJ (2021) 'When children with congenital heart disease become adults - understanding psychosocial attainments and functioning in comparison to census population norms'. Progress In Pediatric Cardiology, 62 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'CHIP-Family intervention to improve the psychosocial well-being of young children with congenital heart disease and their families: results of a randomized controlled trial' Van der Mheen M, Meentken MG, Van Beynum IM, Van der Ende J, Van Galen E, Zirar A, Aendekerk EW, Van den Abel TP, Bogers AJ, McCusker, CG, Hillegers MH, Helbing W, Utens EM (2019) 'CHIP-Family intervention to improve the psychosocial well-being of young children with congenital heart disease and their families: results of a randomized controlled trial'. Cardiology In The Young, 29 (9) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'The CHIP-Family study to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of young children with congenital heart disease and their families: design of a randomized controlled trial' Van der Mheen M, Van Beynum IM, Dulfer K, Van der Ende J, Van Galen E, Duvekot J, Rots LE, Van den Abel TP, Bogers AJ, McCusker, CG, Casey FA, Helbing W, Utens EM (2018) 'The CHIP-Family study to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of young children with congenital heart disease and their families: design of a randomized controlled trial'. BMC Pediatrics, 18 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'A family based intervention to promote adjustment in siblings of children with cancer: a pilot study' Besani, Chiara; McCusker, Chris; Higgins, Aiveen; McCarthy, Anthony (2018) 'A family based intervention to promote adjustment in siblings of children with cancer: a pilot study'. Psycho-Oncology, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Service users expereince of ward based therapeutic programmes' Hartley, S., leahy, D., Lonergan, E., Kells, M & McCusker, C.G. (2017) 'Service users expereince of ward based therapeutic programmes'. Clinical Psychology Today, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Neuropsychological outcomes in CHD beyond childhood: a meta-analysis' Mills R;McCusker CG;Tennyson C;Hanna D; (2018) 'Neuropsychological outcomes in CHD beyond childhood: a meta-analysis'. Cardiology In The Young, 28 (3):231-241 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Survey of paediatricians' opinions on a regional paediatric telecardiology service' McCrossan, BA;Doherty, NN;Sands, AJ;Grant, B;Craig, BG;McCusker, CG;Casey, FA (2014) 'Survey of paediatricians' opinions on a regional paediatric telecardiology service'. Journal of Paediatrics & Child Health, 50 :482-486 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'A sibling-controlled, prospective study of outcomes at home and school in children with severe congenital heart disease' McCusker CG;Armstrong MP;Mullen M;Doherty NN;Casey FA; (2013) 'A sibling-controlled, prospective study of outcomes at home and school in children with severe congenital heart disease'. Cardiology In The Young, 23 (4) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Exercise training improves activity in adolescents with congenital heart disease' Morrison, ML;Sands, AJ;McCusker, CG;McKeown, PP;McMahon, M;Gordon, J;Grant, B;Craig, BG;Casey, FA (2013) 'Exercise training improves activity in adolescents with congenital heart disease'. Heart, 99 :1122-1128 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH): long-term cognitive outcome in patients treated with surgical clipping or endovascular coiling' Latimer, SF;Wilson, FC;McCusker, CG;Caldwell, SB;Rennie, I (2013) 'Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH): long-term cognitive outcome in patients treated with surgical clipping or endovascular coiling'. Disability and Rehabilitation, 35 :845-850 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'A randomized controlled trial of interventions to promote adjustment in children with congenital heart disease entering school and their families' McCusker CG;Doherty NN;Molloy B;Rooney N;Mulholland C;Sands A;Craig B;Stewart M;Casey F; (2012) 'A randomized controlled trial of interventions to promote adjustment in children with congenital heart disease entering school and their families'. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 37 (10) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'The impact of hyperemesis gravidarum on maternal mental health and maternal-fetal attachment' McCormack D;Scott-Heyes G;McCusker CG; (2011) 'The impact of hyperemesis gravidarum on maternal mental health and maternal-fetal attachment'. Journal Of Psychosomatic Obstetrics And Gynaecology, 32 (2) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'The Association Between Childhood Trauma and Memory Functioning in Schizophrenia' Shannon, C;Douse, K;McCusker, C;Feeney, L;Barrett, S;Mulholland, C (2011) 'The Association Between Childhood Trauma and Memory Functioning in Schizophrenia'. Schizophrenia bulletin, 37 :531-537 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'Examination of the physical and psychosocial determinants of health behaviour in 4-5-year-old children with congenital cardiac disease' Casey, FA;Stewart, M;McCusker, CG;Morrison, ML;Molloy, B;Doherty, N;Craig, BG;Sands, AJ;Rooney, N;Mulholland, HC (2010) 'Examination of the physical and psychosocial determinants of health behaviour in 4-5-year-old children with congenital cardiac disease'. Cardiology In The Young, 20 :532-537 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'Autobiographical memory specificity, depression, and trauma in bipolar disorder' Mowlds W;Shannon C;McCusker CG;Meenagh C;Robinson D;Wilson A;Mulholland C; (2010) 'Autobiographical memory specificity, depression, and trauma in bipolar disorder'. The British Journal of Clinical Psychology / The British Psychological Society, 49 (Pt 2) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'Psychological processes and histories associated with nonepileptic versus epileptic seizure presentations' Lally, N;Spence, W;McCusker, C;Craig, J;Morrow, J (2010) 'Psychological processes and histories associated with nonepileptic versus epileptic seizure presentations'. Epilepsy & Behavior, 17 :360-365 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'A controlled trial of early interventions to promote maternal adjustment and development in infants born with severe congenital heart disease' McCusker, CG;Doherty, NN;Molloy, B;Rooney, N;Mulholland, C;Sands, A;Craig, B;Stewart, M;Casey, F (2010) 'A controlled trial of early interventions to promote maternal adjustment and development in infants born with severe congenital heart disease'. Child Care Health and Development, 36 :110-117 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'Predictors of psychological functioning in mothers and fathers of infants born with severe congenital heart disease' Doherty, N;McCusker, CG;Molloy, B;Mulholland, C;Rooney, N;Craig, B;Sands, A;Stewart, M;Casey, F (2009) 'Predictors of psychological functioning in mothers and fathers of infants born with severe congenital heart disease'. Journal Of Reproductive And Infant Psychology, 27 :390-400 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2008) | 'Effects of trauma on bipolar disorder: the mediational role of interpersonal difficulties and alcohol dependence' Maguire C;McCusker CG;Meenagh C;Mulholland C;Shannon C; (2008) 'Effects of trauma on bipolar disorder: the mediational role of interpersonal difficulties and alcohol dependence'. Bipolar Disorders, 10 (2) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2008) | 'Common psychological problems in cerebral palsy' Parkes J: McCusker CG (2008) 'Common psychological problems in cerebral palsy'. Paediatrics & Child Health, 18 (9):427-431 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2007) | 'Cognitive biases for trauma stimuli in people with schizophrenia' Klewchuk EM;McCusker CG;Mulholland C;Shannon C; (2007) 'Cognitive biases for trauma stimuli in people with schizophrenia'. The British Journal of Clinical Psychology / The British Psychological Society, 46 (Pt 3) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2007) | 'Determinants of neuropsychological and behavioural outcomes in early childhood survivors of congenital heart disease' McCusker, CG;Doherty, NN;Molloy, B;Casey, F;Rooney, N;Mulholland, C;Sands, A;Craig, B;Stewart, M (2007) 'Determinants of neuropsychological and behavioural outcomes in early childhood survivors of congenital heart disease'. Archives of Disease In Childhood, 92 :137-141 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2006) | 'Cognitive inhibition and interference in dissociative identity disorder: The effects of anxiety on specific executive functions' Dorahy, MJ;McCusker, CG;Loewenstein, RJ;Colbert, K;Mulholland, C (2006) 'Cognitive inhibition and interference in dissociative identity disorder: The effects of anxiety on specific executive functions'. Behaviour research and therapy, 44 :749-764 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2006) | 'Neurodevelopmental and respiratory follow-up results at 7 years for children from the United Kingdom and Ireland enrolled in a randomized trial of early and late postnatal corticosteroid treatment, systemic and inhaled (the open study of early corticosteroid treatment)' Wilson, TT;Waters, L;Patterson, CC;McCusker, CG;Rooney, NM;Marlow, N;Halliday, HL (2006) 'Neurodevelopmental and respiratory follow-up results at 7 years for children from the United Kingdom and Ireland enrolled in a randomized trial of early and late postnatal corticosteroid treatment, systemic and inhaled (the open study of early corticosteroid treatment)'. Journal of Pediatrics, 117 :2196-2205 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2005) | 'A prospective cohort study comparing hospital admission for gastro-enteritis with home management' Small, F;Alderdice, E;McCusker, C;Stevenson, M;Stewart, A (2005) 'A prospective cohort study comparing hospital admission for gastro-enteritis with home management'. Child Care Health and Development, 31 :555-562 [Details] | |
| (2005) | 'Assessment of functional and psychosocial outcomes in children 4 years post head injury' Doherty NN; McCusker CG (2005) 'Assessment of functional and psychosocial outcomes in children 4 years post head injury'. Educational and Child Psychology, 22 (2):29-38 [Details] | |
| (2005) | 'An interacting subsystems approach to understanding and meeting the needs of children with acquired brain injury' MCCUSKER CG;Doherty NN;Molloy B;Rooney N;Mulholland C;Sands A;Craig B;Stewart M;Casey F; (2005) 'An interacting subsystems approach to understanding and meeting the needs of children with acquired brain injury'. Educational and Child Psychology, 22 (2):18-28 [Details] | |
| (2002) | 'Adjustment in children with intractable epilepsy: importance of seizure duration and family factors' McCusker CG;Kennedy PJ;Anderson J;Hicks EM;Hanrahan D; (2002) 'Adjustment in children with intractable epilepsy: importance of seizure duration and family factors'. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 44 (10) [Details] | |
| (2001) | 'Cognitive biases and addiction: an evolution in theory and method' McCusker CG; (2001) 'Cognitive biases and addiction: an evolution in theory and method'. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 96 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (1999) | 'A long-term follow-up of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural sequelae to Reye syndrome' Meekin SL;Glasgow JF;McCusker CG;Rooney N; (1999) 'A long-term follow-up of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural sequelae to Reye syndrome'. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 41 (8) [Details] | |
| (1999) | 'Accessibility and availability of smoking-related associations in smokers' Leung, KS;McCusker, CG (1999) 'Accessibility and availability of smoking-related associations in smokers'. Addiction Research, 7 :213-226 [Details] | |
| (1999) | 'Psychological management of intractable seizures in an adolescent with a learning disability' McCusker CG;Hicks EM; (1999) 'Psychological management of intractable seizures in an adolescent with a learning disability'. Seizure-European Journal Of Epilepsy, 8 (6) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (1997) | 'Automaticity of cognitive biases in addictive behaviours: further evidence with gamblers' McCusker CG;Gettings B; (1997) 'Automaticity of cognitive biases in addictive behaviours: further evidence with gamblers'. The British Journal of Clinical Psychology / The British Psychological Society, 36 ( Pt 4) [Details] | |
| (1996) | 'Prescribing drug of choice to illicit heroin users: The experience of a UK community drug team' McCusker, C;Davies, M (1996) 'Prescribing drug of choice to illicit heroin users: The experience of a UK community drug team'. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 13 :521-531 [Details] | |
| (1995) | 'Cue-exposure to alcohol-associated stimuli reduces autonomic reactivity, but not craving and anxiety, in dependent drinkers' McCusker CG;Brown K; (1995) 'Cue-exposure to alcohol-associated stimuli reduces autonomic reactivity, but not craving and anxiety, in dependent drinkers'. Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire), 30 (3) [Details] | |
| (1995) | 'TEENAGERS AND ILLICIT DRUG-USE - EXPANDING THE USER VS NONUSER DICHOTOMY' MCCUSKER, CG;ROBERTS, G;DOUTHWAITE, J;WILLIAMS, E (1995) 'TEENAGERS AND ILLICIT DRUG-USE - EXPANDING THE USER VS NONUSER DICHOTOMY'. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 5 :221-241 [Details] | |
| (1993) | 'ALCOHOL-RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES IN PEOPLE WITH A MILD LEARNING-DISABILITY - THE EFFECTS OF A SENSIBLE DRINKING GROUP' MCCUSKER, CG;CLARE, ICH;CULLEN, C;REEP, J (1993) 'ALCOHOL-RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES IN PEOPLE WITH A MILD LEARNING-DISABILITY - THE EFFECTS OF A SENSIBLE DRINKING GROUP'. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 3 :29-40 [Details] | |
| (1991) | 'The cue-responsivity phenomenon in dependent drinkers: 'personality' vulnerability and anxiety as intervening variables' McCusker CG;Brown K; (1991) 'The cue-responsivity phenomenon in dependent drinkers: 'personality' vulnerability and anxiety as intervening variables'. British Journal Of Addiction, 86 (7) [Details] | |
| (1990) | 'Alcohol-predictive cues enhance tolerance to and precipitate craving for alcohol in social drinkers' McCusker CG;Brown K; (1990) 'Alcohol-predictive cues enhance tolerance to and precipitate craving for alcohol in social drinkers'. Journal of Studies On Alcohol, 51 (6) [Details] | |
| (1988) | 'Conditioned ethanol preference in rats' McCusker CG;Bell R; (1988) 'Conditioned ethanol preference in rats'. Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire), 23 (5) [Details] |
Published Reports
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2014) | An outcomes framework for psychological services in Northern Ireland. McCusker CG; (2014) An outcomes framework for psychological services in Northern Ireland. Department of Health and Social Services, Belfast. [Details] | |
| (2011) | Advancing psychological therapies research in Northern Ireland. Irvine M; McCusker CG; Coulter, H; Corbett, J; O'Loan, N; Dempster, M (2011) Advancing psychological therapies research in Northern Ireland. Department of Health and Social Services Public Health Agency, Belfast. [Details] | |
| (2010) | A strategy for the development of psychological therapies in Northern ireland. Brisco, M; Cairns, J; McMaster, I, McCusker CG et al. (2010) A strategy for the development of psychological therapies in Northern ireland. Department of Health and Social Services Public Health Agency, Belfast. [Details] | |
| (2008) | An evaluation of a new assessment and treatment service for children with ADHD. McCusker CG; (2008) An evaluation of a new assessment and treatment service for children with ADHD. BHSCT, Belfast. [Details] | |
| (1993) | An evaluation of community drug services in North Wales. McCusker CG Davies, M (1993) An evaluation of community drug services in North Wales. Welsh Office, Wales. [Details] |
Professional Activities
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Psychological Society Division of Clinical Psychology | Practitioner Clinical Psychologist | / | |
| British Psychological Society | Chartered Psychologist | / | |
| British Psychological Society Division of Neuropsychology | Practitioner Neuropsychologist | / | |
| Health Care Professions Council | Registered Clinical Psychologist | / |
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Clinical Psychology Team of the Year Award | British Psychological Society Division of Clinical Psychology in Northern Ireland | |
| 2016 | Outstanding Contribution to Clinical Psychology | British Psychological Society Division of Clinical Psychology in Northern Ireland | |
| 2016 | Judith Houghton Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Paediatric Psychology | British Psychological Society |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) | All Ireland Network for Congenital Heart Disease, McCusker CG (2017) hearts and minnds: neuropsychological profiles in congenital heart disease from infancy through to adulthood. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], All Ireland Network for Congenital Heart Disease, Belfast, UK . [Details] | |
| (2017) | All ireland Network for Congenital Heart Disease, McCusker CG, McAleese, A. (2017) Psychological presentations in children with congenital heart disease. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], All ireland Network for Congenital Heart Disease, Belfast, UK . [Details] | |
| (2016) | 50th Anniversary of the Division of Clinical Psychology in Northern Ireland, McCusker CG; (2016) A history of clinical psychology in Northern Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 50th Anniversary of the Division of Clinical Psychology in Northern Ireland, Belfast . [Details] | |
| (2016) | Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Conference, McCusker CG; (2016) Towards a behavioural phenotype in congenital heart disease. [Invited Oral Presentation], Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Conference, Rotterdam, Netherlands . [Details] | |
| (2016) | British Psychological Society Paediatric Psychology Network, McCusker, CG (2016) Neurodevelopment outcomes in congenital heart disease: processes and interventions. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], British Psychological Society Paediatric Psychology Network, Edinburgh . [Details] | |
| (2013) | Second annual Cardiac Neurodevelopment Symposium, McCusker CG; (2013) Recovery -v- emergence of neurodevelopment deficits in congenital heart disease from infancy to 7 years. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Second annual Cardiac Neurodevelopment Symposium, Cincinnati, USA . [Details] | |
| (2013) | Second Annual Cardiac Neurodevelopment Symposium, McCusker CG; (2013) The Congenital Heart disease Intervention program (CHIP) 2001 - present. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Second Annual Cardiac Neurodevelopment Symposium, Cincinnati, USA . [Details] | |
| (2011) | British Association for Feeding and Drinking, McCusker CG; (2011) Towards understanding loss of control - an automatic network theory of addictive behaviours. [Invited Oral Presentation], British Association for Feeding and Drinking, Belfast . [Details] | |
| (2011) | Annual conference of the British Cardiovascular Society, Morrison, ML; Sands, A; McCusker, CG; Mckeown, P; McMahon, M; Gordon, J; Grant, B; Craig, B; Casey, F (2011) Activity and psychosocial health in adolescents with congenital heart disease. [Oral Presentation], Annual conference of the British Cardiovascular Society, Manchester, UK . [Details] | |
| (2009) | Annual Conference of the NI British Psychological Society, McCusker CG; (2009) Improving access to accurate diagnosis and psychological therapies for children with ADHD and their families. [Oral Presentation], Annual Conference of the NI British Psychological Society, Killadeas, Northern Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2009) | Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, McCusker CG; (2009) Systemic understanding and interventions with children with neurological presentations. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Dublin . [Details] | |
| (2008) | British Psychological Society perinatal Faculty Conference, McCusker, CG (2008) The CHIP project - early interventions to promote maternal adjustment and development in infants born with severe congenital heart disease. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], British Psychological Society perinatal Faculty Conference, Manchester, UK . [Details] | |
| (2007) | Annual Child Brain Injury Trust Conference, McCusker, CG (2007) An interacting subsystems approach to understanding and meeting the needs of children with acquired brain injury. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Annual Child Brain Injury Trust Conference, Belfast, UK . [Details] | |
| (2006) | Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, McCusker CG;Doherty NN;Molloy B;Rooney N;Mulholland C;Sands A;Craig B;Stewart M;Casey F; (2006) An early psychoeducational initiative for infants born with significant heart disease and their parents. [Oral Presentation], Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, Belfast, UK . [Details] | |
| (2006) | Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, McCusker CG;Doherty NN;Molloy B;Rooney N;Mulholland C;Sands A;Craig B;Stewart M;Casey F; (2006) Predictors of parental mental health in infants born with severe congenital heart defects: implications for intervention. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, Belfast, UK . [Details] | |
| (2005) | Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Medicine and Infant Development, Dickson, S; Doherty, N; McCusker, CG (2005) Cognitive functioning in infants of depressed mothers. [Oral Presentation], Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Medicine and Infant Development, Amsterdam . [Details] | |
| (2004) | Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, Doherty NN; McCusker CG; Molloy, B; Casey, F; Mulholland, C; Rooney, N; Craig, B; Sands, A; Casey, F (2004) Factors predicting psychological distress in parents of infants born with severe congenital heart defects. [Oral Presentation], Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, Vienna, Austria . [Details] | |
| (2004) | Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, McCusker CG;Doherty NN;Molloy B;Rooney N;Mulholland C;Sands A;Craig B;Stewart M;Casey F; (2004) Neuropsychological outcomes in children with severe congenital heart disease four years after invasive surgery. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, Vienna, Austriaa . [Details] | |
| (2004) | Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, McCusker CG;Doherty NN;Molloy B;Rooney N;Mulholland C;Sands A;Craig B;Stewart M;Casey F; (2004) The CHIP project - a new programme to promote psychosocial adjustment in children with congenital heart disease and their families - preliminary findings. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Association of European Paediatric Cardiology Working group on Psychosocial Problems Conference, Vienna, Austria . [Details] | |
| (2004) | Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society, Wilson, T; McCusker, CG, Rooney, N (2004) Neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes following premature birth: the long term effects of corticosteroid treatments. [Oral Presentation], Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society, London, UK . [Details] | |
| (2004) | 8th International Conference on Long-Term Complications and Treatment of Children and Adolescents for Cancer, Casey, M; Higgins, A; McCusker, CG; Burns, M; McCarthy, A (2004) The influence of medical, sociodemographic, familial coping and illness impact perception on psychological functioning among long-term paediatric cancer survivors. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 8th International Conference on Long-Term Complications and Treatment of Children and Adolescents for Cancer, Niagra, Canada . [Details] | |
| (2003) | Infant Development in Neonatal Care Conference of the Royal College of Physicians, Wilson, T; McCusker, CG, Rooney, N; Halliday, H (2003) neurodevelopment follow-up of babies enrolled in a randomised controlled trial of early and late postnatal corticosteroids. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Infant Development in Neonatal Care Conference of the Royal College of Physicians, London, UK . [Details] | |
| (1998) | European Congress of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, McCusker, CG; Hicks E. (1998) sychological methods for reducing epileptic seizure activity - a single case study. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], European Congress of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, Cork, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (1997) | London Conference of the British Psychological Society, McCusker CG; (1997) Automaticity of cognitive biases in gamblers. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], London Conference of the British Psychological Society, London, UK . [Details] | |
| (1997) | London Conference of the British Psychological Society, McCusker CG; Gautier, S. (1997) Cognitive biases in the addictions. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], London Conference of the British Psychological Society, London, UK . [Details] | |
| (1995) | London Conference of the British Psychological Society, McCusker, CG; McClements, R; McCartney, U (1995) Cognitive bias for addiction-related stimuli in smokers and problem drinkers. [Oral Presentation], London Conference of the British Psychological Society, London, UK . [Details] | |
| (1994) | Annual Symposium of the Society for the Study of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs, McCusker CG Davies, M (1994) Prescribing heroin to opiate misusers - new data for an old debate. [Oral Presentation], Annual Symposium of the Society for the Study of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs, London, UK . [Details] | |
| (1991) | London Conference of the British Psychological Society, McCusker CG; (1991) Psychophysiological reactivity to alcohol-associated cues - implications for tolerance and motivation to drink in dependent and non-dependent drinkers. [Oral Presentation], London Conference of the British Psychological Society, London, UK . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Psychological Society in Northern Ireland | Chair | 2015 / 2016 | |
| British Psychological Society Committee for Training in Clinical Psychology | Chair | 2012 / 2015 | |
| DHSS Psychological Therapies Implementation Group - Training and Outcomes | Co-Chair | 2012 / 2014 | |
| Division of Clinical Psychology in Northern Ireland | Chair | 2011 / 2014 | |
| DHSS Clinical psychology Workforce Review | Member | 2008 / 2008 | |
| DHSS Mental health and Learning Disability Workforce Review | Member | 2005 / 2006 | |
| Royal Hospitals Mutidisciplinary Research Committee | Member | 2004 / 2008 | |
| Eastern Health Board Clinical Psychology Specialty Advisory Committee | Member | 2004 / 2008 | |
| Department of Health Clinical psychology Specialty Advisory Committee | Member | 2001 / 2010 | |
| Regional Ethics Committee for Northern Ireland | Member | 1999 / 2003 |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast Health and Social Care Trust | Consultant Clinical Psychologist | 01-JAN-00 / 31-OCT-01 | |
| The Queens University of Belfast / Belfast health and Social Care Trust | Joint Appointment - Assistant Director Doctorate in Clinical Psychology / Belfast health and Social Care Trust | 01-APR-93 / 31-DEC-99 | |
| South East Thames Regional Health Authority | Trainee Clinical Psychologist | 20-SEP-89 / 19-SEP-91 | |
| The Queens University of Belfast / Belfast health and Social Care Trust | Director Doctorate in Clinical Psychology / Consultant Clinical Psychologist | 01-NOV-01 / 30-APR-16 | |
| University of North Wales Bangor / Clwyd Health Authority | Lecturer in Clinical Psychology / Clinical Psychologist | 01-OCT-91 / 31-MAR-93 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London | M.Sc. | Clinical Psychology | |
| 1989 | The Queens University of Belfast | Ph.D. | Psychology | |
| 1986 | The Queens University of Belfast | B.A. | Psychology |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy | Member of Editorial Board | - | |
| The British Journal Of Clinical Psychology / The British Psychological Society | Referee | - | |
| Archives Of Disease In Childhood | Referee | - | |
| Developmental Medicine And Child Neurology | Referee | - | |
| Neuropsychological Rehabilitation | Referee | - | |
| Addiction (Abingdon, England) | Referee | - |
Other Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
I am a chartered Clinical Psychologist and throughout my career have typically held joint posts combining university work with clinical practice. My primary practice is within paediatric psychology and neuropsychology, although historically I have worked with the field of adult mental heath and neuropsychology. I have been actively involved in work for the professional body when working in the UK (British Psychological Society) and have led the BPS accreditation committee as well as the Division of Clinical Psychology in Northern Ireland. The latter also involved being the deputy specialty advisor to the chief medical office for Northern Ireland with respect to psychological aspects of healthcare in the region. |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
- Clinical Psychology; Neuropsychology; Paediatric Psychology; Research Methods
- Neurodevelopmental outcomes and phenotypes in disorders of childhood
- Neurological presentations of childhood
- Psychological processes and interventions in childhood illness and disability
- Neuropsychological and cognitive assessment
- Clinical assessment and formulation
- Personal and professional development
- Research methods for applied psychologists
- Addictive behaviours
Research Information
External Collaborators
| Name | Organisation / Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Frank Casey | Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children | NORTHERN IRELAND | |
| Dr Nicola Doherty | Northern Health and Social Care Trust | NORTHERN IRELAND | |
| Dr Elisabeth Utens | Erasmus University Rotterdam | HOLLAND |
