Core Research Team
Freideriki Carmen Mamali, MSc.
Freideriki Carmen Mamali currently pursues her doctoral studies as a PhD candidate within the Clinical Psychology department at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Education, and Psychology from the University of Ioannina, Greece as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the European University of Cyprus. She furthered her education with a Research Master’s degree in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, specializing in Psychopathology, from Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
In the context of this research project, she assumes the position of coordinator, overseeing its international coordination. Her investigation focuses on evaluating the psychometric attributes of of the revised Schema Therapy-related questionnaires. Furthermore, she will delve into examining the interrelationships among the three Schema Therapy-related constructs in cohorts exhibiting personality and dissociative symptomatology.
Em. Prof. Dr. Arnoud Arntz
Arnoud Arntz is a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at, and former chair of, the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. His main research interests lie in the fields of PTSD, complex depression, and personality disorders, both applied and fundamental. He is perhaps best known for his contributions to the development of and research into Schema Therapy and Imagery Rescripting. He was and still is (co-)PI of several national and international studies into Schema Therapy and Imagery Rescripting. He also practices as a therapist at the Academic Center for Trauma and Personality in Amsterdam, where he treats patients with trauma and personality disorders. He is a former editor of the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry.
In the context of this research project, he assumes the position of Principal Investigator and coordinator, overseeing its international coordination.
Prof. Dr. Marleen Rijkeboer
Prof. Dr. Marleen Rijkeboer is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. She is a senior practitioner, supervisor, trainer, and teaching therapist in schema therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. She specializes in treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma, and personality disorders.
In addition, Marleen is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Maastricht University and is affiliated with RINO Amsterdam as the head of the postgraduate training program for clinical psychologists and psychotherapists. She is currently the chair of the VGCt (Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies) and has previously served for many years as a board member and chair of the VSt (Association for Schema Therapy). Due to her contributions to schema therapy—through clinical work, board positions, and scientific research—she was recently awarded honorary membership of both the VSt and the ISST (International Society of Schema Therapy).
In the context of this research project, she assumes the position of Principal Investigator and coordinator, overseeing its international coordination.
Dylan Molenaar, PhD.
Dylan Molenaar is an Assistant Professor at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. His main research interests are psychometrics, measurement, latent variable models, and test theory. He has published on various topics related to psychometrics, including: measurement invariance, factor analysis, item response theory, and latent class modeling. This research has resulted in various international peer reviewed journal articles in psychometrics and statistics journals like ‘Psychometrika’, ‘Structural Equation Modeling’, ‘Multivariate Behavior Research’, and ‘British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology’. He is the recipient of the 2013 best dissertation award and the 2019 early career award by the Psychometric Society. He is associate editor of the journal “Psychometrika” and “Behavior Research Methods”, and member of the editorial boards of the journals “Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics”, “Intelligence”, and the “Psychological and Educational Measurement” section of the open access journal “Pysch”. See www.dylanmolenaar.nl for his publication record.
In the context of this research project, Dylan Molenaar fulfills the role of a statistical and psychometric specialist, responsible for both supervising and actively contributing to the execution of complex statistical analyses.
International Research Team
Prof. Dr. Eunhee Lee
Eunhee Lee is a Professor in the Psychology department at Kyungnam University in South Korea. As a licensed counseling psychologist and supervisor, he has translated numerous Schema Therapy books, making them accessible to Korean readers. His research pursuits encompass dysfunctional parenting behaviours and bullying, the relationship between insecure attachment and early maladaptive schemas, and the exploration of schema modes. Additionally, he focuses on Schema Therapy intervention strategies tailored for high-risk youth, particularly those dealing with issues related to suicide and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour.
Within this research project, Eunhee Lee assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in South Korea.
Géraldine Tapia, PhD.
Géraldine Tapia is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Bordeaux. Her research lies within the broader domain of cognitive psychopathology, with a specific focus on the cognitive and emotional mechanisms involved in the onset and chronicity of post-traumatic stress disorder. Her particular emphasis centers on the study of dissociative processes in this context.
Within this research project, Géraldine Tapia assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in France.
Daniela Ho Tan, MSc.
Daniela Ho Tan is a Vietnamese-Australian Clinical Psychologist, Board Approved Supervisor and Advanced Accredited Schema Therapist. Daniela Ho Tan has experience across different areas including early intervention services for youth in low socioeconomic regions, online group therapy programs, eating disorder services and private practice. Currently, she runs her own private practice, Mindwealth Psychology. In addition, she is spearheading a research initiative, Project HoriZen, which endeavours to harmonise Western therapeutic principles with Eastern cultural values. Her areas of expertise include intergenerational and complex trauma, dissociative disorders, challenges related to attachment and relationships, personality disorders, and issues surrounding eating and body image.
Within this research project, Daniela Ho Tan assumes the position of one of the designated research coordinators in Australia.
Alexandra Yaltonskaya, MD, PhD.
Alexandra Yaltonskaya, the Founder and Training Director at the Moscow Institute of Schema Therapy, holds a Medical Doctor degree in Psychiatry. She currently practices as a psychotherapist and coach in the Netherlands, specializing in CBT, Schema Therapy, and EMDR. Her expertise lies in treating chronic mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Previously, from 2008 to 2021, she served as a senior researcher at the National Research Center for Psychiatry and Addiction in Russia. Among her areas of research interest are substance abuse prevention and investigating the efficacy of Schema Therapy in addressing personality disorders and various other chronic mental health conditions.
Within this research project, Alexandra Yaltonskaya assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Russia.
Ketevan Abdushelishvili, MD, PhD.
Ketevan Abdushelishvili is an Associate Professor in the School of Humanities and Social Science at Caucasus University. She holds a Medical Doctor degree and has been recognized as an accredited CBT therapist by the European Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapists since 2020. Additionally, she holds a position as a board member of the Georgian Association of CBT. Her research pursuits center around assessing the effectiveness of CBT in various mental health areas (e.g., anxiety and personality disorders), especially crisis interventions.
Within this research project, Ketevan Abdushelishvili assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Georgia.
Prof. Dr. Ralph Erich Schmidt
After graduating in law, Ralph Erich Schmidt studied psychology at the Universities of Zurich and Geneva in Switzerland. In Geneva, he obtained a Ph.D. in psychology and a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. He later attended the International Training Program in Schema Therapy in New York with Jeffrey E. Young. He currently holds a position of Adjunct Professor for Clinical Psychology at the University of Geneva and practices at the Psychiatric University Clinic of Zurich, where he mainly works with patients who suffer from chronic depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Within this research project, Ralph Erich Schmidt assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Switzerland.
Prof. Dr. Dmitry Dyakov
Dmitry Dyakov holds the position of Professor at the Institute of Psychology at the Belarusian State Pedagogical University. With two decades of professional experience, he is accredited as a Therapist, supervisor, and trainer in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (EABCT) and Schema Therapy (ISST). Additionally, he is a member of the Belarusian Society of CBT. Currently, he is associated with the Belarusian State Pedagogical University, the Minsk CBT center, and the Belarusian Society of Psychologists.
Within this research project, Dmitry Dyakov assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Belarus.
Marta Panzeri, PhD.
Marta Panzeri, a dynamic researcher in psychology affiliated with the Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization at Padua University, concurrently holds a position as a lecturer in the discipline of Psychology of Sexuality. As a licensed psychologist and psychotherapist, she actively engages in patient care within the University’s psychological services. Her research endeavors are primarily situated within the domain of human sexology, employing a methodologically diverse approach that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to explore normative functioning. In addition, Marta has conducted in-depth investigations into Schema Therapy, delving into theoretical intricacies associated with emotional dysregulation. Her scholarly contributions extend to the domain of the Italian validation of the Schema Therapy Test. More recently, her scholarly pursuits have expanded to encompass the nuanced exploration of sexuality in the context of adults with autism.
Within this research project, Marta Panzeri assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Italy.
Ilona Krone, PhD.
Ilona Krone earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the State University of Latvia, embarking on her psychological journey in 2000. Her research focused on child-parent relationships and neuropsychology, with her findings showcased at prestigious events such as the World Congress of Psychology. Trained extensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at esteemed institutions like Odyssea (International CBT Institute, Czech Republic), Ilona has been actively involved in practicing, teaching, and researching psychotherapy approaches since 2012. Her expertise was further acknowledged when she became a supervisor/trainer in schema therapy in 2019, a role she excels in. A key achievement in her career included co-founding the Baltic Schema Therapy Institute in 2020, where she currently serves as the training program director. Throughout her journey, she has provided steadfast support to colleagues worldwide. Dr. Krone’s impact on the field extends to her roles as a clinical psychologist at the Riga Psychiatry and Narcology Centre and the Maternity House of Riga. Additionally, as a lecturer at Rigas’s Stradins University, she integrates principles of CBT and Schema Therapy into her teachings for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students alike. Ilona’s commitment to advancing schema therapy is evident in her active participation in scientific databases, reflecting her dedication to fostering the growth and dissemination of knowledge and practice in this field.
Within this research project, Ilona Krone assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Latvia.
Rocío Gómez Juanes, MD, PhD.
Rocío Gómez Juanes is an Associate Professor at UIB Medical School, holding a Medical Doctor degree from Complutense University of Madrid. She earned her doctorate from the University of the Balearic Islands and serves on its Ethics Committee for Clinical Research. Additionally, she specializes in Psychiatry at Son Espases University Hospital in Palma de Mallorca, focusing on the Personality Disorders Programme. She is part of the Mental Health Research Group collaborating in the Network of Preventive Activities and Health Promotion (Rediapp, Instituto Carlos III) and has contributed to national competitive projects. Her research centers on affective disorders, lifestyle’s impact on mental health, and Schema Therapy for personality disorders. She has received training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York (USA) and University of Amsterdam (Netherlands). Lastly, Rocío has authored three articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed four chapters to books within her scientific discipline.
Within this research project, Rocío Gómez Juanes assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Spain.
Prof. Dr. Manjula Munivenkatappa
Manjula Munivenkatappa is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India. Her areas of research interest include: Cognitive behaviour therapies and third wave therapies across the anxiety, mood, stress and personality disorders; Schema therapy in personality disorders and stress and trauma related disorders; Process and outcome research in therapy; Mental health preventive and promotive interventions in youth. She has over 100 publications. She has guided about 22 M.Phil dissertations, and 17 PhD theses.
Within this research project, M. Manjula assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in India.
Julija Gecaite-Stonciene, PhD.
Julija Gecaite-Stonciene is a certified Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Schema Therapy. With over 10 years of practice, she has experience in various areas including mood and anxiety disorders, rehabilitation psychology, trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality-related problems, and relationship difficulties. She graduated from Leiden University (The Netherlands) and completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LUHS). Her doctoral research examined the psychophysiology of stress and and its relationship with quality of life, fatigue, and mental distress in individuals with coronary artery disease. Her current research work at LUHS also includes the efficacy and practice of psychotherapy and supervision, as well as the interplay of clinical characteristics in individuals with depressive, anxiety, and personality disorders. Julija Gecaite-Stonciene is the author and co-author of more than 64 scientific publications, 27 of which have been published in scientific periodicals referenced in Clarivate Analytics databases in the last 5 years. Currently, she is a trainer and supervisor in LUHS post-graduate CBT and Mindfulness programs and a board member of the Lithuanian Mindfulness-Based Psychology Association and the Lithuanian CBT Association.
Within this research project, Julija Gecaite-Stonciene assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Lithuania.
Duygu Yakin, PhD.
Duygu Yakın is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Amsterdam. She completed her formal training as a Clinical Psychologist in Türkiye and currently practices as a schema therapist at the Academic Center for Trauma and Personality in Amsterdam. After earning her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Middle East Technical University in Türkiye, she worked as an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Arel University before transitioning to a postdoctoral researcher position in the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Amsterdam. Her clinical expertise focuses on the treatment of personality disorders and early childhood trauma, particularly within culturally diverse populations. She conducts both individual and group therapy. Her research leverages her clinical experience to investigate mechanisms of change in psychotherapy, using advanced multilevel analyses to test Granger causality models. Additionally, she explores how positive constructs in schema therapy contribute to therapeutic change in individuals with personality disorders. Her work aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and scientific research.
Within this research project, Duygu Yakin assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Türkiye.
Edward Chan, PhD.
Edward Chan has a degree in psychology with Honours from Middlesex University; a double Master degree in Learning and Nutritional Medicine and a Doctorate in Psychology which was co-supervised by Professor Plunkett at the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford. Dr. Chan has over 20 years of clinical experience including being certified in administering and training with various psychometric instruments including the MBTI, WAIS-IV and Prepared/Enrich which he applied in his psychotherapy practices at the International Psychology Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Dr. Chan is also an adjunct professor at Lincoln University and the International Psychology & Complementary Medicine University. Dr. Chan is a board member and fellow of the Malaysian Association for Psychotherapy and the World Council for Psychotherapy. Dr. Chan is the Chief Editor of the International Journal of Psychotherapy, Counseling & Psychiatry: Theory, Research & Clinical Practice, and is on the editorial boards for numerous peer review journals including the Journal of ReAttach Therapy & Developmental Diversities. Dr. Chan was an invited speaker at the 2024 ISST conference where he was part of a panel in a symposium on “How culture affects schema modes” as well as presented in the “Hot Topics” track of the conference. Dr. Chan has authored and co-authored multiple academic and psychology books including: Towards a Reformulated Theory Underlying Schema Therapy: Position Paper of an International Workgroup published in The Journal of Cognitive Research & Therapy; Schema Chemistry published in the Journal of ReAttach Therapy & Developmental Diversities; and the Handbook of Current Research & Practices on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in Asia.
Within this research project, Edward Chan assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Malaysia.
Prof. Dr. Dan J. Stein
Dan J. Stein is Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cape Town, and Director of the South African Medical Research Council’s Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders. His training includes doctoral degrees in clinical neuroscience and in philosophy, and a post-doctoral fellowship in psychopharmacology. His work has focused on anxiety and related disorders, including obsessive-compulsive spectrum conditions and posttraumatic stress disorder, with research ranging from basic neuroscience through clinical research and on to public mental health. He has contributed to the field via collaboration (around Africa and the globe), mentorship (many past students are leaders in their field), and publication (google h-index > 180). His most recent volume is “Problems of Living: Perspectives from Philosophy, Psychiatry, and Cognitive-Affective Science”.
Within this research project, Dan J. Stein assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in South Africa.
Chaiyun Sakulsriprasert, PhD.
Chaiyun Sakulsriprasert is a licensed clinical psychologist and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Dr. Sakulsriprasert is Thailand’s first Advanced Certified Schema Therapist and Supervisor from the ISST. He specializes in treating university students and adults with psychological issues, particularly chronic depression and personality disorders. He has extensive experience in psychotherapy and clinical supervision. Dr. Sakulsriprasert’s research focuses on schema therapy, mental health, and related areas. He has authored numerous publications in international and national journals on topics such as addictive behaviors, psychological test development & psychometric studies, and culturally adapted intervention. He is also interested in qualitative methods in psychology.
Within this research project, Chaiyun Sakulsriprasert assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Thailand.
Stine Bjerrum Moeller, PhD.
Stine Bjerrum Moeller is an Associate Professor and clinical psychologist at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Head of Research at the Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark. Recognized as a Clinical Specialist in Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology by the Danish Psychological Association and accredited as a Special Psychiatric Psychologist by Denmark’s National Health Service, she also holds certification in Schema Therapy from the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST). Her work focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and clinical practice, particularly through practice-based research and the integration of digital tools to enhance mental health services. She has led several national projects and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including the development of databases for routine patient outcome monitoring. With expertise across a range of therapeutic modalities, including schema therapy, Stine’s research places a strong emphasis on personal recovery and the active involvement of patients and the public in both the design and implementation of clinical interventions. Her work is particularly concentrated on depressive and trauma-related disorders, with a keen interest in the role of anger in mental health. Leading various intervention studies, her research applies methodologies such as randomized clinical trials and case studies, while also exploring how technology can further support personalized recovery and mental health care.
Within this research project, Stine Bjerrum Moeller assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Denmark.
Eleni Giannoulis
Eleni Giannoulis is a seasoned Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, and Art Psychotherapist from Athens, Greece, with nearly 30 years of experience at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of Athens. Her diverse training includes Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, Art Psychotherapy, and Group Analysis. She has also taken courses in Cognitive Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy. Since 2012, she has been the Director of the Psychometric and Neuropsychological Department of Personality Disorders at Eginition Hospital’s Psychiatric Clinic. Her research covers personality disorders, psychotherapeutic processes, art psychotherapy, and the interface of Psychoanalysis and Neuroscience. She has published articles in international journals and contributed to books on these subjects. For over 20 years, Eleni has conducted art therapy sessions for individuals with borderline personality disorder and eating disorders. In private practice, she specializes in working with borderline personality disorder, neurological issues, depression, trauma, and grief. Additionally, she teaches Neuropsychology at the Medical School of Athens and offers art therapy workshops across Europe.
Within this research project, Eleni Giannoulis assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Greece.
Viktoria Simon, MD, PhD.
Viktoria Simon is a psychiatrist, CBT psychotherapist, CBT trainer and supervisor, schema therapist and schema therapy supervisor, working part time as senior lecturer in the Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, as well as in private practice. She has been working in the Department since her graduation as a medical doctor in 2002. Along her PhD work in the field of the epidemiology of adult ADHD, she was one of the founders of the first Hungarian Adult ADHD Outpatient Service. Between 2014 and 2022 she has been involved in the research and development of telepsychiatry systems. Since 2019, she has been dedicated to the development of the First Episode Psychosis Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Semmelweis University.
Within this research project, Viktoria Simon assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Hungary.
Nadia Kadri, MD, PhD.
Nadia Kadri is s a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and sexologist, with a private practice specializing in cognitive and behavioral therapies. She is the founder, teacher, and head of the Moroccan Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy in Casablanca. She also serves as a participating teacher at the Faculty of Medicine at Mohamed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca. Currently, Nadia Kadri is the President of the Moroccan Association of Private Practice Psychiatrists and the Moroccan University Association of Sexual Health. Previously, she served as the President of the Moroccan Society of Psychiatry and as the President and Secretary General of the Moroccan Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, an affiliate member of the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies. Formerly, she also led the Mental Health, Cognition, and Psychopathology Research Laboratory at Hassan II University, Casablanca. Her research focuses on epidemiological studies in psychiatry, perinatal and women’s mental health, sexuality and its disorders, Ramadan and mental health, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. She has published extensively, including over 100 scientific articles, book chapters, and books in Arabic, French, and English. Notable works include Sex Education Manual (2009), Guide for the Anxious (2011), Self-esteem (2016), and Panic, Phobias. How to Get Rid of Them? (2022).
Within this research project, Nadia Kadri assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Morocco.
Jarosław Michałowski, PhD.
Jarosław Michałowski is an Associate Professor and heads the Poznan Laboratory of Affective Neuroscience (PLAN) at the SWPS University in Poland. He is a psychologist as well as a licensed cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and supervisor. In his scientific work, he focuses on neural correlates of emotional experiences and the relationship between emotional and cognitive processes. His actual research primarily focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying mental problems, the development of e-health interventions and the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions. He is an author and co-author of many scientific articles in the field of neuroscience, psychophysiology and psychotherapy, published, among others, in Personality and Individual Differences, International Journal of Psychophysiology, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Within this research project, Jarosław Michałowski assumes the position of the designated research coordinator in Poland.