Biography

Dr Deborah Koder is a lecturer in the Department of Psychological Sciences and a clinical psychologist who has been working with older adults for the past 30 years. She has taught clinically in geropsychology for many years and has supervised clinical psychology trainees across a variety of clinical settings. A member of the Australian Psychological Society's College of Clinical Psychologists since 1991, Deborah has significantly contributed to the Psychology and Ageing interest group throughout her career, including as NSW state convenor and serving on the National Committee.

She has made significant contributions to the research literature on applying cognitive behavior therapy to older adults with depression and anxiety. Deborah also holds a position as clinical supervision co-ordinator for the National Telehealth Service for Residential Aged Care at Swinburne University of Technology’s Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults. She is involved in randomized controlled trials at Swinburne evaluating cognitive behavioral treatment programs in residential care settings. She is passionate about promoting working with older adults amongst clinical psychologists and is currently conducting a second survey to examine the status of geropsychology in Australia.

Her contribution to the field was recognized by being awarded the APS Clinical College Alistair Heron Prize for excellence in ageing research and practice in 2020.