Professor Eske Derks Psychologist

Eske is a provisional psychologist completing the 4+2 pathway. She is originally from the Netherlands and moved to Brisbane in 2016. She completed her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Amsterdam. Her PhD research (2006) focused on understanding genetic contributions to childhood developmental disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder. In 2021, she completed a Diploma of Counselling at the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. In January 2021, she became registered as a provisional psychologist with AHPRA. Eske works two days a week as a provisional psychologist and three days a week as the head of the Translational Neurogenomics Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer, where she leads a team of 4-6 researchers. She has more than 20 years of research experience in studying the influence of genetic risk factors on the development of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and schizophrenia. She has published more than 150 articles describing her studies on mental health. Eske is a warm and non-judgemental psychologist. She believes that the relationship between a therapist and a client forms the best basis for recovery and healing. Eske is very passionate about working with clients from different cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. She uses different approaches (e.g., Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness) in her work, depending on the needs of a client. Eske has worked with clients who experience anxiety, depression, parenting issues, relationship problems, and work stress. She completed a major in grief and loss counselling and completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. She is passionate about working with parents and adolescents who have questions around gender diversity and/or gender dysphoria (gender-affirmative approach).