About Dr. Martina Zangger, PhD
Dr. Martina Zangger is a Clinical Mental Health Social Worker with a PhD specialising in the field of interpersonal violence, and a Master’s degree in Family and Couple Therapy.
She has worked at the frontline helping individuals and families impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence and coercive control for more than 20 years, across both the public health sector, as well as in private practice. Dedicated to improving clients’ quality of life through empathic, strength-based counselling interventions, Martina uses a holistic, trauma-informed, feminist practice model, including EMDR and Self-
Compassion therapy, allowing clients to find freedom and healing. Martina is a Specialist Victims of Crime Counsellor (Attorney Generals Department) and a Perinatal and Infant Mental Health therapist (Gidget Foundation), assisting women
during pregnancy and in the first year of motherhood.
University Lecturer:
Martina has worked for over a decade as a lecturer in the five-year program in the School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, where she helps medical students develop the personal and professional skills to become patient-centred communicators and sensitive and empathetic practitioners. She teaches medical students to challenge stigma and provide a compassionate, holistic response to their patients. Now as an Honorary Lecturer, she provides guest lectures on sexuality, diversity, social justice and mental health.
PhD: Women of Courage
One of Martina’s proudest accomplishments has been completing her PhD in Public Health and Medicine (Gender and Health). Martina’s research – which she has presented at conferences around Australia and overseas – focuses on sexual
assault and the legal system. It includes the development and delivery of an intervention called ‘Women of Courage,’ providing holistic, empowering and comprehensive court preparation and long-term support for women taking legal
action in relation to sexual assault. This program has been delivered successfully at sexual assault services across New South Wales.