Harnessing impulsivity: “It’s important that managers and supervisors recognise team members’ different attributes and assign roles and tasks accordingly,” says Dr Yuliya Richard.
Who influenced your career?
I grew up in the Ukranian city of Kryvyi Rih – an iron-ore mining town and the longest city in Europe.
My grandmother was a biology and chemistry teacher, and a strong and determined woman. She also understood people and was always helping others.
Why did you study psychology?
Linguistics was my first degree. Studying technical communication in Germany, I realised I was more interested in helping people. I studied welfare and community services, psychotherapy, and psychology.
Some of your earliest positions in the field?
In Australia, one of my first jobs was at the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care. I got broad client experience, learned from others, and there was a good system of supervision.
In 2015, you did a Clinical and Health Psychology Doctorate at the University of Newcastle. What did your research focus on?
It looked at developing and testing computerised cognitive behaviour interventions to address dysfunctional impulsivity in the non-clinical population. My supervisor introduced the topic to me. Using technology to provide another way to help people made sense.
What impulsivity is common in the workplace?
Impulsivity is a misunderstood term but we’re talking about people who lack self-control and self-discipline. They often act without thinking and seek immediate reward or gratification. Impulsivity underlies behaviours which can lead to undesired habits, even addictions.
Why did you design web courses for impulsivity?
Research shows the value of online programs. In-person counselling is important but has barriers to take up. It can be hard to get appointments and costly to see a psychologist. Online, people can work through information and their issues privately, cost effectively, at their own pace.
Who can do the courses?
Our website has a free, anonymous, test to help people see if they are suited to them. The courses are useful for self-motivated people who want tools and a plan to help to change their ways. Lawyers are recommending their clients facing road rage, driving under the influence or anger related crime to do our courses. To start to change their ways and prove to the judge that they are taking action. People with psychiatric conditions should always seek treatment from medical and allied health professionals.
What are the results?
We are recruiting participants for further study of the courses’ effectiveness. But clients say the course help them be more mindful about their triggers, and more easily notice the negative aspects of their behaviour. Most importantly, they have simple tools to create a self-care plan that works for them. Changing behaviour and bad habits isn’t easy. It can be hard to admit to someone that you stuffed up. Course participants can review the material privately to try again.
Read more at the Newcastle Herald website or by clicking this link: https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/7228312/were-talking-about-people-who-lack-self-control-and-self-discipline/
