Dr Cassandra Thomson is a lecturer and early-career researcher at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania. She is a registered clinical psychologist and PsyBA-approved supervisor. Dr Thomson’s research and clinical interests include older adult mental health, psychosocial interventions for neurological disorders, and supporting caregiver wellbeing. She co-leads the Venture Out Research Group and Living Lab which aims to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers by facilitating opportunities to participate in nature-based activities in their community. Dr Thomson is passionate about consumer and community involvement and thoroughly enjoys working alongside dementia advocates, caregivers, and nature providers. She co-facilitates the Venture Out Community of Practice, Lived Experience Advisory Group, and ISLAND Resilience Initiative Advisory Group.
Dr Thomson currently teaches in the areas of older adult mental health, and health and social care in dementia across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. She is passionate about promoting the role of clinical psychologists in aged and dementia care and ensuring that older Australians have equitable access to psychological therapies. She believes that all individuals, including those living with neurological disorders such as dementia, can benefit from cognitive and behavioural therapies when delivered appropriately.
Prior to the Wicking Centre, Dr Thomson was a psychologist and program facilitator at Epworth Rehabilitation and Mental Health, working across inpatient, outpatient, and private practice services. There she led the delivery of mental health services for older adults. In 2020, she completed a doctorate in clinical psychology at Monash University. Her thesis explored the lived experience of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease from the perspectives of DBS-recipients, caregivers, and clinicians. During her clinical training, Cassie completed an internship through the Swinburne University Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults, which inspired her interest in working with older adults including people living with dementia.