Primary research interests are in the development of improved interventions for the treatment of personality disorder.  This includes increasing understanding of hte aetiology of personality disorders, mechanisms of maintenance and change, and intergenerational transmission of personality disorders.

Current research focusses on adaptations of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Behaivoural Therapy for a wider range of presentations and comorbidity with personality disorder.

Further research looks at brain mechanisms underpinning personality disorder using fMRI and behavioural tests.

Intergenerational research includes evaluation and adaptation of Mellow Parenting for mothers with personality disorder, developing an understanding and intervention for fathers with personality disorder, and evaluating training for health visitors.

Key words: dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), personality disorder, efficacy, effectiveness