Rate My Professor Sonja Pohlman

Sonja Pohlman is a clinical psychologist and lecturer at the University of Newcastle's School of Psychological Sciences, where she also serves as Psychology Clinical Placement Supervisor and Postgraduate Psychology Placement Coordinator. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Newcastle in 2025, with a thesis on metacognition and the function of alcohol use in emerging adults with severe mental ill-health. Pohlman possesses extensive clinical experience spanning nearly 20 years working with diverse clinical populations in both private and public sectors. She has received advanced training from international experts in clinical psychology and cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) and holds endorsement as a Psychology Board Approved Supervisor, providing oversight to provisional psychologists and clinical registrars. Her commitment extends to training the next generation of psychologists in evidence-based practices, with a focus on CBT.

Pohlman's research centers on substance misuse and dependence, particularly amphetamine and methamphetamine use, alcohol consumption among individuals with severe mental illness, craving metacognitions, and behavioral interventions such as motivational interviewing and CBT for comorbid conditions. Notable publications include "Brief cognitive behavioural interventions for regular amphetamine users: a step in the right direction" (Addiction, 2005), "Cognitive therapy from the inside: Enhancing therapist skills through practising what we preach" (Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 2003), "Drug use patterns and mental health of regular amphetamine users during a reported ‘heroin drought’" (Addiction, 2004), "It's the thought that counts: Craving metacognitions and their role in abstinence from methamphetamine use" (Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2010), "Adapted motivational interviewing for brief healthcare consultations: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (British Journal of Health Psychology, 2023), "Supervisor versus self-assessment of trainee competence: Differences across developmental stages and competency domains" (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023), and "Behavioral interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk among people with severe mental disorder" (Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 2022). She has collaborated extensively with Amanda L. Baker, Nikky Lee, and Kristen McCarter on projects addressing psychostimulant use, comorbid substance use and psychosis, and cardiovascular risks in mental health populations. Additionally, Pohlman has contributed as a senior consultant to 360Edge on alcohol and drug policy.