About Dr Paula Barrett

Paula Barrett is a clinician, scholar, researcher and professor in the field of child psychology. She has been recognised as being amongst the top 1 percent of publishers within the field of Psychology and Psychiatry at an international level.

Dr Paula Barrett has published numerous research articles on the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression, and the promotion of resilience through the evidence-based Friends Resilience curricula.

Dr Barrett is an acclaimed and engaging speaker in both international and national forums, having delivered numerous seminars worldwide. Collectively her prolific writing, generosity of spirit and passion for research, have had a significant, positive impact on the lives of literally thousands of families all over the world.

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Dr Paula Barrett

Founder of Friends Resilience

The Friends Resilience Organisation was founded in 2000 by Dr Paula Barrett. Friends Resilience is responsible for Worldwide Training in the Friends Resilience Programs. Training is delivered in an interactive format online, and the FRIENDS eBooks are also distributed through our website.

For over three decades, Paula has authored and evaluated the well-known FRIENDS for Life program recognised in an evidence-based review conducted by the World Health Organisation for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety and depression.

The FRIENDS program has achieved worldwide success within Ireland, Denmark, Wales, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Hong Kong, China, the US, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Lebanon, Syria, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, and is also undergoing randomized controlled trials in many other countries.

In 2007, Paula’s Fun Friends program was officially launched by the Queensland Premier to promote resilience in preschool aged children. Paula has also published FOCUS, a recognised treatment for OCD that has been proven effective after 7 years follow up.

Awards & Honours

Highly Commended Certificate in the Human Rights Medal
  • 2009
  • Australian Human Rights Commission

Awarded for her contribution to the wellbeing of children, youth, and the wider community.

Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year
  • 2008
  • Telstra

Recognised for her leadership and impact in business and the community.

Australian of the Year Award, Queensland (Finalist)
  • 2008
  • Australian of the Year Awards

Finalist for her outstanding contributions to society and community wellbeing.

Early Career Award
  • 1999
  • Australian Psychological Society

Awarded for outstanding scholarship and contributions to the field of Psychology.

Tracey Goodall Early Career Award
  • —
  • Australian Association of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Recognised for early career excellence in the field of cognitive behaviour therapy.

Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Achievement Award
  • —
  • The Lord Mayor of Brisban

Recognised for far-reaching services in the community for families and children

Rising Through Resilience

Watch Paula talk about strategies and insights for building resilience.