Professor (Ret.) Matthew Bambling, PhD, MAPS (FCC)
Clinical Psychologist | Defence Mental Health Specialist | Moral Injury Researcher

Professor (Ret.) Matthew Bambling is a senior clinical psychologist and retired academic with more than 30 years of experience spanning clinical practice, research, and leadership in both military and civilian settings. He currently holds adjunct professorial appointments at the University of Queensland and ACAP, and maintains an active clinical practice, including ongoing consultancy with the Australian Defence Force, where he also serves as a RAAF Specialist Reserve psychologist.

Professor Bamblings career has focused on the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, and moral injury, with over 8,000 hours of direct clinical care for clients with complex presentations. His research has significantly influenced the understanding and treatment of complex mood disorders, moral injury, clinical supervision, and therapeutic alliance. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, including Nature, contributing to both theoretical development and frontline application in mental health.

A former Head of School of Psychology and Director of postgraduate mental health programs, Professor Bambling has led major clinical trials investigating novel treatments for depression and anxiety. He has supervised over 20 PhD students and contributed to national policy and training reforms in psychological healthcare. His recent work focuses on the integration of trauma-informed, existential, and spiritually attuned approaches to moral injury, particularly in military and veteran populations. Professor Bambling continues to shape the field through his integration of psychodynamic, cognitive, and biopsychosocial-spiritual frameworks in research, clinical practice, and training, and is a recognised authority on moral repair and mental health systems reform.