Our people

Areas of expertise: sexuality; sexual health; sexual well-being; occupational therapy;

Phone: 03 9230 8238

Email: Claire.lynch@acu.edu.au

Location: ACU Melbourne Campus

ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8313-1150

Dr Claire Lynch is a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the School of Allied Health. She is actively involved in both research and teaching.

Dr Claire Lynch graduated with a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland. She completed her Doctorate of Clinical Sciences in Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Dr Lynch has worked clinically in community health, acute care and in a specialised renal service, predominantly with the adult population.

Dr Lynch's initial research focus was on understanding the perspective of occupational therapists in addressing sexuality from an occupational perspective. More recently, she has extended her research to encompass four research priority areas of sexual health research - Consumer Engagement; Student and Healthcare Professionals Education; Product Design/Assistive Technology and Outcome Measures. A primary goal of her research is to consider sexuality from these multiple lenses and ensure sexuality is considered for everyone and is implemented effectively across all areas of practice.

Dr Lynch has presented to international, national and local audiences through both invited and accepted presentations. She has research collaborations worldwide.

Dr Lynch is an accredited HDR Supervisor (provisional) and is particularly interested in projects related to sexuality, sexual health, well-being, occupational therapy, outcome measures, disability, and older adults. She has predominantly used qualitative research methods.

Download curriculum vitae

Select publications

Coulter, D., Lynch, C., & Joosten, A. (2023) Exploring the perspectives of young adults with developmental disabilities about sexuality and sexual health education. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12862

Portellos, A., Lynch, C., & Joosten, A. (2023) Sexuality and ageing: A mixed methods explorative study of older adult’s experiences, attitudes, and support needs. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 86 (7), 515-526. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226231164277

Lynch, C., & Joosten, A. V. (2022). Addressing sexuality: The comfort and preparedness of occupational therapy students. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 6 (1). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2022.060107

Spaseska, C., Lynch, C., Joosten, A., & Areskoug-Josefsson, K. (2022). Experience of recently graduated occupational therapists in addressing sexuality with their clients. Sexuality and Disability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-022-09762-y

Lynch, C. & Fortune, T. (2019). Applying an occupational lens to thinking about and addressing sexuality. Sexuality and Disability, 37, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-019-09566-7

Projects

2023-Present: Perspectives of adults with neurodevelopmental disorders of an updated version of the Assessment of Sexual Knowledge (ASK). Victorian Health Department
2022-2023: ACU Teaching Development Grant: “Expanding New Supervisor Capability in Scholarly Teaching and Learning”
2023 Finalist in the Occupational Therapist of the Year – Allied Health Awards
2017 Finalist in the Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Award