Doctoral Researcher
Ivan Leonardelli MSc MSc MSc
Tel.: 0043 650 4300920
Research Interests
Research interests focus on psychotherapy research, particularly quantitative approaches to process-outcome research, common factors and psychotherapy training. A central area of interest is Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy within the broader context of Humanistic Psychotherapy. Further research interests include personality theory and the role of authenticity in psychological functioning, particularly in relation to Self-Determination Theory.
Education
Since 2026 Doctoral Programme in Natural and Life Sciences (Psychotherapy Science), Paris Lodron University Salzburg
2017–2021 Master of Science in Supervision, Coaching and Mediation, Paris Lodron University Salzburg
2012–2017 Master of Science in Person-Centred Psychotherapy (ÖGWG), University for Continuing Education Krems
2014–2015 Postgraduate Training in Clinical and Health Psychology (AVM)
2011–2013 Master of Science in Psychology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg
2010–2012 University Programme in Psychotherapeutic Propaedeutics (foundational training in psychotherapy), Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Paris Lodron University Salzburg
2007–2011 Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg
Academic Career
Since 2023 Researcher, ÖGWG (Austrian Association for Scientific Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Person-Centred Counselling)
Editorial and Review Activities:
Editorial Board Member: PERSON
Peer Reviewer for: Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies, PERSON
Current Research Projects
Psychotherapy Outcome, Process, and Training Research
Research on psychotherapy outcomes, therapeutic change processes, and therapist development, including psychotherapy training, competency development and outcome monitoring.
Person-Centred Personality Theory
Theoretical and empirical research on Person-Centred personality theory, including the integration of Person-Centred concepts with contemporary approaches such as Self-Determination Theory.
Person-Centred Perspectives on Sexuality and Relationships
Research on sexual and relational authenticity, differentiation, self-determination, and flourishing from a Person-Centred and Experiential perspective, with a particular interest in diverse forms of sexuality and intimate relationships as expressions of actualisation and personal development.
Teaching Experience
Lecturer at Paris Lodron University Salzburg, the University of Vienna, the Private University College of Education of the Diocese of Linz, and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg.
Lecturer and trainer in postgraduate psychotherapy and psychiatry education, and regular speaker at professional conferences, workshops, and expert seminars in the fields of psychotherapy, psychology, and mental health.
Supervisor of Master’s theses at Paris Lodron University Salzburg and the University for Continuing Education Krems, and Bachelor’s theses at the University of Vienna.
Teaching focuses on psychotherapy, psychotherapy research, philosophy of science, the integration of research and practice in psychotherapy, and foundational topics in psychology, including personality and human needs. Particular areas of interest include humanistic and person-centred psychotherapy.
Trainer and supervisor in postgraduate training in Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy at ÖGWG (Austrian Association for Scientific Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Person-Centred Counselling).
Clinical and Professional Experience
Over ten years of professional experience, including employment as a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist in the psychiatric department of the Christian Doppler Clinic, Salzburg (SALK), and private practice providing clinical and health psychology, psychotherapy, coaching, mediation and supervision in individual, group, and organizational settings.
Since 2026, psychotherapist at the University Outpatient Clinic for Psychotherapy, Paris Lodron University Salzburg.
Professional and Academic Service:
Member of the Scientific Committee, Austrian Association for Scientific Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Person-Centred Counselling (ÖGWG)
Member of the Research Working Group, Austrian Cluster for Humanistic Psychotherapy
Appointed Member of the Expert Commission for the accreditation of a psychotherapy training institute in Switzerland (2025)
Honours and Awards
Nominee (final stage) Award for Excellence in Teaching for the lecture Humanistic Psychology and Psychotherapy, Paris Lodron University Salzburg (2020)
