Rob Davies, Research Associate, Philosophy
Rob completed his PhD in Philosophy in 2017 with a focus on memory and self-knowledge, and worked as a Research Associate at the Department of Philosophy since 2019.
He works with Professor Tom Stoneham on a number of projects around complex trauma with a focus on dreams and memory.
email: robert.davies@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Rob:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
We consider the implications that theories and assumptions about dreams and memory have for clinical decision-making, and for interactions with victims of trauma more broadly.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
Finding ways to convey sometimes complicated philosophical ideas and theories to clinicians, with a view to helping them reflect on their interactions with victims of trauma in new ways, is deeply rewarding.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
There is sometimes surprisingly little sustained philosophical analysis of some of the key concepts in complex trauma care. This can be exciting, and also challenging.
What impact do you hope your work is having – or can potentially have?
To help advance clinical understanding of dreams and memory with a view to aiding clinical decision-making, and potentially to increase the range of therapeutic options with a sound theoretical basis.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
I try to make sure that I engage in the right kind of physical activities. I was delighted to find out that some clinicians working in trauma care recommend the same thing.