Dr. Hemamali Tennakoon is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Management at Brunel Business School. Before joining Brunel University, Dr. Hemamali held the position of Senior Lecturer in Management at Univeristy of Aberdeen. Prior to this, she was the Head of Business School/Senior Lecturer at Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology, a higher education institution established in partnership with Staffordshire University in the UK and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation in Malaysia. Prior to this, she worked in the capacity of Research and Policy Development Specialist at Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team | Co-ordination Center (CERT|CC), a Government organization affiliated to the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka. During her time at Sri Lanka CERT|CC, she was involved in information security policy development, training and research.
The mental health landscape in the UK is changing rapidly, shaped by rising demand for services, shifting societal attitudes and fast‑moving technological innovation.
Digital tools - from mobile apps and virtual reality to AI‑powered chatbots and biofeedback devices - are increasingly being used in therapeutic settings. Yet important questions remain about how practitioners use these technologies, how effective they are and what ethical or relational issues they raise.
We welcome proposals that explore how technology is currently used - and how it could be used more effectively - as a therapeutic tool by mental health practitioners in the UK. The project will investigate the opportunities and challenges linked to digital interventions in clinical and community mental health settings, with a focus on practitioner perspectives, therapeutic relationships and client outcomes.
Potential research questions
How can technology be used effectively and ethically by mental health practitioners in the UK to support therapeutic outcomes and wellbeing?
Sub‑questions may include:
- What digital tools are currently used in therapeutic practice, and how do practitioners perceive them?
- How do digital interventions shape the therapeutic relationship?
- What barriers affect the adoption and integration of technology in mental health settings?
- How can co‑design with practitioners and service users improve digital therapeutic tools?
Methodological approach
The PhD student will be encouraged to adopt a mixed‑methods approach, combining:
- Qualitative interviews and focus groups with practitioners and service users
- Case studies of digital tool implementation in clinical or community settings
- Policy and literature analysis to situate findings within wider mental health and digital health frameworks
There is scope for the student to tailor the methodological approach to their interests and experience, with support from the supervisory team.
Opportunities for collaboration
This project offers opportunities to collaborate with:
- NHS Trusts and mental health charities (e.g. Mind, YoungMinds)
- Digital health startups and technology developers
- Policy bodies such as NICE and NHS Digital
- Academic centres focused on digital health, psychology and human‑computer interaction
These partnerships will provide access to real‑world settings, strengthen the impact of the research and support knowledge exchange between academia and practice.
Candidate requirements
Applicants should have:
- A strong academic background in psychology, mental health, technology use, digital health or a related discipline
- Experience or interest in qualitative research methods
- A passion for improving mental health services through innovation
- Familiarity with digital technologies in health or wellbeing contexts (desirable but not essential)
The ideal candidate will be curious, collaborative and committed to producing research with real‑world impact.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:
- Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
- Click on the "Apply here" button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
- Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.
Good luck!
This is a self-funded topic
Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.