Rate My Professor Peyman Abkhezr

Dr. Peyman Abkhezr is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University, with a background in counselling psychology and career development. He holds a PhD in Vocational Psychology and Counselling from Queensland University of Technology, completed between January 2014 and May 2018. His earlier qualifications include a Master of Counselling, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, an Associate Degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Psychology from HELP University (January 2010 to June 2013), a Bachelor of Psychology from University of Indianapolis (January 2002 to August 2004), and a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) from University of Nicosia. Prior academic appointments include Lecturer at the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors, Department of Psychology (June 2017 to July 2019), where he taught courses including MC07: Collaborative & Competency Based Approaches, CORE104: Social Frameworks, COU102: Counselling Theories, COU202: Counselling and Diversity, COU203: Counselling Therapies I, COU206: Counselling Therapies II, and PSY201: Developmental Psychology I; and Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, School of Psychology and Counselling (May 2018 to November 2018), teaching PYN014 Research Methods in Counselling. He was also a PhD student at The University of Queensland, School of Education (June 2014 to December 2015).

Dr. Abkhezr's research focuses on how migrants and refugees navigate employment and career development in post-migration contexts, using qualitative methods such as narrative inquiry to examine systemic barriers, cultural misalignments, and the need for changes in host-country systems and career education for sustainable outcomes. Key publications include 'The intersections of migration, app-based gig work, and career development: implications for career practice and research' (International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 2022, with Mary McMahon, cited 42 times); 'A systemic and qualitative exploration of career adaptability of young people with refugee backgrounds' (2021, cited 31 times); 'Beyond job placement: careers for refugees' (International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 2023, with Nancy Arthur, Mary McMahon, and Jon Woodend, cited 8 times); 'Career adaptability and career resilience: a systems perspective' (International Journal of Educational and Vocational Guidance, 2025, with Mary McMahon, cited 17 times); and contributions to 'Narrative Career Counselling: From Theory to Practice' (Routledge, 2025). With 46 publications and 373 citations, his work impacts career practice for diverse populations. He serves as Associate Editor for the Australian Journal of Career Development and British Journal of Guidance & Counselling (Taylor & Francis). At Griffith, he convenes Counselling Development 2 (3017PSY) and teaches career counselling courses.