His PhD examined motivational interviewing techniques and cognitive-behavioural therapy in the treatment of combat veterans with co-morbid posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence. He has maintained a strong interest in motivational interviewing techniques and in 2007 he participated in a 'train-the-trainer' workshop in Chicago, USA, conducted by Professor Bill Miller, co-developer of the motivational interviewing approach, and Dr Terri Moyers. In 2009 he was mentored by highly experienced and innovative MI trainer Steve Berg-Smith in San Francisco. Stan is an experienced presenter, an adjunct senior lecturer at The University of Queensland, and conducts regular workshops to a broad range of health professionals on motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural therapy