Research Consultant

Realist Evaluation & Evidence Synthesis | Mental Health

What I do

I specialise in realist evaluation and evidence synthesis for complex health and mental health interventions. I work with research teams to develop and refine programme theories, analyse how interventions work in different contexts, and generate evidence about what works, for whom, and under what circumstances.

My work focuses particularly on mental health, depression, chronic illness, and well-being, with an emphasis on person-centred approaches and understanding how people experience, engage with, and respond to interventions.

My background combines health research and the humanities with a professional career in consulting and academic experience in Germany, the USA, the UK, and Canada.

Research Services

I provide specialist realist evaluation expertise to research teams working on complex health and mental health interventions.

My contribution can include:

  • Realist evaluation and synthesis: Programme theory development, theory refinement, realist analysis, and synthesis of findings.

  • Methodological input : Advice on realist research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

  • Embedded project collaboration: Ongoing methodological input as part of a research team or multi-disciplinary project consortium.

I work with research teams at different stages of the research process, from initial design through to analysis, synthesis, and publication.

Research Collaboration

Realist Evaluation of CBT for People Receiving Dialysis University of Alberta, Canada | Four-year funded research project

As the project’s realist evaluation specialist, I provide methodological leadership to ensure that realist principles inform data collection and analysis. The project examines how, why, for whom, and under what circumstances cognitive behavioural therapy reduces depressive symptoms in people receiving dialysis.

Professional Background

I have over 20 years of experience as a consultant in the private, public, and non-profit sectors, with a focus on leadership development, intercultural consulting and training, and workplace mental health.

I continue to contribute to knowledge exchange through talks and workshops on mental health and well-being.

Academic Background

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Evidence-Based Healthcare, University of Oxford (2022): “Workplace mindfulness-based programmes for stress and wellbeing: A realist review and evaluation”

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research, University of Oxford (2017)

  • Master of Studies in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), University of Oxford (2014)

  • Master of Arts in History of Art, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (1999)

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Cultural Studies, University of Pittsburgh (1996)

  • Master of Arts in German Literature, University of Pittsburgh (1995)

  • Scholar, Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (1992-1995)

Selected Publications

Peer reviewed articles:

  • Micklitz K, Greenhalgh J, Lo SHL, Sawatzky R, Schick-Makaroff K (2025). How are people undergoing dialysis expected to benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy? A realist analysis. Health Expectations 28(5): e70466. doi.org/10.1111/hex.70466.

  • Schick-Makaroff K, Sawatzky R, Greenhalgh J, Cukor D, Wong H, Klarenbach S, Berendonk C, Lee L, Micklitz K, Lo LSH, Kennedy M (2025). Protocol for 'Re: CBT Dialysis': A realist evaluation-why, for whom and in what circumstances does cognitive behaviour therapy work for people with depressive symptoms receiving dialysis? BMJ Open 15(6): e090228. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-090228.

  • Micklitz K, Wong G, Howick J (2021). Mindfulness-based programmes to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing at work: A realist review. BMJ Open, 11:e043525. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043525.

Conference presentations:

  • Micklitz K, Greenhalgh J, Lo SHL, Sawatzky R, Schick-Makaroff K (2025). Cognitive behavioural therapy for people with depressive symptoms receiving dialysis: A realist evaluation perspective. 2025 International Conference for Realist Research, Evaluation and Synthesis, Atlanta, USA.

Contact

I welcome enquiries from research teams, research institutes, and evaluation consultancies seeking specialist expertise in realist evaluation and evidence synthesis for evaluation projects or research collaborations.


katrinm.micklitz@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrin-micklitz

Berlin, Germany · Working internationally