Remembering Dr Trisha Stratford: A Pioneer in Neuropsychology and Beloved Figure on Married at First Sight Australia

Married at First Sight Australia expert Dr Trisha Stratford has passed away at the age of 72. The sad news was announced by Trisha’s co-star John Aiken, who said he was “devastated” in a post to Instagram. Sharing a series of photos of the two of them, John wrote: “I’m heartbroken and devastated that my friend and dear colleague Trisha has passed away. We shared an amazing seven seasons of @MAFS together. She loved everything New Zealand, relationships, the All Blacks, the Black Caps, French wine and traveling the world. I’ll miss you Tish. Thank you for all the memories. Jx.”

Fans were quick to offer their condolences in the comments section, with one person writing: “We are so sorry John, devastating,” while another added: “Sorry to hear this sad news, John.”

Fellow expert, Mel Schilling, who appears on both the Australian and UK versions of the show, also took to social media with a tribute to her former co-star. Alongside a carousel of images from their time working together, Mel penned in the caption: “Very sad to hear the news of Dr Trisha Stratford’s passing. Trisha was a MAFS pioneer, the first person to introduce neuroscience to the experiment, not to mention her illustrious career as a researcher and academic. “Trisha taught me so much about neuroscience, the science of attraction and the interplay between our brains and our behaviour. I know she spent the final years of her life with her Great Love and I’m so pleased to know she was surrounded by love & support. Vale Dr Trisha.”

A spokesperson from Nine, which broadcasts MAFS Australia, said the network was deeply saddened to hear the news of Trisha’s passing. “Our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and those closest during this difficult time.”

A Pioneering Career in Neuropsychology

Dr Trisha Stratford, a clinical neuropsychologist, first appeared on Married at First Sight Australia in 2015 and continued on the show for seven seasons until her departure in 2020. Throughout her time on the show, Trisha left an indelible mark with her expertise in neuroscience and deep understanding of human behavior.

Trisha’s groundbreaking introduction of neuroscience into the experiment revolutionized the way participants and viewers understood the science of attraction and the complex interplay between our brains and our behavior. Her contributions to the show not only provided valuable insights to the couples but also enhanced the overall understanding of relationships and human connections.

Having dedicated her life to researching and studying the human mind, Trisha was a trailblazer in the field of neuropsychology. Her work as a researcher and academic offered a profound understanding of the human brain’s role in romantic relationships, further enriching her expertise on the show.

A Passion for Psychology and Love

Trisha’s passion for psychology and love was evident throughout her time on Married at First Sight Australia. Known for her caring and empathetic nature, she was always dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of romantic relationships.

Her departure from the show in 2020 was influenced by her desire to focus on her writing, research, and neuropsychotherapy. Trisha’s commitment to advancing her knowledge and contributing to the field of psychology was unwavering, even beyond the boundaries of the television series.

In an interview with Women’s Day NZ in 2021, Trisha revealed that one of the reasons she left the program was due to concerns about the participants’ psychological well-being. She expressed her frustration with the producers not always heeding her pre-casting assessments, leading to individuals with fragile psychological conditions being casted on the show. Trisha believed that this compromised the integrity of the experiment and the potential harm it could cause to participants.

A Lasting Legacy

Trisha’s legacy as a pioneer in her field and as a beloved figure on Married at First Sight Australia will be remembered for years to come. Her contributions to the show and her groundbreaking insights into the complexities of human behavior have left an enduring impact.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Trisha lived and worked in Sydney before moving to Auckland in 2020. She leaves behind her daughter, Gina, and her partner Roger, who has three sons. Her memory will continue to live on through her remarkable work and the lives she touched during her time on the show and throughout her career.