Meet Psychologist, Emma Dunstone  

Originally from Canberra, Emma’s introduction to psychology came during her final years of high school, thanks to an inspiring teacher who encouraged her to pursue psychology at university. Whilst studying, Emma worked with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, with a focus on teaching life skills and appropriate social behaviours. This experience further ignited her passion for driving positive change, fuelling her determination to continue contributing to the field of psychology and making a difference in the lives of her clients and their families. 

Now close to completing her PhD, she is excited to see her research come together as she is now in the final stages of data collection. Her aim isn’t just academic; it is about seeing change and creating recommendations for real-world impact. Emma hopes her interventions will persist beyond her PhD, demonstrating that change is not only feasible but essential for community wellbeing. 

Emma’s passion for mental health stems from her great appreciation for the one-on-one connections with clients. Whether working with children or adults, she prioritises creating a safe and collaborative space where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges and strengths. Emma’s approach to treatment is warm, person-centred, and collaborative.  

At Think, Emma enjoys the multidisciplinary approach and collaborative culture. She values the diverse expertise available, drawing inspiration from her interactions with colleagues. To stay current with the latest research and techniques, Emma engages in continuous professional development, helping her narrow her areas of clinical focus such as anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, relationships, and neurodiversity.  

Emma employs an evidence-based therapeutic approach rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), leveraging a comprehensive toolkit that includes dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal interventions tailored to the unique needs of everyone. This multifaceted approach allows her to address a wide range of challenges and complexities shown in her clients’ experiences. By integrating elements from these various therapeutic modalities, Emma ensures a holistic and personalised treatment plan that fosters growth, resilience, and lasting positive change. She navigates between different techniques, drawing on their respective strengths to empower her clients in their journey towards healing and self-discovery. 

One of the things Emma loves most about being a psychologist is the privilege of understanding people’s stories and guiding them towards understanding and growth. Sharing that while bidding farewell to clients can be bittersweet once they have concluded their therapy, her hope is always for their continued well-being and success beyond therapy. 

Emma encourages those interested in entering the field of psychology to explore the numerous pathways available. Drawing from her own early career experiences, she advises those interested in psychology, emphasising how rewarding it has been to help make a difference in people’s lives.