Meet Anna Dawson, Psychologist/Clinical Registrar

Anna Dawson’s journey into psychology started well before she ever sat in a lecture hall. Growing up in New Zealand, it was Anna’s mum who always emphasised the importance of mental health from an early age, which planted that initial seed of interest. However, it was her years as an elite athlete that truly shaped her understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

As a member of the New Zealand rowing team, Anna competed at world championships and won gold at the Junior World Rowing Championships. She then went on to Stanford University, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology while captaining the varsity rowing team. Her achievements included three First Team All-American honours and being named Pac-12 Women’s Rowing Athlete of the Year.

Yet, what stayed with her most wasn’t the medals or accolades.

 “What I remember most wasn’t the competitive success but witnessing how mental health profoundly impacts all aspects of wellbeing,” Anna explains.

 Watching teammates navigate injury, pressure and identity challenges taught her about resilience and the critical need for psychological support during tough transitions.

Following her time at Stanford, Anna went on to complete a Master of Philosophy in Education (Psychology and Education) at Cambridge, focusing on mindfulness and mental health promotion. During this time, she published her first article on mindfulness-based interventions in university populations, all whilst being a member of the Cambridge Women’s Rowing Team, even winning The Boat Race against Oxford.

Returning home to New Zealand, she then worked in crisis support and community mental health before moving to Australia, where she’s now completing her studies in Clinical Psychology at ANU. Her research focuses on the wellbeing of children in relative/kinship care, a group she is passionate about advocating for.

One of the things that Anna values most at Think Mental Health is the collaborative, person-centred approach that defines the practice.

“Having worked alongside other professionals, I understand how valuable that approach is for comprehensive client care,” she explains. The multidisciplinary team model, bringing together psychologists, psychiatrists, and GPs, aligns with her belief that the best outcomes come from diverse perspectives working together.

In her work with clients, Anna tailors her approach to each person’s unique story and circumstances. With younger clients, she uses play and creative activities, always maintaining her core goal of creating a safe, authentic therapeutic space. Her research background keeps her grounded in evidence-based practice, while regular supervision and discussions with colleagues ensure she’s constantly learning and refining her skills.

For those considering a career in psychology, Anna’s advice is straightforward: nurture genuine curiosity about people and their stories, but equally importantly, look after your own mental health.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup,” she says. “Developing your own self-awareness and support processes is an absolute priority.”

What Anna loves most about her role is clear: “Walking alongside my clients in their journey and meeting them where they are to help support and foster their own sense of agency.”

From the discipline of elite sport to the complex field of therapeutic practice, Anna has found her calling in helping others navigate their own challenging waters, bringing the same dedication to her clients’ wellbeing that once drove her to world championships.