Meet Clinical Psychologist & Board Approved Supervisor Emily Stokes

• Depression and Anxiety
• Trauma and Complex Trauma (including EMDR)
• Neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism)
• Parenting difficulties
• Grief and Loss
• Relationship issues
• Life stressors and adjustment difficulties

Modality and Approach

I draw primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) complemented by other evidence-based approaches such as CBT, EMDR, DBT and mindfulness-based interventions. My clinical approach is also always neuroaffirming.

Therapeutic Style

I bring a compassionate, collaborative, and flexible style in supporting young people and adults. My therapeutic approach is individualised to the unique needs and preferences of each client, meaning that I meet you where you are at, and we adapt our time together so you can get what you really want out of therapy. I provide trauma-informed and neuroaffirming care, and primarily work within an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework. I aim to create a safe, respectful, and confidential space where we can work together towards meaningful and lasting change.

What is a quote that really resonates with you?
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

What makes you happy?
Discovering new places (both local and not so local) and exploring with my family.

What makes you feel grounded?
Being out in nature and near the ocean. Slowing down with a hot cup of coffee.

I am an endorsed Clinical Psychologist and Board approved supervisor with almost 20 years of clinical experience.

I completed my Bachelor of Psychology and Masters in Clinical Psychology qualifications at the University of Newcastle. Since then I have worked in a range of clinical settings, ranging from individual therapy in private practice and community health settings, to delivering group therapy programs in inpatient and outpatient private mental health services.

I have experience supporting children through to older adults and have a special interest in supporting individuals navigating traumatic life experiences.

Supervision Style
Clinically and within supervision I like to use a warm and collaborative approach, with a little humour sprinkled in! My approach to supervision would suit clinicians with an interest in a collaborative style focused on reflective practice, developing clinical skills, and strengthening core competencies. My work and supervision style is strongly guided by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR, however I am also influenced by a range of other therapies including CBT, DBT and Schema Therapy.

Special Interests in Supervision
I enjoy supporting clinicians who wish to learn more about working with young people, understanding Neurodiversity, and trauma-informed practice.

I especially enjoy supporting provisional psychologists, those undertaking the clinical registrar program, and early career psychologists. I understand the importance of supporting early career psychologists in recognising their individual strengths and building confidence as a clinician.

Clinical interests include:

• Depression and Anxiety
• Trauma and Complex Trauma (including EMDR)
• Neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism)
• Parenting difficulties
• Grief and Loss
• Relationship issues
• Life stressors and adjustment difficulties

What is a therapy or mental health related book that you would highly recommend? There are so many! “ACT made Simple” is helpful in building confidence with ACT principles. I’d also recommend “The Body Keeps the Score” and “Is This Autism?”.

What was one of the most helpful things you ever learned in supervision, and who taught you? The importance of self-care, making use of supervision, and setting boundaries in the work setting to ensure I can continue to be effective in my work in the long term. This was reinforced during my internship in the early stages of my career.

If you could give one piece of advice to every early-career clinician, what would it be? Take the time early in your career to experience working in a wide range of clinical settings and multidisciplinary teams. Doing so will assist in shaping a your therapeutic style, professional values, and clarifying your areas of interest.