Sophie Dunstone, APS, AHPRA

Sophie Dunstone is a registered clinical psychologist who has practiced since 2002 and brings two decades of experience to her work. She trained in Adelaide and earned a Masters in Psychology (Clinical). Sophie holds APS and AHPRA credentials - APS denotes membership of the Australian Psychological Society and AHPRA indicates registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - and has worked across public mental health services and private practice settings.

Sophie has lived and worked in Adelaide, Sydney, London, Hong Kong and Singapore, and has supported clients across the lifespan. Her clinical focus includes depression, pre- and post-natal anxiety and depression, stress, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. She also attends to body image, family of origin and family relationship issues, panic and social anxiety, mood disorders, postpartum concerns, self-harm, and related difficulties.

Approaching each person as an individual, Sophie uses evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Trauma-Focused approaches as appropriate, shaping interventions to the client’s needs. She places emphasis on helping people understand their mental state and collaboratively building practical plans to improve wellbeing. Sophie balances clinical practice with family life as a mother of four, and she describes it as a privilege to support people through significant challenge and change.

Therapeutic approaches and what online therapy can offer

CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills to change behaviors and moods. It is often used for anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts and symptoms that interfere with daily life.

DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapy combines strategies for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and building distress tolerance. It can be especially helpful for emotional regulation, self-harm behaviors, and relationship difficulties.

Trauma-Focused Therapy - Trauma-focused approaches, including cognitive processing methods, support people in processing distressing memories and restoring a sense of safety and control after traumatic events. These approaches are tailored to the pace and readiness of each person.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy itself. Sophie works collaboratively with clients and with input from licensed professionals and therapists to identify which methods best match a person’s needs, goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and additional contact can occur through live chat or text-based messaging. This variety allows people to access consistent care around work, family commitments, or other life demands while maintaining continuity with their chosen therapist.