- Practical strategies
- Collaborative planning
- Trauma-informed care
About Sophie
Sophie Dunstone is an experienced clinical psychologist who combines practical talking therapies with problem-solving tools. She makes sessions straightforward and focused, helping people manage anxiety, panic attacks, stress and low mood. Sophie explains things clearly and works alongside each person to build steps they can try between sessions.
She brings 20 years of experience in public mental health and private practice across Australia and overseas. Sophie trained in Adelaide, completing a Master of Psychology (Clinical), and has practised in Adelaide, Sydney, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. That range of settings informs a flexible, down-to-earth approach.
Sophie commonly uses cognitive behavioural techniques to spot patterns that keep problems going, and she adapts strategies to the person in front of her. She also draws on client-centred ways of working that focus on what matters most to each person. For people who have experienced trauma, Sophie uses trauma-focused methods to help process distressing memories and reactions.
Sessions are collaborative and goal-oriented. Sophie helps clients set clear, manageable steps and checks progress as therapy continues. She pays attention to practical skills such as managing panic symptoms, changing unhelpful thinking, and building everyday routines that support mental health.
Many people come for help with anxiety, panic disorder and panic attacks, depression, grief, eating and body image concerns, and problems linked to pregnancy and postpartum periods. Sophie aims to create a calm, respectful space where someone can talk through worries and learn ways to feel steadier.
How her approaches translate to online therapy
Sophie often uses cognitive behavioural therapy to help people notice thinking and behaviour patterns that feed anxiety and panic. CBT sessions typically involve identifying unhelpful thoughts, testing them against evidence, and practising different behaviours to reduce symptoms.She also uses client-centred therapy which focuses on listening, understanding what matters to the person, and shaping therapy around their goals. This approach helps people feel heard and involved when choosing strategies. Sophie may also draw on dialectical behaviour therapy skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance in moments of high anxiety.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Sophie will discuss what methods seem most useful and tailor sessions to the client’s needs, goals and preferences. That collaborative process helps match techniques to the person rather than imposing a single method.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm available formats before booking as session options are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, remove travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let someone practise skills in their usual environment and then discuss what did or did not help in the next session.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Sophie commonly help with?
Sophie works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, eating concerns and depression. She also supports people with panic disorder and panic attacks, OCD, body image and pregnancy or postpartum mental health.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is practical and collaborative. Sophie combines client-centred listening with cognitive and behavioural techniques to build clear steps to try between sessions.
How long has she practised?
She has 20 years of clinical experience working in public mental health services and private practice in Australia and abroad.
What credentials does she hold and where is she based?
Sophie holds APS and AHPRA credentials and is based in Australia.
Can people who speak other languages work with her?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Sophie?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.