New referrals opening from July 2026.

Clinical Psychologist Emma Vaughan

I offer a gentle and dedicated space for adults facing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and the various complexities of life.

My clinical background includes extensive experience supporting people affected by cancer and their families through my current work with Ovarian Cancer Australia and previous roles at Royal Darwin Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I completed a degree in paramedic science, which continues to inform my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the demands of frontline and high-pressure professions.

I believe meaningful therapeutic change begins with a genuine, trusting connection. I strive to create a space where people feel safe, understood, and supported. My aim is to provide a reliable, calm presence - a steady hand - as we explore your experiences, make sense of patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and work toward greater self-understanding, restored confidence, and wellbeing. Ultimately, therapy is about helping you develop your own steady hand: an inner sense of stability, self-compassion, and confidence that you can draw upon long after therapy has ended.

I tailor my clinical approach using evidence-based methods such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Compassion Focused Therapy and Schema Therapy to best meet your personal needs.

I also provide professional supervision for psychologists and registrars seeking clinical growth.

Clinical Expertise

Trauma & EMDR

I utilise EMDR as a core modality for PTSD, integrating therapeutic frameworks like IFS, CBT, and Schema Therapy to carefully address your specific clinical needs.

First Responders

I aim to help clients develop strategies to navigate stress, trauma, recovery, and life beyond service when needed.

Oncology Care

Working in psycho-oncology, I assist individuals in managing the profound weight of a diagnosis, helping process the complex grief and life shifts that follow.

Occupational Health

I support high-performing individuals facing burnout and chronic stress, implementing practical clinical interventions to restore function and protect your wellbeing.

Grief Therapy

Processing significant loss requires a steady, compassionate presence. I aim to support you through the grieving process, helping you make sense of your loss and gradually adapt to life after it.

Mood & Anxiety

I provide specialised care for chronic worry and depressive symptoms, focusing on established, evidence-based methods to help you reduce distress and reconnect with what matters most to you.

Publications

Vaughan, E.M., Ftanou, M., Lewin, J., Murnane, A., Berger, I., Wiley, J.F., Hickey, M., Bullen, D., Jefford, M., Goldin, J. and Stonehouse, J. (2022). AYA ‘Can-Sleep’ Program: protocol for a stepped-care, cognitive behavioural therapy-based approach to the management of sleep difficulties in adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Vaughan, E., Koczwara, B., Kemp, E., Freytag, C., Tan, W., & Beatty, L. (2019). Exploring emotion regulation as a mediator of the relationship between resilience and distress in cancer. Psycho-Oncology.
Vaughan, E., & Flack, M. (2022). Depression symptoms, problem gambling and the role of escape and excitement gambling outcome expectancies. Journal of Gambling Studies, 38(1), 265–278.