Anna McKinnon

I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with PhD-level qualifications and extensive training locally and internationally. I completed my PhD at Flinders University in South Australia and my postdoctoral training at the Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. I am a full member of the Australian Psychological Society and the EMDR Association of Australia.

My Journey to Psychology

I started taking an interest in psychology long before it became my career.

Growing up in a big family in a country town, I was always observant of the variety of unique and diverse personalities I encountered. At this early stage, I became fascinated in learning about what makes people think, feel and act in diverse ways.

This early fascination led me to a career that delves deep into human behaviour and helps people make positive changes to the way they think, feel and act.

Trauma Psychologist Sydney: My Clinical Expertise

I’m both a clinician and researcher in the area of trauma, with 15 years of clinical experience. I have published 39 academic articles in peer-reviewed journals and have spoken at local and international conferences.

I am particularly interested in helping individuals address mental health conditions that may develop after life stress and exposure to traumatic events – whether that’s from significant life-altering events or from accumulated life stressors that quietly shape how we see ourselves and the world.

Most recently, I worked as a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic at Macquarie University

View a list of my research

My Approach as a Trauma Psychologist in Eastern Suburbs

Healing from trauma begins with understanding your story. I help you make sense of your emotions and responses in the context of your life experiences, so patterns that once felt overwhelming become clearer and more manageable.

My approach is both gentle and active. I listen with compassion, but I also equip you with practical tools and guide you in applying them to everyday situations.

Every person is unique. That’s why my work is grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to your individual needs and goals. Together, we’ll create a path forward that feels safe, empowering, and truly yours.

Find out about the clinic approach

EMDR Psychologist Sydney: Conditions I Treat

I am a neuro-affirming psychologist. I work with individuals aged 16 years and older experiencing the following conditions:

- Complex trauma and developmental trauma
- Attachment trauma and attachment-related difficulties
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression following traumatic experiences
- Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches

As a psychologist in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, I incorporate the following therapeutic approaches into my sessions:

- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: a specialised approach for processing and healing traumatic memories
- Schema Therapy: addressing deep-rooted beliefs and patterns of behaviour that have developed from early experiences
- Family Attachment Frameworks: understanding how your attachment style shapes relationships
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): practical strategies for managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours
- Circle of Security: strengthening parent-child attachment bonds
- Compassion Focused Therapy: developing self-compassion in healing
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): building psychological flexibility
- Positive Psychology Approaches: fostering strengths and resilience

EMDR psychologist Eastern Suburbs — supportive therapy session at McKinnon Psychology

Understanding Your Attachment Style

Your attachment style-developed in early relationships-can significantly impact how you connect with others throughout your life. Whether you’re experiencing anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, or disorganised attachment patterns, I can help you understand how these patterns have been shaped by your life experiences and develop more secure ways of relating.

OCD Psychologist Eastern Suburbs: Specialised Treatment

I am particularly interested in helping individuals that have developed OCD following the experience of stressful life events. My approach combines exposure-based interventions with compassionate support and trauma-informed interventions (such as EMDR as appropriate) to help you reclaim your life from OCD.

In My Spare Time

Outside of my clinical work, I find balance and inspiration through the things I love. I’m passionate about spending time in nature and with animals, which reminds me of the simple joys that ground us all.

I love the simple moments. I enjoy staying active through regular exercise, exploring new restaurants, and experimenting with cooking at home.

I’m also a naturally curious person and I love getting lost in podcasts, documentaries, movies, books and discussions.

Supervision for Developing Psychologists

I’m a board-approved supervisor with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and am available to mentor and support developing psychologists in Sydney. I am passionate about building the confidence of developing psychologists in all areas, but particularly in the delivery of evidence-based trauma treatments.

Find out more about supervision

Telehealth Psychology Services

If you’re looking for a psychologist in Edgecliff or anywhere across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, I’d love to hear from you. Telehealth is available across Australia, making it convenient to access specialist trauma therapy such as EMDR and Schema Therapy from the comfort of your own space.