Cara Mckinstry
Professional Experience
Cara has worked as a Clinical Psychologist for the past nine years, gaining valuable experience in a range of settings. Her diverse roles have included positions in both public and private hospital inpatient and outpatient clinics, as well as private practice.
Work Across Australia
Cara’s career has taken her to various locations around the country, including working in the Northern Territory. She has worked with both adolescents and adults, providing support to individuals facing a range of mental health challenges. Her areas of expertise include assisting people with depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, ADHD, and supporting women during the perinatal period.
Therapeutic Approach
Cara has a particular passion for Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), where she helps clients develop skills to manage intense emotions and improve their interpersonal relationships. Her practice is grounded in a person-centred approach, prioritising the development of strong therapeutic relationships built on trust, honesty, and respect. Cara believes that this foundation is crucial in supporting individuals to work towards their goals and ultimately create a life worth living. This is an emphasis she brings to supervision.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Alongside DBT, Cara integrates a range of evidence-based therapies into her practice to help clients achieve their goals. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for individuals with PTSD.
Professional Affiliations
- Registered Psychologist with Australian Health Practitioners Registration Board (AHPRA) with area of practice endorsement in Clinical Psychology
- Registered Supervisor with AHPRA