Meet Dr Emma DeCicco

Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Director & Principal Psychologist
Psy.D BPsych FCCLP CEDC
Board Approved Supervisor
Professional Practice Fellow UWA

My approach as a clinical psychologist has always been anchored in connection, empathy, and a firm belief in meeting each individual where they are. Over my 16+ years of experience, this philosophy has guided me across diverse areas of practice, including neurodiversity-affirming therapy and assessments, trauma-informed care, and treatment for complex eating disorders.

At The Dash – Health Hub, where I serve as Clinical Director, I have the privilege of working with a dedicated team who deliver exceptional clinical and professional services. Our services align with my core values and principles, focusing on inclusive, affirming and effective care. Alongside my clinical and leadership roles, I perform medico-legal and neurodiversity affirming clinical assessments. My goal for any person that I am working with is to provide an experience of feeling seen, heard and valued.

Informed by my clinical experience and focus on neurodiversity, I've co-developed the STAND Attuned model. This adaptation of schema therapy is designed to be neurodiversity-affirming, ensuring that our interventions are personalised and deeply respectful of the unique perspectives of neurodivergent individuals. STAND Attuned plays a crucial role in advancing the inclusive care that we provide at The Dash.

As a board-approved supervisor, I appreciate the importance of professional practice standards and the development of core competencies. I believe the best way to nurture these is by creating a supportive supervisory environment where clinicians feel safe to develop competence and confidence while cultivating their unique and authentic professional identities. I enjoy working with clinicians at any stage in their careers, including in my supervisory role for early career psychologists at the University of Western Australia.  

While I am currently unable to accept new therapy referrals due to my full schedule, I remain committed to my ongoing clinical work, supervisory, and leadership roles. Additionally, I continue to deliver webinars and workshops that contribute to the professional development of mental health practitioners and enrich the broader community.

Recent Publications: 

"Understanding early maladaptive schemas in autistic and ADHD individuals: exploring the impact, changing the narrative, and schema therapy considerations" https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1436053/full

ISST Schema Therapy Bulletin - 2024 "STAND Attuned: Neurodiversity Affirming Clinical Practice"