- Rumi
Dr Emma Brownlow
Psychiatrist, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
Spring Hill, Brisbane QLD 4000
In Person + Online Therapy
Philosophy & Vision
I work with people to explore their inner world, emotional life and experiences in a thoughtful and meaningful way, through talking and thinking together. I see people experiencing a wide range of emotional, psychological, relational, or psychiatric difficulties, as well as seeking deeper self-understanding.
You may have tried shorter term or structured therapies in the past and found them unsuitable for you, or you are looking for an approach that explores deeper causes, and where you can be heard and understood.
I have special interests in perinatal mental health, mind-body symptoms, psychosis, anxiety, mood problems, complex trauma, dissociation, relationship challenges, eating difficulties, uncertain sense of self, and emotional or behavioural concerns.
I respect each individual's unique journey and welcome people from culturally diverse backgrounds. I also see healthcare professionals & students.
Background
A medical doctor for a decade & experienced trainee psychiatrist with 8 years specialising in the field. I'm trained in various psychotherapies & practise psychoanalytically. I hold a neuropsychology degree & studied yoga intensively in India, hold a teaching certificate alongside 20 years of practice. My background provides me with a deep understanding of the mind–body relationship, the way in which emotional pain & suffering is experienced & of various paths of healing.
Diverse clinical background working with children, adolescents & adults across a range of settings, including inpatient psychiatric, paediatric, medical wards, mother-baby unit, community clinics & ED's.
International experience in the UK, Australia, Asia & the Middle East
Services
I do not provide psychiatric diagnosis or reports, medication prescription or management as part of my therapy practice.
Quality Provision
General Registration Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) & Full Registration General Medical Council (UK)
RANZCP & RCPsych Trainee Member
Member of RANZCP Faculty of Psychotherapy & Section of Perinatal and Infant Mental Health
Member of Balint Society ANZ
Ongoing professional development including training, research and supervision through the Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- MBBCh Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - 2016 - Cardiff University
- BSc (Hons) Neuropsychology - 2015 - Bangor University
- MRCPsych Parts A&B - 2025 - Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Clinical & Theoretical Studies in Psychoanalysis - 2027 - Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis
Modalities
Dream Work - Freudian - Psychoanalytic - Psychodynamic - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I practise an exploratory form of therapy that emphasises careful listening, curiosity, emotional life, meaning & truth. Rather than focusing primarily on symptom management or behavioural skills and strategies, this approach aims to understand the past experiences & unconscious processes that effect how you experience yourself, others & the world. I meet people where they are at & practise in a trauma-informed way. I allow adequate time for trust to build at your pace.
My approach is gentle & recognises the importance of a safe, therapeutic relationship & how the work together unfolds within this. It usually involves regular sessions, once or more per week.
For perinatal psychotherapy you are welcome to bring your baby if you'd like to.
Professional Associations
- Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Practice Locations
Spring Hill QLD 4000
Few minutes walk to train station, bus stops and car parking
Appointments
Feel free to contact me with any questions, or to arrange an initial phonecall or appointment
Fees & Insurance
$180 per session
Reduced fee available to medical & healthcare students.
Limited 'low fee' spaces - please contact me to enquire
Payment Options
Direct bank transfer
Contact Emma
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Emma Brownlow
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I have always been interested in the human experience and exploring the depths of the mind. I am a naturally reflective, curious and intuitive person, who enjoys listening to others and thinking with them. Throughout my medical career I have had a holistic approach and been interested in the person experiencing symptoms, not only the symptoms themselves.
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I am influenced by wisdom traditions, so-called "Eastern" philosophy and paths of spiritual practice.
Psychoanalytically, I am currently influenced most by Freud, Lacan, Bion, Winnicott and Balint, although I am also inspired by many others.
I have an integrated understanding and approach, which enables me to view situations through a variety of lenses, and connect with people of diverse cultural backgrounds. -
The periods of transition from being a baby in the womb to being born as a new person in the world, the time of adolescence as people discover who they are and want to be as adults, and the time of journeying into motherhood. I am interested in spiritual experiences and times of personal growth and transformation. I am interested in the process of discovering who we are and of becoming.
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Offering a space where people can be heard and understood, sometimes for the first time, where stories and experiences can be safely shared and thought about to develop greater understanding and assist with healing. All my patients inspire me and teach me things in their own way, and I feel privileged to work with them.

