Maria Dony

Maria Dony is a provisional psychologist registered with AHPRA and PhD candidate in Psychology at Central Queensland University, Cairns. Maria completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and holds a strong academic and clinical foundation in psychological assessment, mental health intervention, and research. Maria has gained clinical experience across hospital and community settings, working with a range of psychological and behavioural concerns. She is also trained in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and psychological assessment across the cognitive, personality, and projective spectrum of testing.

Maria has a strong interest in community engagement and culturally responsive practice. She has volunteered across a variety of settings, including orphanages, community outreach programs, and currently serves as an active aged care volunteer in Far North Queensland. This is a reflection of her strong commitment to working with individuals from diverse social, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Maria’s professional interests include youth mental health – particularly focusing on emerging concerns such as stress, anxiety, procrastination, guilt, and emotional dysregulation among young people, as well as the intersection of social environments and psychological well-being. She is passionate about contributing to both research and applied psychological practice that supports vulnerable populations and promotes mental health within communities.