Dr Emma Black, Clinical Psychologist

Dr Emma Black, Clinical Psychologist Dr Emma Black offers clinical psychology services to support women and young women to improve their lives.

It's nearly here...And the wonderful news - it will be in local bookstores next week! It will also be in JCUHealth's rec...
24/04/2026

It's nearly here...

And the wonderful news - it will be in local bookstores next week!
It will also be in JCUHealth's reception area, if you want to grab a copy :)

Kind wishes.

Emma





24/04/2026

There are many hidden loads that go with pregnancy... a bazillion appointments, care and concern for your growing baby, wanting to things right, lifestyle changes, increased financial costs, birth preparations, leave considerations, baby brain, emotional changes, changes in relationships... and more.
These all load together, and do take a toll. These hidden loads are exactly why I wrote The Pregnancy Myths Guide.
Available by preorder now, and out in bookstores next week.

I asked my other half to take a photo of me holding my first book like a baby.I don't know what happened in the first on...
23/04/2026

I asked my other half to take a photo of me holding my first book like a baby.

I don't know what happened in the first one, but my hb asked "Can you look less horrified??" 🤣

Even in the good photo, I've done a brilliant job of making it look awkward. So, nailed it!

My first book baby will be out in the world in 5 sleeps!
(But totally not counting...)

Emma x

22/04/2026

Me to my other half: Can you help film me opening my books? Also, I don't know what to say or do.

My husband: I got you, boo.

The Pregnancy Myths Guide is out in bookstores from April 28th :)

Even when women look forward to birth, it's normal to have concern, apprehension, or some negative feelings mixed in wit...
20/04/2026

Even when women look forward to birth, it's normal to have concern, apprehension, or some negative feelings mixed in with the positive feelings. Excitement and dread can exist together.

Sometimes, there can be acute anxiety or fear of birth; this is called tokophobia. It's natural to want to avoid facing birth or thinking about it when you are scared of it. The research also says that when this is present, taking steps to face your fears through researching and reading about birth, and sharing your fears with your birth practitioner can help you cope with it. (These steps are also helpful even when your concerns about birth are not overwhelming.)

And of course, doing therapy to address this phobia can also take you a long way. Typically, the earlier in pregnancy, the better :)

Kind wishes,
Emma






Motherhood is full of dualities and mixed feelings.Loving your baby/kids, and wanting a break or alone time. And when yo...
17/04/2026

Motherhood is full of dualities and mixed feelings.

Loving your baby/kids, and wanting a break or alone time.
And when you do get a break, you can find yourself missing them, and not enjoying yourself.

When your body changes in pregnancy, this can bring up all kinds of feelings. Some women can enjoy the changes and what ...
14/04/2026

When your body changes in pregnancy, this can bring up all kinds of feelings.

Some women can enjoy the changes and what they represent.

And sometimes, you don't like how your body looks, grows, and changes, even if you know why this is happening ( ).
New curves.
Stretch marks. Skin changes.
Belly button changes and linea nigra.
Weight changes.
Changes in your physical abilities.

If you're caught up in scrutinising your body changes- you're going to have a bad time, and feel worse about your body. Try to interrupt or stop this behaviour... Avoid the mirror, or cover them when they're not in use. Wear maternity clothes, not your old clothes. Get rid of the scales.

Put positive energy into your life, and body - even if you don't like it at the moment. Get a massage. Use beautiful body lotions (you'll smell fantastic!). Eat as well as you can.

Consider what your body is achieving, and what it can do. Shift the focus away from how it looks, and towards the purpose of pregnancy and why you want to grow your family. Put reminders up, especially on those mirrors. Journal on how mobile, strong, and skilled your body is.

Put your energy where it matters. Do something each day that you enjoy, or into spending time with your family or elder children. When you get caught in hating your body, bring important people to mind, and consider how you can connect with them, or thoughtful gestures to show them that you care.

It's not easy, but an ongoing process of shifting meaning and focus means that you might not spend your whole pregnancy caught in disliking your body.

Kind wishes,

Emma




When you're used to pushing through, it can be hard to slow down and rest. Sometimes, your body tells you that rest is n...
11/04/2026

When you're used to pushing through, it can be hard to slow down and rest.
Sometimes, your body tells you that rest is needed in gentle ways. If you listen to these messages, you can recharge.
If you don't listen to these messages, sometimes, your body makes you listen. Pregnancy can cause bone-deep exhaustion that is impossible to ignore.

Honouring your body's needs is a real skill. Choosing to hear and act on the gentler messages for rest also means you have more control, and your body won't need to scream at you for rest.

Kind wishes,

Emma





If you had a positive birth, were these criteria met for you?What do you think about these points? Anything you would ad...
08/04/2026

If you had a positive birth, were these criteria met for you?

What do you think about these points? Anything you would add?





Anxiety is more than just worries; it affects your whole body.It's easy to identify loud anxiety symptoms like a racing ...
05/04/2026

Anxiety is more than just worries; it affects your whole body.

It's easy to identify loud anxiety symptoms like a racing or pounding heart, chest tightness, or butterflies in the tummy.

It's not always easy to identify the quieter physical symptoms, like headaches or sore muscles.
Gut distress from anxiety can look like diarrhea or constipation, or needing to urinate a lot.

And because of the increased body tension, irritability is often present, too.

Knowing the physical experiences of anxiety can help make sense of your experience.

Kind wishes,

Emma




Are you glowing, or did you glow in pregnancy? Was this myth true or false for you? It's common to hear that you'll glow...
03/04/2026

Are you glowing, or did you glow in pregnancy?
Was this myth true or false for you?

It's common to hear that you'll glow in pregnancy. How did you make sense of the expected pregnancy glow?

Address

Level 1, Clinical Practice Building, 1 James Cook Drive
Hyde Park, QLD
4811

Telephone

+61747814495

Website

http://motherhoodmyths.com.au/, https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/authors/E

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About

Dr. Emma Black earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Deakin University in Melbourne. Her doctoral thesis explored the relationships between self-injury, disordered eating, and personality traits. Emma has worked both clinically and in research; this has cemented the importance of relying on science to inform her clinical work and discussions with clients. Emma has worked in a variety of settings, including trauma services, public mental health, hospital, education, and private practice. She has experience working with individuals and facilitating group sessions. Emma’s first professional role involved working for a sexual assault service for several years, which started Emma’s passion, interest, and commitment to supporting women.

Dr. Emma Black is a registered psychologist and endorsed as a Clinical Psychologist. Emma is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, and a fellow of the College of Clinical Psychology. Emma is also an approved supervising psychologist by the Psychology Board of Australia and can supervise all intern pathways as well as clinical registrars.