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Emma Doney
About
Welcome! If you're considering an assessment, you've already taken an important first step. Whether you're feeling curious, hopeful, uncertain, or a mix of all three, I'm glad you've found your way here. My name is Dr. Emma Doney. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist based in San Diego, and I provide assessment services to individuals throughout California. Outside of work, you'll usually find me spending time with family and friends, hanging out with my dog, Arlo, and my cat, Rory, or watching a Netflix documentary.Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including college counseling centers, private practice, and skilled nursing facilities. I've worked with individuals across the lifespan, from as young as 2 years old to as old as 101. My favorite part of this work is connecting with people and hearing their story, and I am always honored to be a part of their journey in some way. I believe every person deserves an assessment that honors their individual experiences and identity. There is no one-size-fits-all approach because there is no one-size-fits-all person. I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where you feel comfortable being yourself, where we can build trust quickly, and where you have the opportunity to share the story of the person who knows you best; you!Thank you for considering me to be part of your journey. I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you through the assessment process.
I have worked with individuals, both personally and professionally, who experience neurodiversity in some way. Witnessing their struggles with feeling misunderstood, not being enough, and not being valued has drawn me to diagnostic assessment work. I believe it is especially important to assist neurodivergent adults to understand who they are and how they can thrive. Everyone deserves a space to be heard, seen, and to learn more about themselves and how they fit into the world around them. I believe that life is an ongoing process of adapting to society's demands, while also learning how to navigate through society to meet your own needs.
I approach my work through a neurodiverse-affirming, client-centered approach. I will work with you to form a meaningful relationship through honest and empathetic conversations. I use a strengths-based approach, looking to help you identify what strategies work best for you as an individual. I am here not just to complete an assessment for you, but to work together to fashion a plan to make your life better going forward. I view assessment as an opportunity for self-discovery and understanding. Rather than trying to fit someone into a box, I see the process as a way to better understand how your brain works, recognize your unique strengths, and put language to experiences you may have had for years. For many people, assessment brings clarity and validation, offering a framework that helps them understand themselves more fully while also helping the important people in their lives better understand them. My goal is to make the assessment process meaningful, informative, and as comfortable as possible. I hope you leave with more than just answers; I hope you leave with a deeper understanding of yourself, greater confidence in who you are, and a clearer picture of what helps you thrive.
