Danya Braunstein

Danya Braunstein is a registered psychologist, researcher and media consultant. Danya consults with clients at a private psychology practice, Connected: Media Psychology, providing psychological counselling, coaching and assessments for adults and adolescents, and professional consultation to media organisations. Connected: Media Psychology specialises in assisting professionals working within the media and entertainment industries; and those experiencing problems as a result of their personal media and technology use.

In addition to working in private practice, Danya is a Researcher at the University of New South Wales within the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) conducting research interviews for a longitudinal birth cohort study investigating the impact of substance use, including child media use, on infant development and family functioning (Triple B Study: Babies, Bumps and Beyond). Previously, Danya has conducted experimental research into cyberbullying and aggression; evaluative research into clinical treatment programs; and contributed to Growing Up Fast and Furious, a book publication on the effect of violent and sexualised media on child development.

Prior to becoming a practicing and research Psychologist, Danya had extensive experience in media production for over 10 years, primarily in television, and specialised in conducting in-depth character interviews, storyline development and systems management. This successful media career involved working with multi-awarded and top rated Australian and International television series, including Australian Idol, The Biggest Loser Australia, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (UK), documentaries and children's programming.

This background of working in the media coupled with psychological research and practice, provides the ideal background to understand the complex causes of media-related distress and the impacts on individuals, families and society. Danya is an advocate for preventative measures and positive psychology.