Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Sociology) – Monash University
- Bachelor of Social Work – RMIT
- EMDR Training
Experience
Tessa is a qualified social worker and counsellor with 17 years’ experience working in community, government, clinical and private areas of practice. She provides a person-centred, non-judgemental approach and values the therapeutic relationship with her clients, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, sexualities, genders and ages.
Her warm empathetic style draws on refined clinical skills to support clients to achieve relief from emotional and psychological distress and gain insight, clarity and motivation for personal change. Tessa has extensive training and experience in delivering trauma-informed therapy and has worked with survivors of sexual assault and family violence, the veteran community, refugees and asylum seekers and people who have experienced significant grief and loss.
She has also worked in clinical, forensic and private settings supporting people experiencing a range of emotional distress and mental health diagnoses. Tessa is committed to providing effective tailored support to her clients and draws on various evidence-based interventions including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Strengths and Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focussed Therapy. Additionally, she is currently undertaking advanced training in EMDR Therapy.
Approach
What to Expect from a Counselling Session with Tessa.
Initial session: Tessa establishes rapport and connections by creating a safe, non-judgemental environment for clients to share the issues or challenges they are seeking support for. It is also an opportunity for clients to assess if this is the right therapeutic setting for them.
Following sessions: Co-develop therapy goals and collaboratively formulate a treatment plan. Sessions continue as directed by clients (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) utilizing a combination of interventions and approaches ((listed below) to achieve therapy goals. There is no right or wrong way to ‘do therapy’ and all sessions will be individually tailored to suit each client’s particular needs and circumstances. No referral is required ensuring immediate access to counselling.
