Hi, I’m Tessa and I’m a registered counsellor living on beautiful Dharawal Country, in Wollongong, Australia. I care deeply about supporting people of all ages to better understand the many parts that make up who we are.
We work together long-term to heal old wounds so that you can feel more connected to yourself and feel present in the world around you.
You are not alone.
Do you sometimes…
Find yourself having big emotional reactions to things that seem somewhat trivial? Maybe sometimes they feel justified, but the weight of it all is a lot?
Notice parts of yourself arguing and at war? Like one part of you feels, does and says one thing, yet another feels, does and says the complete opposite?
Feel like you revert back to a younger version of yourself and you don’t know why? Or feel as though no one understands you or that you don’t quite understand yourself?
Ruminate on things from your past that feel unresolved, unhealed or burdened by?
Feel like you can’t make sense of the noise in your head? Like it’s all too much and completely overwhelming just figuring out where to start?
Then maybe I can help…
How I can help…
Individual Counselling: 50 minutes: $150
Couples Counselling: 50 minutes: $180
Sessions are face-to-face at my practice in central Wollongong.
Sessions are also offered online if you’re based outside of the Illawarra.
Please note, if you are struggling financially, are a student, or a low-income earner, these costs may be reduced. Please let me know when you make your first enquiry.
My Theraputic Approach
I believe everyone is capable of growth and change and that a deeper, more compassionate connection to self builds greater emotional resilience and self-reliance.
My therapeutic approach is evidence-based and draws from a variety of practices including Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment Theory and Parts Theory. I am also trained in Exposure and Polyvagal Therapies, and Mindfulness. My practice is strengths-based, non-judgemental, trauma-informed, and person-centred. I work with individuals, couples and NDIS Participants who are self or plan managed.
I am accredited with the Australian Counselling Association.
FAQs
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The first session will be an opportunity for you to talk about what has brought you to counselling. How much you share at the beginning is entirely your choice. I will share with you my approach to counselling and how I work best. I will also ask some basic background questions to provide more context to best support you. I welcome and encourage you to ask questions of me as well to decide if I am the right fit for you.
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I work by appointment only. Appointments are at the same time and same place every week, fortnight or month. Just as it is with our physical health, our mental health requires regular and consistent attention if we are to strengthen it. There is enormous benefit to committing to regular sessions, for you personally, for the change you want to see and for our therapeutic relationship as well.
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If you are booking an initial session, cancellations within 48 hours of your session time incur the full fee. This policy is representative of the industry standard within the counselling, life-coaching and psychotherapy professions.
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Yes. Your privacy is extremely important to me. I adhere to the ACA professional association Code of Ethics.
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No, unfortunately at this stage you cannot claim on Medicare. There is a lot of work currently being done to include counsellors but currently, they are not.
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No, you do not need a referral. You can reach out and begin the process straight away.
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Counsellors and psychologists are both trained professionals supporting people to improve their mental health and achieve their wellness goals. Counselling uses a collaborative rather than diagnostic approach. Counsellors offer lower intensity mental health support and do not formally assess or diagnose an individual. If you require higher-level mental health support or formal assessment I can assist with the referral process.