COUPLES: Living in the hectic pace of Sydney and both with busy demanding careers, we were finding less and less time to really talk to each other. We were so caught up in the daily stress of work that the fun was seeping from our relationship with little time for our own hobbies, couples time or to spend with friends. Instead we would just dump on one another at the end of the day to relieve stress or keep on working once we got home and arguments were starting.  Through our couples counselling sessions, we were able to renew our commitment to each other, better understand and empathise with each other’s different styles, negotiate the most important things in our relationship and build strategies for injecting more fun and overcoming inevitable conflicts as they arose. Whilst life is still stressful sometimes and we still don’t always see eye-to-eye, overall our relationship has a new lease on life, we are enjoying each other far more and are taking steps every day to ensure we never return to the unhealthy arguments of the past. Anna & Paul 2011

“With three young kids and both working demanding professional jobs, it seemed to all be about chores and tasks with little time for fun, family, playfulness or each other. We needed to more clearly define our roles and expectations as husband & wife, find a way to revitalise our relationship and to work towards a happier calmer family life. Tessa helped us to identify problem areas, eradicate them and build risk management strategies for the future. We now have much more fun, more family time and are much clearer about working as a great parenting team. We still see her for check-ups now and then but have great tools in our tool kit for enjoying the “here & now” as well as navigating a happy future:” Ann & Ray 2011

"We just kept arguing about the same things with no real resolution. We were both angry and frustrated. Counselling was something we were hesitant and nervous about doing. Tessa really helped us see things from the other persons’ perspective without assigning blame. We can now resolve conflict without yelling or getting frustrated and are a lot happier. We would recommend it to anyone who is having ongoing problems in their relationship" K & D, May 2010
 

SELF-ESTEEM / DEPRESSION “ I did not want to go and see a counselor, but after a major relapse and loss of a friend my mum became worried and booked an appointment with Tessa. Tessa did not force me to talk about things I wasn’t comfortable with, and we addressed a number of things, not just the depression. She gave me techniques to manage stress, which I still use today, and taught me that a counselor is there all the time, not just when things get bad. Tessa was incredibly understanding and supportive, and I felt comfortable talking to her about all aspects of my depression. Talking to Tessa helped me to re-engage with school and see the positives in life again. She was such a massive help and I’m thankful for the support that she gave me”, Nikki 2011

 “I call Tessa my “crazy lady”. But really she is the one that stops me from going crazy….well, too crazy anyway! When we first met, I was in a real rut and needed to find some motivation and direction. She helped me get back on track and now, though life is generally good, I still check in with her about once every six weeks or so just to keep me sane, keep perspective on life and to work through issues with work, relationships and to keep my inner critic quiet. I guess you could say our sessions have moved from counselling more to life coaching, well worth the investment” Greta 2011

PARENTING/FAMILY “I’ve been to counsellors before but Tessa is unique in her great ability to “connect” and that makes you want to open up to her.  I felt instantly at ease and safe talking about such personal things.  I have been empowered with skills now that make a difference with my spouse and family.  My life is better now because of her.” Thompson, September 2010

GRIEF & LOSS "I tried a few different kinds of counselling services before seeing Tessa, and found them either too impersonal and limited in addressing all the interrelated aspects of life i was struggling with. I found her holistic approach very helpful in the sense that i could use her ideas and exercises in everyday situations. I saw immediate changes in my thought patterns, the ways i responded to events and people that otherwise caused great distress. I would recommend this style of counselling to anyone because it is very flexible and can be tailoured to your specific personality, offering many different ways to address things. For example, i am a uni student and responded well to articles and self help books that tessa specifically advised to me to read outside her sessions. This could have otherwise been overwhelming to do considering all the material out there these days." Kim V 2010

 “Tessa helped me with many issues including stress, anxiety and grief.  I felt very safe and comfortable as Tessa helped me to understand that I have choices and gradually I became “unstuck” and found the confidence to make some decisions and changes in order to move forward and live a happy and more well rounded life.” Graeme W, Feb 2009

EATING DISORDERS “I have seen other professionals before who I just couldn’t move forward with.  The moment I met Tessa I knew that we were going to form a close bond and that she could help me get well.  I immediately felt comfortable with Tessa and able to talk about anything without being judged.  She taught me skills to manage an eating disorder that has consumed me for a long time.  For the first time in many years I feel like a normal person with a lot to look forward to.  I haven’t been this happy in a very long time. “ Jenny D – Oct 2009

ANXIETY "My appointments with you helped me more than you know, I continue to practice things we spoke about eg. calming technique. The techniques you taught me about imagining I'm in my favourite place whilst on the plane REALLY helped me and I found myself not relying on the sleeping pills so much. I also now use those techniques in other uncomfortable situations – thank you." Anna S, Apr 2009

"I have been meeting with Tessa fortnightly for 5 months. In that time she has provided exceptional care, professionalism and counselling which has improved my quality of life significantly. Her approach and guidance in each session is re-assuring and positive but challenges my beliefs and values for ultimate self reflection and awareness.I am absolutely convinced my sessions with Tessa have changed my perspective on my life for the better and I thank her for the hard work she has put into our meetings." Carolyn G 2009

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA" Although I had reservations about making my first appointment, I am now very glad I gave myself the opportunity. Our sessions provide a safe place to share my thoughts, understand myself better and see my past and future in a more positive light. I expect that I will continue to make appointments from time to time whenever the need arises. I consider myself lucky to have found you and would recommend you without hesitation.!", Tim M, April 2009

Although I had reservations about making my first appointment, I am now very glad I gave myself the opportunity. Our sessions provide a safe place for me to share my thoughts and benefit from your insight, education and experience.  With your help I have come to understand myself better and see my past and future in a more positive light. I expect that I will continue to make appointments from time to time whenever the need arises. I now regard knowing a good therapist as vital as knowing a good hairdresser. I consider myself lucky to have found you and would recommend you without hesitation. Love your work! Carolyn M 2009