Tessa Alley

Tessa is a dedicated psychologist who embraces a holistic approach to her clients’ health and wellbeing. Utilising a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, she values the therapeutic relationship and focuses on fostering a sense of trust and safety.

Reflecting the social justice underpinnings of Tessa’s approach, her work is informed by the values of inclusivity, respect, empathy, and compassion. She has worked across a range of settings such as youth and adult mental health, private practice and within not-for-profit organisations – including with clients from LGBTIQ+ and culturally diverse communities. Tessa works in collaboration with her clients to establish an effective evidence-based therapeutic approach specifically tailored to their needs and goals. She predominantly utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational interviewing approaches. She also integrates elements of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and solution-focused therapy.

Areas of interest:

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Family violence
• Low self-esteem
• Relationship difficulties
• Stress management and burnout
• Trauma and PTSD

Lilach Yeshurun

Lilach is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with experience supporting adults through trauma, anxiety, depression, and complex life experiences. She offers a warm, grounded, and relational approach, with a focus on creating a safe and non-judgemental space for clients to explore their experiences.

Her work is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing on Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Parts work, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic approaches. She tailors therapy to each person’s needs, with an emphasis on safety, pacing, and practical support for emotional processing and change.

Areas of Interest:

• Trauma and PTSD
• Sexual trauma
• Anxiety and stress-related presentations
• Depression and low mood
• Self-Esteem/Self-confidence
• Loss and grief
• Life transitions and adjustment difficulties

Deborah Stahmer

Deb is an experienced psychologist who places authentic, collaborative relationships at the heart of her work. She provides evidence-based psychological assessment and therapy for a broad range of mental health concerns, tailoring her approach to each client’s individual needs, experiences and goals.

Deb has a particular interest in women’s and LGBTQI+ mental health. She has worked across community and private practice settings with clients from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

Her therapeutic approach draws on Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic approaches, and parts-based, schema and attachment-based therapies.

Deb practises from a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming and culturally responsive perspective. She supports clients to develop greater awareness of the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, physical experiences and nervous system responses. She is committed to providing a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space where clients feel understood and supported to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Deb is an board-approved supervisor and a full member of the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA).

Areas of interest:

• Anxiety
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Stress and burnout
• Depression
• Perinatal mental health
• Relationship difficulties
• Self-esteem
• Panic disorder
• ADHD
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Ruku Srivastava

Ruku is passionate about supporting clients from a diverse range of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Her practice is compassionate, culturally-responsive and trauma-informed. She prioritises creating a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space.

Ruku works alongside clients to understand both their day-to-day challenges and the deeper experiences that shape them. She draws primarily on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and integrates elements of Parts work, Schema Therapy, and Solution-Focused approaches.

Ruku’s areas of interest in working with trauma and anxiety. She is particularly interested in supporting clients to make sense of their experiences, reconnect with a sense of safety, and move towards a life that feels more manageable and aligned with their values. Ruku is also board approved supervisor.

Areas of Interest:

• Anxiety and anxiety-related issues
• Trauma and PTSD
• Intergenerational trauma
• Cultural issues
• Depression
• ADHD support
• Stress management and burnout
• Self-Esteem/Self-confidence
• Family/Domestic Violence

Ruku is fluent in both English and Hindi.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow, affectionately known as Marsha, is passionate about providing comfort and support to clients through her big smiles, wagging tail, and warm presence. Marsha is a -year-old Tibetan Spaniel, cross Pug. She is currently on her L’s with a provisional certification in animal-assisted therapy via Lead the Way.

Areas of interest:

• Being a very good girl
• Pats
• Roast chicken
• Mindful snoring

Studies have shown that interacting with therapy dogs during sessions can lead to reductions in anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms. The presence of therapy dogs has also been associated with increased feelings of comfort, relaxation, and overall well-being amongst clients. Additionally, research suggests that therapy dogs can enhance social interaction and communication during therapy, leading to more positive therapeutic outcomes.

Marsha has been the proud recipient of the Team Member of the Month award, every month. She is available to attend sessions with Deb on request.

CJ

CJ (short for Courtney-Jane) has over 15 years of customer service, allied health administration, and practice management experience. CJ has a warm, inviting approach to her work and thrives on customer satisfaction. For the most part, CJ will be who our clients, old and new, will be talking to when booking appointments and the go-to person for any and all enquiries. CJ has expressed how excited she is to learn and grow with Waratah Psychology and to build trust and confidence in all of our clients.