Tess Nikitenko

BBehavSc, BPsychSc(Hons), MAAPI

Principal Psychologist
Board Approved Supervisor

Experience & approach

Tess has worked clinically as a psychologist since 2021 and is a board approved supervisor. Prior to this she was engaged in research and teaching at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). Tess loves coaching, mentoring and teaching provisional and early career psychologists, counsellors and other mental health professionals. She occasionally works with the University of Tasmania on a casual basis secondary to her clinical work

Tess is highly committed to ongoing professional development and learning and has whole-heartedly thrown herself down rabbit holes developing skills in trauma therapy, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), schema therapy, and other niche areas such as assessment of ADHD.

The right fit

Tess’ passion is working with victim-survivors of crime and trauma including childhood sexual abuse and is an approved provider of psychological services under the national redress scheme and victims' services ACT. She has a strong background in treating people with personality disorders, psychosis, and mood disorders, as well as extensive experience working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals.

Tess is down to earth, genuine and client-centred with a sense of humour. She has a natural ability to build rapport, create a safe space and ensure you feel heard.

Although her favourite framework to use when supporting clients is schema therapy, Tess is interested in a diverse range of therapeutic skills, tailoring these to your individual needs whilst ensuring alignment with evidence-based practice.

Tess currently works with young people and adults aged 16 years and over.

On a personal note

Tess loves to nerd out about all things neuroscience and will talk all day about it if you let her. She is a professional development addict and normally has a course or two on the go.