Hi! I’m Tameika, and I’m the director of The Bright Place. My passion is to help each of my clients figure out who they are and how to build a life worth living. I take a collaborative approach to therapy to make sure we’re always on the same page about our goals; at times this might be to relieve suffering, develop greater self-awareness and insight, improve or optimise your quality of life, make sense of and process trauma, or simply to have a safe and reflective space. I am open and curious, always aiming to find the sweet spot between validation and change. I’m not afraid to be upfront and honest, but I will also be gentle when needed. My style could be reasonably described as a little irreverent and relaxed, but I also know when to slow down and focus on safety and being present.

Specific areas of interest

I work with adults and adolescents as well as with children above the age of 5 specifically on anxiety and on exploring neurodivergence. I’m experienced in working with individuals with emotion dysregulation, trauma history, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide ideation, and I have an interest in pre- and post-natal mental health, perfectionism, burnout, and “the juggle”. I also work with neurodivergent people, and I strive to work in a neurodiversity-affirming approach that balances acceptance and self-understanding with personal responsibility and capacity building.

Who might not be a good fit

I am likely to refer on the following presentations: intellectual impairments, active anorexia nervosa, active psychosis, behavioural disturbance, or aggression towards others.

A little bit extra about me

I am a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady, though “animal lady” might be more accurate. When I’m not in the office I can be found in the sunshine, going on adventures to new places with my small human, with my nose in a book, soaking up live music, upside down doing aerial stuff, or doing Harry Potter lego.

I am a registered psychologist well-versed in several evidence-based interventions, including CBT, ACT and DBT. I work from an attachment-informed foundation, where I seek to understand how a person’s experiences have helped shape their sense of self and how they connect with others.

I view therapy as a cooperative activity, where we both do a bit of work to figure out the best fit for you and how to best utilise the strengths you bring into the room. I endeavour to create a safe and judgement-free environment, from which I can support you to improve your social and emotional wellbeing. 

Specific areas of interest
I have worked alongside adults with a variety of presentations, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, self-harm issues and general behavioural concerns. However, I recognise the stigma of mental health and the barriers this may pose to engaging in therapy.

I pride myself on being an empathetic and supportive practitioner. I prefer to see people as who they are, not based on their previous behaviour or diagnoses. Regardless of who sits in front of me or why they have chosen to seek help, I utilise a strengths-based approach to empower others to direct their strengths and values towards creating positive changes for their future.

I am a generally registered psychologist and clinical psychology registrar who has had experience in public and private health settings. I love working with clients to find the best, evidence-based approach to meet their goals. I tend to use a mix of styles (CBT, DBT, ACT) and will be driven by your needs within the therapeutic space.

I am particularly interested in working with neurodiverse adolescents and young adults and I aim to provide a compassionate and safe space for clients to explore their neurodivergency. For me, sessions are a collaborative process. I will be guided by you and your goals for therapy. It's important to me that you feel heard and understood because I believe that this can impact the most meaningful change and insight.

Specific areas of interest
I have worked with presentations such as anxiety, depression, autism and ADHD, however, I have an interest in helping people reach their goals regardless of diagnoses. I have a particular interest in autism (especially in women), anxiety disorders and grief.

Who might not be a good fit
I tend to refer the following presentations to another, more suitable clinician: clients wanting behavioural therapy, clients 14 years and younger, post-partum mothers, clients with an active eating disorders, clients with aggression towards others and forensic clients.

A little bit about me
I usually spend my downtime reading a good book, or re-watching my favourite Studio Ghibli movie. I love the idea of being an amazing gardener (although I’ve never had much success with it). My passions include animal rights, feminism, dinosaurs and cake.

I am a Counselling Psychologist who has been practicing since 2015 across a variety of settings (including public health, corrections, and private practice). I provide evidence-based treatment that aligns with my client’s treatment goals, typically involving an eclectic mix of approaches including ACT, CBT and DBT. There isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ in therapy, and the connection you have with your therapist is so important. I prioritize the therapeutic connection we build with one another, and use this foundation to support you in creating meaningful change in your life. 

My style is highly compassionate and empathetic, whilst also empowering and challenging you to reach your goals. Therapy will be guided by what you want to get out of it, and the tools I share with you will be aligned with that. I am passionate about the brain; understanding how it works, why it functions the way it does, and even shift how its wired. 

Specific areas of interest
My areas of interest include trauma, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, relationships, personality, neuropsychology (the brain), life transitions, and adjustment.

Who might not be a good fit
I am likely to refer on the following presentations: children or youth under 18 years old, eating disorders, intellectual impairments, or requests for couples counselling. 

A little bit extra about me
My time outside of work is devoted to my family and creative hobbies. From painting to pottery, I find art is a wonderful way to slow my mind and engage with the present moment.