Tess Nikitenko
BBehavSc, BPsychSc(Hons), MAPS, CEDC, MANZAED
Principal Psychologist
Credentialed Eating Disorders Clinician
Approved National Redress Psychological Services Provider
Experience & approach
Tess has worked clinically as a psychologist for the last three years. Prior to this she was engaged in research and teaching at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). Tess continues to work as a casual academic at UTAS secondary to her clinical work and is also engaged in training general practitioners (GPs) on a variety of mental health topics.
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Tess' area of research focussed on investigating the neural mechanisms of inhibitory control, or what happens in the brain when we stop ourselves from doing things. The concept of inhibitory control is particularly important in conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and motor control disorders such as Tourette's Syndrome and Parkinson's Disease. She has co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles in this area.
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, eating disorders therapies, and assessment of ADHD.
The right fit
Tess’ passion is working with victim-survivors of childhood sexual abuse. She also has a strong background in treating people with personality disorders, psychosis, eating disorders and mood disorders, as well as assessment and diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folks.
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.
Tess is interested in a diverse range of therapeutic skills and tailors these to your individual needs whilst ensuring alignment with evidence-based practice.
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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.
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Tess' home is ruled by a variety of rescue animals including a kelpie x husky called Poppy, and two lop-eared rabbits called Humphrey and Cinnabun.