Meet tessa terlep

Mental Health Counseling Student Intern

Tessa’s approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that healing begins in relationship, where warmth, honesty, and presence can gently guide change. She views therapy as a collaborative unfolding, where each session offers space to reconnect with what truly matters. Rather than offering quick fixes, Tessa invites clients into a process of curiosity and compassion toward themselves, their experiences, and the questions that shape their lives. She believes in holding space to honor both the pains and joys of life and strives to help clients find purpose and meaning amidst the pain.

Her clinical interests include working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, body image issues, and major life transitions, as well as couples navigating connection and conflict. She also has a heart for those exploring spiritual issues or existential questions, and values supporting individuals as they discover beliefs aligned with their personal values. When desired, she thoughtfully integrates faith and spirituality into the therapeutic process, always honoring each person’s unique journey. Drawing from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Tessa weaves in elements of Narrative and Existential theories to help clients make meaning of their stories, challenge unhelpful patterns, and move toward deeper authenticity.

“I feel privileged to walk alongside individuals during some of their deepest and hardest moments in life—to find freedom and walk a life worth living,” says Tessa.