Tessa

Mrs Tessa Whyatt, MA

Art Therapist

verified by TherapyRoute

With my qualifications and experience in art therapy and coaching, I have an interest in building your resilience and working on your growth and self-development. Thus, I offer many tools to support you, with a gentle and encouraging approach. While not everyone is keen to try art therapy, I often use a creative approach that offers the use of imagery, visualisation, metaphor and symbolism even in talk therapy/ counselling. Everyone has ups and downs in their journey of life, but sometimes you need additional support to navigate particular low points. Addressing the problem from multiple angles, with various lenses, can be the breakthrough that is needed. I want to help you improve your quality of life and well-being.

About Me

I am an art therapist, grief educator and therapeutic/ care coach with multiple qualifications and wide experience. I offer a mix of beneficial integrative practices, working from a Humanistic, Positive Psychology framework: a whole person, strengths-based approach looking at your mental, physical and emotional health needs. I am an experienced therapist and coach with multiple and varied trainings. I started as an art therapist 20 years ago and have actively added to my qualifications and experience. I specialise in grief and loss work, including infertility, trauma and divorce; as well as working with people struggling with anxiety and depression. I work with people of all ages, helping you navigate difficult times and address problem areas with a focus on wellbeing, using resilience coaching and other tools. I have a special interest in Neuroscience, and using breathwork and mindfulness to help regulate you from a Polyvagal perspective. I offer a calm, person-centred, and welcoming space, providing gentle support to help you improve your health and quality of life. The therapeutic relationship is integral.

Approach

When we meet, sessions feel paced and practical, mixing gentle reflection with creative tasks that help untangle heavy feelings. I work in English from Cape Town or online, and we set clear, manageable goals while staying attentive to your pace and safety. The work often includes resilience-building conversations to shift patterns so daily stresses become easier to navigate. People facing grief, persistent low mood or anxiety tend to find this hands-on, steady approach helpful. I also aim to improve your self-esteem and confidence, prioritise self-care, and build coping skills. Thus, the overall aim of my work is to overcome current obstacles and build Prosilience (Resilience in advance of future challenges!)
Contact Tessa

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services


As a therapist and grief educator, I support people struggling with bereavement, illness, anticipatory grief and Infertility. Although I work in many areas, I also specialise in Anxiety and Depression. I use a variety of experiences and targeted tools to help you reach your emotional, mental, and physical health goals. As a coach, we would look forward towards helping you find your purpose, reach your potential, manage life and career transitions, overcome stuckness, build E.Q., etc.

Services Offered:

  • Child / Adolescent Therapy
  • Individual Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Coaching
  • Online Therapy
  • Wellness Support
  • Supervision
  • Psychoeducation
  • Mindfulness

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Children
  • Elderly
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement
  • Stress / Burnout
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Pregnancy & Fertility Issues
  • Performance
  • Personal Development
  • Self-Care
  • Self-Esteem

Professional Title:

  • Art Therapist

Qualifications


MA Art Therapy

Masters

University of Hertfordshire

Year: 2005

BA Fine Arts with Psychology

Bachelor

University of Cape Town

Year: 2002

Grief Educator

Grief.com with David Kessler

Year: 2021

Resilience Coach

Resilience Institute

Year: 2021

Essentials of Management Coaching

University of Stellenbosch Business school

Year: 2019

Registrations


Health Professions Council of South Africa

Arts Therapist

Registration: AT0000949

Verify License

Memberships


South African National Arts Therapies Association (SANATA)

Provisional Member

Service Area


Garden studio practice

In-person & Online

Pinelands

Cape Town, Western Cape

South Africa

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