Therese Rich, AASW

Therese Rich, AASW, graduated in 2009 and brings a caring, practical approach to working with people across the lifespan. As a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers, she applies professional social work principles to matters of child safety and to supporting children and parents navigating divorce and separation. Her practice includes substantial experience with both child and adult abuse and trauma, and she routinely supports veterans and older adults through complex life challenges.

Therese works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, low motivation, self-esteem and confidence concerns, and depression, as well as those coping with significant life changes. She aims to empower clients to move forward by recognising their strengths and walking alongside them without judgement. Therese believes each person is the expert in their own story and focuses on building the skills and resilience needed to tackle difficult experiences. Taking the first step towards a more fulfilling life takes courage, and she offers steady, compassionate support throughout that process.

Trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches for online therapy

Therese draws on trauma-informed ways of working that focus on understanding how past experiences shape reactions in the present. This approach helps people who have experienced abuse, assault or other traumatic events to stabilise, make sense of their responses and rebuild a sense of safety and agency.

She also uses a strengths-based approach that recognises each person’s existing resources and capacities. By identifying and building on those strengths, the work supports improvements in self-esteem, confidence and motivation while navigating life transitions such as separation, caregiver stress or changes in family structure.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and is shaped collaboratively. Therese works with clients to determine which strategies best match their needs, goals and preferences, and she adapts methods as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - appointments can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access appropriately qualified or registered professionals from home or while balancing work, family and other commitments.