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Social Worker - Tessa Otten

Tessa Otten

+27 73 229 8308

tottenpractice@gmail.com

 

Services Offered

  • I work collaboratively with clients to better understand patterns that may be
    contributing to distress and to develop healthier ways of coping.
  • I offer one-on-one psychotherapy to adults seeking support for emotional,
    psychological, or behavioural difficulties.
  • Therapy may be short-term or longer-term, depending on each individual’s
    needs and goals.

Areas of Interest

  • Substance use and addiction
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Emotional regulation and coping difficulties
  • Relationship and interpersonal challenges
  • Personal growth and self-understanding
  • Personality disorders

Contact Tessa to Book a Consultation

I am a qualified social worker with an Honours degree in Clinical Social Work (Cum Laude) from the University of Cape Town and an international Master’s degree in Advanced Development in Social Work, completed through the Erasmus Mundus programme at multiple universities across Europe.

In Cape Town, I worked at two rehabilitation centres, gaining valuable experience in addiction treatment. During this time I also volunteered at Pollsmoor Prison with a non-profit organisation, where I developed a substance abuse programme for several prisons in the Western Cape. In Johannesburg since 2015, I continued my work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers which has included individual therapy, group therapy, family interventions, and psycho-educational work.

I returned to South Africa after studying overseas in 2019 and worked within an outpatient treatment setting as well as started my own private practice. I currently focus exclusively on individual psychotherapy with adults in private practice.

My area of interest has largely been related to the substance abuse field which has exposed me to a multitude of mental health issues. I have now expanded my area of interest to general mental health and in my private practice I address a broad range of issues including: eating disorders, struggles with self-esteem, childhood trauma, depression, general daily functioning and help with other everyday issues.

Due to my training as a social worker, I tend to adopt a systemic approach which involves holistically addressing all aspects of my client’s life. This is coupled with an assessment of the client’s needs and my therapeutic approach being informed by evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamically informed therapy, and 12-Step facilitation.

I value creating a therapeutic relationship that is client-centred, compassionate, and respectful, where clients feel supported in exploring challenges and working toward meaningful change. Therapy provides a confidential and supportive space to explore difficulties, develop insight, and work toward meaningful change.