Counselor Spotlight: Introducing Tess Terlep

What inspired you to become a counselor, and what do you find most rewarding about your work?

Counseling has been a part of my story for about as long as I can remember. I went to counseling at a very young age for OCD and found such freedom in my thoughts and life through it. That same therapist continued to impact my life fifteen years later and walked with me through some very painful seasons of my life. She acknowledged my feelings, sat in the hurt with me, confronted the lies I believed, and always pointed me back to Christ’s power over my life. I was inspired to help people through counseling because I have experienced firsthand what it’s like to sit on the couch and to experience the freedom that can be found through awareness and surrender. What I find most rewarding about this work is helping people break chains that keep them stuck so they can better pursue God and live in His freedom!

Can you describe your counseling approach and what clients can expect during a session with you?

My approach is faith-based, person-centered, and holistic. I love integrating faith into the session in whatever way the client views as most valuable, such as beginning or ending the session in prayer, surrendering our time together, and healing to the ultimate Healer. A strong therapeutic relationship is foundational to our work, so I prioritize building a safe, trusting environment with my clients. I view my client holistically, recognizing the connection between mind and body, and I enjoy incorporating body awareness and breathwork to support emotional regulation and healing. And if you’re looking for a furry friend to come alongside you in this process, my pup Knox would be happy to join! 

What are some common misconceptions about therapy that you wish more people understood?

Although there are a lot of misconceptions about therapy, some of the most common ones I hear are that going to therapy makes you “weak” or that your problems have to meet a certain threshold to be worthy of getting help. The truth is that one of the biggest signs of strength is the ability to ask for help. It is not an act of weakness to admit you can’t do it on your own, and you don’t have to do it alone. You also don’t need to reach “rock bottom” to go to therapy. Life struggles are not measured on a continuum, and another person’s pain does not negate your own. 

What are some of the most common issues you help clients with, and how do you approach these challenges?

I am passionate about helping clients navigate self-doubt, OCD, life transitions, relational dynamics, discovering personal values, pre/postpartum, body work, addiction, spiritual growth, and finding greater meaning and life purpose. Since everyone and their problems are unique, I take an individualized approach to my clients, tailoring our work to their needs, drawing from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment therapy and Logotherapy. I believe we are unable to face these challenges on our own, even as counselors, and so I approach any work I do and clients through a faith lens, relying on the One who can provide ultimate healing.

How do you stay updated with the latest developments in mental health and counseling practices?

As a counselor, I am a lifelong learner. Part of the beauty of this profession is that there is always more to know and ways to learn. I am aware that I will never know it all, but am constantly seeking to grow my skills and knowledge to help my clients to the best of my ability. I enjoy reading books on various theories to better conceptualize them and how to put them into practice, as well as attending continuing education trainings. I also have a list of several specialties I hope to get certified in soon, but my colleagues and supervisor are probably the greatest resource in my development, and one of the greatest things I value in working at Simplify. 

What advice would you give to someone considering therapy for the first time?

What do you have to lose? It’s scary to walk through those doors and sit across from a complete stranger and share your vulnerabilities. I get it. But truly, what do you have to lose? It’s not as scary as it seems, and I promise it will be so worth it! If you’re considering it, that shows a longing for something to change and a desire for help. You don’t have to do this alone, and we would love to walk alongside you through it. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work, and how do these activities influence your counseling style?

Outside of counseling, I enjoy practicing yoga, cooking, reading, being outside, especially near water, watching shows that make me laugh, spending time with God and at my church, and talking with my family. These moments of connection with my Creator and others, rest, and play recharge me and allow me to bring that sense of peace into the room with my clients. I never ask my clients to do something I have not done myself and benefited from, and so I bring these principles of self-reflection, rest, fun, care for and connection with our bodies, communion, and most importantly, reliance on God in my work. 

How do you measure progress and success in therapy, and what milestones do you celebrate with clients?

Measuring progress is vital for ethical practice as counselors because if we don’t keep track of where we’ve been, how can we see how far we’ve come?  In our first session, I analyze where my clients are and ask where they want to be to set long-term goals. However, tracking progress towards those goals is individualized depending on the client and the presenting concern, such as utilizing standardized assessments throughout treatment, rating the severity of symptoms periodically, identifying healthier thought patterns, and improving emotional regulation. I enjoy celebrating every win with my clients, both big and seemingly small. Therapy can be a slow process, so it’s easy to lose sight and feel like no progress is being made. It is part of my job – a part I truly love – to bring awareness to how far my client has come every step of the way.