Tessa Voorhees, MSW

As a neurodivergent person myself, I am passionate about helping my clients embrace their authenticity and navigate their unique lives with vibrance and self-confidence. My practice is a supportive and inclusive space designed to be neurodivergent- and LGBTQIA+-affirming. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. I incorporate an understanding of Polyvagal Theory in my therapeutic approach, encouraging my clients to build body awareness alongside awareness of thoughts and feelings to help them identify and use different coping skills that work for them. I support clients with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, OCD, and trauma. 

Being a human in today’s world can be so challenging. Sometimes life feels too hard, and we can feel overwhelmed. Many of us feel isolated, alone, and exhausted. Each person’s struggle is unique. Sometimes we have feelings that feel like “too much”, or maybe we have a hard time tapping into certain feelings. Maybe we see patterns in our life that we want to be different, and we want to change something about what we are doing.  

Life might throw challenges at us such as grief and loss, transitions, and difficulty making and maintaining friendships and relationships. I welcome all feelings in the therapeutic space we build together. In our sessions, you and I will get to know you and help you build the skills to meet your goals. There is hope that things can get better, and I am so grateful to be part of the journey in helping my clients build the lives they want. 

Your first session with me will mostly be a “getting to know you” conversation. We will identify what goals you want to work toward in our sessions, and we will discuss how therapy sessions may be able to help. You are always encouraged to ask questions and voice your preferences. 

I encourage my clients to unmask in session as much as they feel comfortable. Eye contact is not necessary, nor is sitting still. I encourage my clients to bring a fidget toy or comfort item(s) to their sessions. Some clients like to pace during our sessions. I am grateful to be able to hold a space where my clients can be themselves and explore what being their authentic self might look like.

I always welcome feedback from my clients – everyone is different and what might help one person might not be helpful for another. Your session is for you, and I am thankful when my clients feel comfortable enough to voice what they feel works for them and what might not be as helpful for them right now.

I am able to have sessions:

*  Via Tele-Health

*  School-Based-Seminole, Osceola, and  

    Orange Counties

*  Community Based- I can meet you at a  

    mutually convenient location where you feel 

    comfortable. (Example: beach, park, fishing 

    pier). Seminole and Orange Counties.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Mood Disorders, in particular, Anxiety and Depression 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Trauma-Informed Care 

Some of the modalities that I incorporate include:

• Internal Family Systems:  is a therapy that helps you understand the different “parts” of yourself—like the parts that feel anxious, protective, or hurt—and work with them in a compassionate way. The goal is to connect with your calm, wise “self” so you can bring more balance, healing, and peace inside. 
• Expressive Arts Therapy uses creative activities like drawing, writing, movement, or music to help you explore feelings and experiences that may be hard to put into words. It’s not about artistic skill but about expression and discovery. 
• Play-Based Techniques use play, storytelling, or role-play to help children (and sometimes adults) express themselves, process emotions, and practice new coping skills in a safe, natural way. Play makes it easier to explore feelings and solve problems without the pressure of “just talking.” 
• Trauma-Informed Therapy: Provides a safe and supportive environment, recognizing the impact of trauma on an individual’s life and tailoring care to avoid re-traumatization.
• DBT & Mindfulness-Based Techniques: Together, these approaches teach skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and staying present. They combine practical tools—like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills—with mindfulness practices that promote calm, clarity, and balance. 
• Narrative Therapy: Helps clients reframe their personal stories, empowering them to take control of their lives by focusing on strengths and values.