Rest In Essence

18/12/2025

Happy Festive Season from everyone at Rest in Essence ✨🎄

We wish you a peaceful and relaxing Christmas. While this time of year can be joyful, we also recognise that it can be difficult for many. Please know you’re not alone.

Our team is available to support you until 24 December, and we’ll be back from 2 January.

Take care of yourselves and each other during the festive season 💛

25/07/2025

💬 “There has to be a better way.”
When young people are in psychological distress, how we respond can make all the difference. Yet too often, the first response is fear or force - not calm and care.

Developed by Dr Stephen Spencer (PhD), the TAR3 model offers a practical, compassionate way for families, teachers, and carers to respond effectively and safely. Learn how it’s transforming outcomes for young people, starting at home, school, and in the community.

📬 Read the full story in our latest newsletter 👇

25/07/2025

Welcome to the team Kas!

Kas is passionate about supporting individuals to connect with their values and redefine their personal narratives. She brings a person-centred, strength-based, non-judgemental, and collaborative approach to therapy, working with clients of all ages and backgrounds.

Kas draws on a range of evidence-based modalities to tailor her approach to each individual, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and psychodynamic techniques.

Her areas of clinical interest include:
💬 Depression and anxiety
💥 Trauma and domestic/family violence
🔄 Major life transitions
🤝 Interpersonal issues
💔 Grief and loss
🌈 Sexuality

Kas also integrates the Power Threat Meaning Framework into her practice, acknowledging the role of social context and power structures in shaping mental health.

She holds a Master of Professional Psychology and is currently completing her Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Newcastle.

We’re very pleased to have Kas on board and look forward to the compassionate and thoughtful care she will provide.

📞 To book an appointment with Kas, contact us on 02 4902 8900 or email info@restinessence.com.au

27/06/2025

Last week, Steve took part in the CEO Sleepout, giving up the comforts of home to raise awareness and funds for those experiencing homelessness.

Thank you to the generosity of friends, family, and colleagues that donated to this important cause.

Every dollar goes toward supporting vital services that help break the cycle of homelessness. We're proud of you, Steve, for stepping up and making a real difference. 💙

13/06/2025

This Men’s Health Week, let’s talk about something we don’t talk about enough: men’s mental health

We regularly work with men who are navigating immense stress, emotional pain and silent struggles. Too often, societal expectations discourage men from seeking support or expressing vulnerability. The message has long been: “Be strong. Push through. Don’t talk about it.”
But real strength lies in self-awareness, in asking for help when you need it, and in taking steps toward healing.

Men’s Health Week is a powerful reminder that mental health is health and it matters just as much as physical well-being. Whether it is managing anxiety, coping with trauma, addressing depression, or simply needing space to talk, support is available.

To the men who are showing up for themselves and doing the inner work: we see you, we respect you and we are here to support you.
Let’s keep breaking the stigma. Let’s keep the conversation going.

06/06/2025

📣 We’re Hiring: Part-Time Administrator!

Rest in Essence is looking for a friendly and organised part-time Administrator to join our supportive team!

If you are passionate about making a difference and enjoy working in a caring, client-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you.

📞 Call us on 02 4902 8900
📧 Or send your resume to info@resinessence.com.au

Come be part of a workplace where your contribution truly matters!

06/05/2025

🧠 Why we use MIGDAS instead of ADOS for Autism Assessments

In this month’s newsletter, we are sharing the reasons behind our choice to use the MIGDAS (Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum) for autism assessments and why it aligns more closely with our values and approach.

Spoiler: It's all about strengths-based, sensory-informed, and language-sensitive assessment that honours each child’s individuality.

💌 Inside the newsletter:
✔️ Key differences between MIGDAS and ADOS
✔️ Why a narrative, sensory-informed, and personalised approach helps reveal a fuller, more accurate picture
✔️ How MIGDAS supports a deeper understanding of both challenges and brilliance

03/04/2025

📞 For more information, or to book an appointment, call 02 4902 8900 or email info@restinessence.com.au.

28/03/2025

🌟 Welcome to the team, Dr James Ulrick! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Dr James Ulrick, an experienced Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, to Rest in Essence Mental Health Practice! 🎉

Dr Ulrick has worked across various settings within the Hunter New England Local Health District and currently serves as the Psychiatrist for Newcastle CAMHS. With extensive training and expertise in anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders, he takes a holistic, patient-centred approach to supporting young people and their families.

Dr Ulrick offers assessments and ongoing treatment for young people (up to 24 years old) in a family context. Please note, he does not provide ADHD or ASD assessments or initiate stimulant medication.

We’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the great work ahead! 🙌

20/03/2025

✨ We are excited to welcome Georgia to the Rest in Essence team! ✨

Georgia is a Registered Psychologist and a Family Therapist currently completing her Master’s in Family and Systemic Therapy through the Williamsroad Family Therapy Centre in Melbourne.

With a background in AOD and gambling treatment, school psychology, disability, and private practice, Georgia has extensive experience supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. She works from a systemic and relational lens, helping families function at their healthiest in a way that aligns with their values.

Georgia takes a no wrong door approach, working collaboratively to understand each client’s unique needs. She is trained in CBT/REBT, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Resource Therapy (RT), and several other therapeutic modalities aimed at promoting psychological well-being. Using a strengths-based and creative arts approach, she incorporates objects, movement, and crafts into her sessions.

Having worked across the Northern Territory and New South Wales, Georgia has developed a deep understanding of supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.

Join us in giving Georgia a warm welcome! 👏😊

19/03/2025

Our psychologists offer appointments under DVA and to active ADF members.

📞 To book an appointment or find out more, contact us on 02 4902 8900 or email info@restinessence.com.au

📢 We are pleased to share a new provider to our growing Servulink network in the Newcastle and Hunter Region.

Specialising in psychology services for both DVA card holders and Bupa members, offer person centred mental wellbeing support for veterans and their families.

Search Rest in Essence on 👇
https://servulink.app

14/03/2025

🌿 Meet Siza – Victim Services Counsellor / Mental Health Social Worker 🌿

Siza understands that life can be overwhelming, and you don’t have to face it alone. With a warm, non-judgmental approach, she provides a listening ear while equipping you with practical skills to navigate life’s challenges.

Her passion for helping others is deeply rooted in her faith, values, and ethics, guiding her in making a positive impact on individuals and families. With 6 years as a Social Worker and 4 years as a Counsellor, she specialices in mental health, trauma, substance misuse, domestic violence, grief, and parenting support.

Using evidence-based therapies like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, Siza collaborates with clients to empower them in their healing journey. She embraces diversity and inclusivity, believing in the uniqueness of every individual.