About
Hi, I'm Tess,
Welcome to Thrive Positive Psychology and the Carer Fatigue and Burnout Project – a site dedicated to supporting all carers – those in paid work and those who provide care to family members.
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The impact of consistent caregiving in a context that fails to adequately value and support you can lead to chronic stress and mental and physical illness.
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​It is my sincere hope that this information will help guide and support you in continuing in your own caregiving roles in a way that acknowledges your value as a whole person, gives you meaning and purpose without compromising your health.
Empowering Courses, Workshops and Support for Carers to Prevent and Recover from Fatigue and Burnout
Our aim is to introduce you to Radical Self-Care so you can understand the multiple levels of stress that can impact your caregiving role and your health
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Our wish is that ultimately you will learn to recognise and value the incredible contribution you make while learning to prioritise your own self-care.
Our Mission
​At Thrive Positive Psychology our mission is to help carers and caregivers understand why they move into fatigue and burnout, and what they can do to prevent that. So that ultimately, they can do the work they love, in a sustainable way, without compromising their health and in a way that allows them to make the their incredible contribution to society which is so needed at this time.
I'm Here to Support You in Prioritising Your Self-Care
and Finding Your Path to Sustainable Health
I am passionate about helping you understand the value your role as a carer or caregiver makes to society, so that you can appreciate yourself and prioritise your own self-care.
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My wish is that this information will help guide and support you to continue your own caregiving in a way that acknowledges your value and that gives you meaning and purpose without compromising your health.
About Tess
Tess Howells is a psychologist, training consultant and author with over twenty years experience in rural clinical practice. Her diverse expertise spans corporate and community mental health training, individual and couple therapy, Aboriginal health, clinical hypnosis and nutritional medicine.
Tess has worked with organisations including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, International Health and Medical Service and various government and not-for profit organisations utilising FIFO, DIDO, Telehealth and direct service models.
Diagnosed with PTSD and burnout in 2020, Tess’ journey of recovery included much self-reflection and many months of research into the factors that could lead to either carer health and wellbeing or to illness and burnout.
My Approach
My approach to my work whether it is clinical consulting, writing or delivering education and training is to take a “whole person” or holistic approach.
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Unlike traditional psychology’s focus on illness or dysfunction, positive psychology focusses on the scientific study of human flourishing and assists individuals, groups, and communities to live optimal, meaningful, and connected lives.
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For carers, this means helping you to see and value the contributions you make to society, to appreciate the positive aspects of your caregiving work and to prioritise your own self-care, so you can keep doing what you do so well.
PREVENTION AND RECOVERY THROUGH RADICAL SELF-CARE
About the Carer Fatigue & Burnout Program
The demand placed upon caregivers has continued to grow over recent years, particularly following the Covid pandemic, which has led to increased numbers of people who reported their struggles with chronic and mental health disorders.
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​I created this program as the result of my own experience and study to help all frontline health and community workers, support workers, paid and unpaid carers, in the hope that you will recognise and value your incredible contribution enough to prioritise your own self-care.
My Professional Background & Training
Professional Credentials & Training
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Post Grad Dip Nutritional Medicine (Mental Health) Health Schools Australia, 2014
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Post Grad Dip Psychology Charles Sturt University – conferred April 2001
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BA Psychology Deakin University – conferred May 1999
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Post Grad Cert Clinical Hypnosis – May 2004
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Family Mediation, Workplace Training, Trauma Focused Therapy
Awards
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2017 Winner Staar Healthier Workplace Award – No More Harm National Conference and the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
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2017 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards – Highly Commended Minister for Health’s Award for Improving Workforce Wellbeing and Safety
Professional Registrations
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Registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Professionals Regulatory Authority)
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Member Australian Association of Psychologists Inc
Authorship
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Change Your Thinking, Change Your World: Proven Techniques for Sustainable Happiness and Meaning in Your Life, (Ibis Press: Aust., 2014)
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Get Up and Go Up – A Handbook to Help You Get What You Want From Life Island Images: Aust., 1993.
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Carer Fatigue & Burnout – Prevention & Recovery Through Radical Self-Care, Thrive Positive Psychology: Aust., 2025
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