About
About Tess Cialdini
My name is Tess and I was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I completed my Undergraduate Degree at Appalachian State University and my Master’s Degree in Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill. I live in Durham with my husband, our baby Emma, two dogs and two old cats. In my free time I enjoy spending time with loved ones and being active – running and weight training. I have benefited over the years from my own therapeutic relationships and have found that having someone to talk to allows me to show up as my best self for friends, family and clients.
I have worked over the years with individuals of various ages and backgrounds; in both community-based and office-based services. I specialize in addiction work but I also have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma and severe mental illness. I am an active listener who tends to provide straight-forward, sometimes challenging feedback. I believe that open and honest communication is the touchstone of an effective therapeutic relationship. I appreciate an open dialogue and respect that every person is the master of their own experience.
My Approach
I have found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to be the touchstone of effective therapy, because the way in which our thoughts and behaviors interact is the ultimate power dynamic. Utilizing Motivational Interviewing and a Person-Centered Approach, I tend to challenge set norms and patterns of thinking and behavior with the goal of deepening personal insight and affecting positive change.
Seeking an ally in the process of personal growth is a big decision and I am humbled that you are considering me for that role. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am here to support and empower your journey.
Why Work with Me
Why did I say that? Why does this feel so hard? Why did I push them away? Why did I stay? Why do I keep engaging in self-destructive behaviors?
Are you struggling to understand or cultivate your identity? Are past instances of trauma and painful experiences fueling current self-doubt and negative self-talk? Do you find yourself turning to outside means to fill an inner void? Whether it’s substances, romantic connections, fleeting physical encounters, or a combination of things – I can help. Together we can work to identify where that inner void came from and how you are currently attempting to fill it. Next we get to find new, constructive ways to solidify your sense of self and empower you to become a version of yourself that you may have never even known was possible.
Services
I offer a free, 15-minute phone consultation to anyone interested in starting therapy. This can be a time for me to answer any questions you may have about therapy in general or about therapy with me in particular.
The cost of a session with me is $150 for 50 minutes. I do not bill insurance but I am able to provide necessary documentation for folks to submit to their insurance providers for out-of-network reimbursement. If therapy with me feels like a good fit, I require weekly meetings for the first month in order to get to know each other and build rapport. Following that first month, we can renegotiate our cadence if appropriate.