Theresa Dominguez

Clinical Psychologist
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons) and Master of Clinical Psychology

Pronouns: She/her

Theresa Dominguez psychologist

Three beliefs that colour the way I work with my clients:

I believe…

When we make genuine human-to-human connections with one another, growth happens naturally.

I believe…

Experiencing hardship gives us opportunities to get to know our real selves, figure out what’s most important to us and find strength of character.

I believe…

Every person is deserving of compassion, curiosity and respect. When we find these things in others, as well as within ourselves, we can take charge of our own growth.

Get to know me

My secret talent:
Before becoming a psychologist, I was a professional singer! I still sing all the time as part of my own self-care.

What’s it like to be in a room with me?
I am a warm and down-to-earth person, who loves to meet new people and hear their stories. I do my best to truly listen and get to know the person sitting across from me. I like to use everyday language, humour and try to make a session feel like a conversation, not an interview. I believe that building a safe and trusting relationship with a psychologist is the most important part of therapy and should always come first.

What’s my non-negotiable when it comes to taking care of my own mental health?
Seeing my own psychologist is a ‘rain, hail or shine’ part of my own self care routine. There is something magic about connecting with another human being who is simply there to listen and show me acceptance and compassion.

My life motto:
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer… No matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger.” -Albert Camus

My background and experience

I have worked and volunteered in a variety of different private and public mental healthcare settings over the last thirteen years. As a psychologist and counsellor, I have provided support to clients in many different settings, including public health teams, crisis support teams, inpatient settings, not-for-profit organisations and private practices in Melbourne and regional NSW.

When I am not seeing clients at IMCP, I also work in public health with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In this role, I specialise in supporting and affirming gender diverse and neurodivergent people. I also offer training and consultation on these topics.

As part of my postgraduate studies, I researched molecular and behavioural neuroscience topics. Past research projects of mine have investigated changes in the brain that occur during methamphetamine psychosis and what happens in the brain after taking common antidepressant medications.

These experiences have given me the privilege of hearing many different stories from people from all walks of life. The people and experiences that I’ve encountered so far have added up to make me the helping professional that I am today.

melbourne psychologists

I can help you with:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Gender identity
  • Sexuality and sexual development
  • Neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD
  • Trauma and post-traumatic stress
  • Stress and burnout
  • Sleep problems
  • Perfectionism
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Self-development
  • Low self-esteem
  • Adjustments to stressful life changes
  • Communication and assertiveness skills
  • Family issues
  • Wellbeing and self-care
  • Job or study dissatisfaction

My therapeutic approaches

Depending on my client’s needs and preferences I use a variety of evidence-based approaches including:

  • Brief Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Compassion Focused Therapy
  • Emotion Focused Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Attachment Theory Principles
  • Trauma Informed Practice
  • Internal Family Systems Principles
  • Mindfulness Based Approaches
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Principles