Welcome to Thrive Positive Psychology
At Thrive Positive Psychology we’re passionate about helping caregivers learn how to prevent and manage stress, fatigue and burnout through an approach that is founded on Radical Self-Care.
Our aim is to help you understand why you may be vulnerable to burnout and how you can prevent it or recover from it, so that you can continue to do the vital caring work you do in a healthy and sustainable way. Caregivers make a significant contribution to society and you are needed now more than ever.
"I believe this is a critical time in history – a time for women to be seen, heard and proud, boldly claiming and celebrating their different yet equally valuable way of being in the world"
Tess Howells
Psychologist & Training Consultant
Many Carers Have Experienced Some Form of Burnout
The demand placed upon caregivers has continued to grow, 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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It seems the more we do, the more is expected of us and because of our natures we are reluctant to set boundaries to the limits of our giving, or we feel guilty if we try.
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The result is many find themselves as carers feeling overwhelmed, stressed, fatigued and burnt out.
7 in 10
Women and Caring
In Australia, almost 7 out of 10 primary carers are women.
* Source: ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (2022)
2 X
Wellbeing Gap
Carers are more than twice as likely to report having low wellbeing as the average Australian. 61.1% of carers report low wellbeing, compared with 33.6% of adults overall.
* Source: Source: Carers Australia, 2025 Carer Wellbeing Survey
72 - 83%
Women in Caring Roles
Women make up 72% of Australia's registered health workforce and 83% of the welfare and community services workforce.
* Source: AIHW, Health Workforce (2026 update) and Australia's Welfare 2023
Gain the Insight and Resources for Sustainable Health & Wellbeing
At Thrive Positive Psychology we provide resources, courses, workshops and training to help paid and unpaid caregivers develop the awareness, resilience and strategies they need to prevent fatigue and burnout, and embrace greater levels of sustainable health and wellbeing through Radical Self-Care.
Here's just some of the many benefits of our programs:
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Learn how to recognise signs of stress and burnout
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Understand the affects of prolonged stress on your body
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Learn practical techniques to soothe the nervous system
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Develop a holistic practice of Radical Self-Care
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Find your way back to sustainable, healthy caregiving
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Learn to value yourself, honour your emotions, embrace your caring nature
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Feel seen, heard, understood and validated
Join the Thrive Community & Get Access to Our Latest Updates, Resources and Strategies for Carers
Join our email list below and receive email updates on all of our upcoming courses, resources, workshop and self-care strategies for carers.
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Select the group that best describes you from the list below, to receive the most relevant information.
We value your privacy. Your information will never be shared or distributed and you can always unsubscribe at any time.
Discover the Carer Fatigue and Burnout Online Course
When Candles, Baths & Massages Just Won't Cut it!
I created this comprehensive whole person approach for health and support service workers and carers, especially those in rural areas, who may struggle to find the resources, strategies and support they need at this time.
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You'll discover proven techniques, strategies and insights for Radical Self-Care and Recovery gained from over 4 years of research and over 20+ years as a psychologist & training consultant.
What Others Are Saying
"Tess is so easy to listen to and has so much personal knowledge."
"It felt like what I am feeling as a carer has been validated."
About Tess
Tess is a registered psychologist, training consultant and author, who has lived and worked much of her life in rural Australia and who has a strong commitment to assisting rural communities to receive the support and resources they need.
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Her diverse experience includes owning a multi-disciplinary complementary medicine clinic, working for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, working offshore and in remote areas for the International Health and Medical Service, delivering clinical service to several Aboriginal Health organisations and providing psycho-social health training to corporates, community and not-for-profit organisations.​​
