Ms Jess Maris Social Worker

Social Worker - Mental Health & Trauma Therapist Founder, Adaptable Therapeutic Support Jess is a passionate mental health therapist and social worker, dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for individuals healing from trauma and mental health challenges. With seven years of academic and professional experience, Jess holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science, a Master of Social Work, and is currently completing a PhD researching the impacts of trauma and colonisation on Indigenous women — with a special focus on resilience, survival, and strength. Throughout her career, Jess has worked across diverse mental health settings, gaining specialised skills and training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based approaches. Jess' paternal family is Aboriginal from Wiradjuri Country. After discovering her heritage later in life, she continues to deepen her understanding, strengthen her connection to culture, and honour her identity through both personal growth and professional practice. A proud advocate for gentle, trauma-informed care, Jess believes that healing is not about rushing or "fixing," but about reconnecting with safety, strength, and self-compassion. Her approach is warm, flexible, and deeply personalised to each client’s unique journey.