Tara is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, license #136222. She has a BA in Sociology from San Francisco State University and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley.
Tara began her clinical journey in community mental health, working with clients from ages 8 to 66 with a variety of presenting concerns ranging from depression, anxiety, and ADHD to troubles caused by low self esteem and self-worth. Prior to joining Loyal Blue, her work was in a practice that focused on trauma care including counseling couples as well as students.
Throughout her experience, Tara has developed a therapeutic style that is warm, collaborative and evidence-based. Tara is easy to talk to and encourages a holistic view of clients. This aligns with Loyal Blue’s solution-focused approach which emphasizes each client being seen fully and not reduced to their symptoms or present concerns.
Tara teaches CBT skills to help alleviate depression, anxiety, and a variety of life stressors including transitions and maladaptive coping skills. Tara has an understanding of the mind/body connection and uses mindfulness training as well as somatic (body awareness) strategies to promote emotional regulation.
Tara’s clients can expect to build a trusted relationship, become understood for who they are and challenged to reach their therapeutic goals. She is a loyal ally to her clients and their desired outcomes.
In addition to her work experience as a therapist, Tara has a passion and previous career working with animals in the veterinary industry. She hopes use her therapeutic skills to help those in the veterinary field with burnout and compassion fatigue.
When Tara is not practicing therapy she can be found spending time with her three pets, enjoying the outdoors, cooking, or traveling with her partner. She also loves DIY projects and thrifting for hidden gems.
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #136222. Our AMFTs like Tara receive weekly supervision from our team of licensed supervisors.
Tara Specializes In:
- Depression and anxiety
- Life transitions for all ages
- Calming & Grounding skills (emotional regulation)
- Trauma-informed care
- Couples
- Those in the helping professions (veterinary staff, nurses, doctors, teachers…)
Recent Trainings and Seminars
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: EFT is best known as a cutting edge, tested and proven couples intervention, but it is also used to address individual depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy: The Gottman Method is a popular research-based approach on what makes relationships last. Therapists who train in the Gottman Method learn tools to build a solid relationship, effective conflict resolution, and more.
