Therapy with Tara
How Do I Work?
I show up authentically, with presence, and without my own agenda. I take care of myself so that you never have to take care of me.
Together, we make sense of your experiences and your responses—not as problems to fix, but as meaningful and uniquely yours. I don’t view you as a diagnosis or pathologize what brings you to therapy. Instead, we approach your story with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
My work integrates family systems, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and attachment-based approaches. We explore how your past experiences and relationships have shaped how you show up in your life today—especially in how you cope, connect, and protect yourself. I use experiential, body-aware approaches that engage both the mind and the nervous system, helping you access your own inner resources: calmness, clarity, and curiosity.
Clients often describe me as calm, attuned, insightful, and transparent in a way that creates a sense of safety and connection.
I also believe there is space for humor, playfulness, and lightheartedness in the process.
I’ve been married for 30 years and have three adult children (26, 24, and 19). Both personally and professionally, I understand how complex relationships and life transitions can be.
Outside of my work, I enjoy working out, taking long walks with my husband, reading, traveling, and gathering around a table with family and friends.
What Do I Know?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia and hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.
I have completed Level 2 training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), which serves as a foundational model in my work.
I also pursue ongoing training and education in Attachment Theory, Shame and Identity Work, Family Systems Theory, Polyvagal Theory, and Addiction and Recovery.
These frameworks are integrated thoughtfully based on what is most helpful for you.
What's my experience?
My clinical work began during graduate training in an outpatient addiction setting and a local nonprofit counseling center, where I worked with individuals navigating substance use and a wide range of life challenges.
After graduation, I spent time in community mental health, supporting individuals and families involved with DFCS, as well as those impacted by domestic violence, substance use, and significant mental health concerns. That work deepened my understanding of how trauma, stress, and systemic pressures shape both individuals and relationships.
I later transitioned into private practice, where I now focus on trauma-informed work with adult individuals and couples. My background continues to inform how I approach therapy today—with an emphasis on safety, understanding patterns at their root, and helping clients move toward more connected and meaningful lives.