Hi there, I’m Tara (she/her).

I am so glad you are here.

A therapist with a kind face who helps high achieving perfectionist adults, couples and neurodiverse in ottawa

What you can expect from me

A calm and gentle demeanour.

Continuity from session to session; I will keep your goals and progress at the forefront.

A collaborative approach. I know the research, the tools, and what has helped many people! You know yourself and your needs. We bring these together.

A gentle push. In order for change to occur, we must be able to walk a different path. I will listen and guide you towards that new path.

Evidence based therapy; I utilise the approaches that will give you the highest chances of success.

A strong belief in your innate ability to make change.

a therapist standing in her garden next to a sunflower with a smile on her face because she has helped so many high achieving anxious perfectionists live the life they want to live.

8 tidbits about me

  1. I have an angelic Bernadoodle named Juniper.

  2. A passion of mine is art and design - I love to do ceramics, crochet and create beautiful spaces.

  3. I feel deeply connected to nature and the most excitement I feel is when growing flowers and vegetables from seed. Get ready for some nature and garden metaphors.

  4. I love to travel, but of all the places I have seen, the ones close to home are the most awe inspiring - nothing beats a fresh snow covered evergreen forest.

  5. I lived in an off grid tiny home for a year!

  6. Throughout the years I have experimented with other work, even working on an organic vegetable farm, but I keep coming back to the helping profession! It’s in my nature!

  7. I have a decade of experience working in mental health settings.

  8. Once a client asked me “do you ever cry after a session?” I told them yes. They responded “good, that means you are human”. I believe this spirit of humanity is necessary as a therapist.

Professional Background

  • Masters of Social Work, University of Ottawa

  • BA Psychology and Social Work, University of Ottawa

  • Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers

  • CACBT-ACTCC-Certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

  • 11 years of experience in the mental health field (advocacy, counselling, emotion regulation and skills groups)

  • 3 years offering psychotherapy

  • Extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

  • Trained in Couples Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

  • Trained in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy

  • Conducted and published research in Dr. Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy lab at the University of Ottawa

  • Extensive work from a person centered trauma informed approach with adults with intellectual disabilities, autism and dual diagnosis

Let’s see if we are a good fit!