About Tara
Youth face a lot of challenges in our world today. Not only are they struggling with who they are and how they fit into the world, but also the pressures of being a teen with homework, social influences, expectations from family, sports, school, and what the future holds can lead to added stress and unhealthy coping tools.
I have a layered background of working with youth for the past 20 years in schools as a Youth Worker, as a Street Youth Worker in the DTES, and as a community Substance Use Counsellor. I have supported teens from many different backgrounds struggling with anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, depression, grief, substance use, gender identity/LGBTQ+2S, as well as youth and families who have experienced intergenerational/systemic trauma. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC and hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Clinical Counselling. I have also taken additional training in self-harm, gender/LGBTQ2+, and suicidality. On a personal note, I am the parent of a teen and have been in an intercultural relationship with my partner for the past 12 years. I love cooking, sketching, silversmith/jewelry-making, walking in the forest, and spending time with our dog Bailey (who may be in sessions with us sometimes).
?I work from a healing-centered and strengths-based approach, believing that those who have experienced trauma can be agents in the creation of their own well-being. My therapeutic approach is grounded in developing a warm and safe relationship with youth clients to create opportunities for connection and validation.
I have experience with a range of counselling modalities and follow the lead of clients to determine what works best for them. As a client-centered therapist, counselling sessions can include DBT, CBT, ACT, and solution-focused approaches.
By creating a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where teens can talk, my hope is for them to have dedicated time to share and work through the �hard stuff� together. Collaboratively, we can explore solutions and tools so ultimately, they don�t feel alone.
Other Information
Areas of Practice
- Addictions
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Eating Issues
- Family Conflict
- Gender Identity
- Indigenous | First Nations
- LGBTQ2
- Relationships
- Self-Harming Practices
- Self Esteem
- Sexuality
- Substance Use Counselling
- Suicidal Ideation - Teen | Tween | Child
- Suicide
- Teen | Adolescent Counselling (14 - 19 yrs)
- Transgender - Social / Physical Transition
- Women's Concerns
Modalities
Bright Star Counselling
Locations
-
2502 St. Johns Street
Port Moody BC
V3H 2B4Tel: 604-492-2884
Wheel Chair Access
Accepting new clients
Gender
- Woman
Language
- English