nice to meet you

Welcome, and thank you for stopping by. I am Tara, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based (physically) in northeast Connecticut and (virtually) state-wide. I am in my mid-fifties, am divorced and re-partnered, have two adult daughters, two grandkiddos, and a spoiled chubby grey cat from Our Companions Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (yes, that's a free plug for a great organization). 

background & education

I began work in the Human Services field in 2007, and held positions as Senior Services Program Manager, Director of Social Services while I attended college part-time. In 2016, I earned my Bachelor's of Science degree from Eastern Connecticut State University and then left the workforce for two years to earn my Masters in Social Work degree from Simmons University (2018). With my MSW clinical degree in-hand, I served clients at United Services, inc. and Generations Family Health Center as their therapist until 2024. I opened Safe Space Counseling in January of 2024, and here we are, you and I, in the present day!

how I "do" therapy

Simply said, you and I will likely utilize a combination of therapy approaches. And we will only use what makes sense and feels safe for your mind, your soul/heart, your body, and your current situation. My goal is to connect and partner with you at deepest levels (whatever that means for you), not to impress you with book knowledge. That being said, of course I utilize evidence-based practices like EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, internal family systems therapy (IFS), humanistic therapy, positive psychology, and more.  

our first session

Our first session together will largely focus on the symptoms you currently experience. This is called an assessment, and to be transparent, it's likely the least enjoyable session we will ever have together, but is a necessary start to help me get a clear picture of who you are, where you came from, and where you want to go. 

After the assessment is complete, in our second and subsequent sessions, we will truly begin to get to know one another and figure out the best ways to move forward, toward the "you" under the symptoms. You remember that person? He/she/they are still here - just waiting to be rediscovered.   

I know my strengths lie in my empathy, compassion, patience, and ability to challenge each and every client's mind and heart. Without empathy and compassion, therapy feels unsafe and unsupportive. Without challenging conversations, therapy feels like small talk in a convenience store. 

 I currently work virtually with adults in all life-stages and embrace all gender/non-binary identities, ethnicities, religions, and disabilities. Humans (Clients) who benefit from , and enjoy, debate and deep-dive discussions report that I am "a good fit" for them.  

fun Facts

-I'd rather read than watch TV

-I love to wrap presents

-I come from an artsy family and use to perform 

-I love to laugh and believe I have a good sense-of-humor (yes, even in therapy sessions)