About Tara

My Background:
I am one of the few fully Certified Play Therapists in Toronto and am also a Certified Play Therapist Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy.  I am a Clinical Social Worker who has extensive experience in working with children, youth, and families from various ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds. I am a Registered Social Worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.  I completed a Master in Social Work with a Collaborative Program in Addiction Studies from the University of Toronto.  I offer general and sexual trauma assessments as a Certified Trauma Assessor.    

I use an integrative approach in my work by applying multiple modalities to meet the unique healing needs of each individual -- I am trained in:  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Brainspotting, Trauma Focused -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.  I have training in expressive arts therapy through the CREATE Institute.  I have completed two levels of Theraplay (an attachment-based therapy).  I received training in narrative therapy and solution-focused therapy through Oolagen Community Services (Skylark).

My Experience:
I have 20 years of experience in the mental health field working within children's aid societies, hospital, residential, school, and community settings. Since 2006, I have provided individual, family, and group therapy within the First Nation/ Inuit/ Metis community of Toronto.  I am a registered therapist with Indigenous Services Canada and previously spent one week per month flying into a remote Northern reserve to provide therapy.  I also see clients referred through 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.  I am also a service provider for Victim Services Toronto and for the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) program with BOOST Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.  
 
I provide therapy for children and adolescents with issues including: complex/ developmental/ intergenerational trauma; family violence; attachment issues; grief and loss; separation and divorce; anxiety and phobias; depression and mood disorders; suicide prevention; self-harm; abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect); social skills/ relationship issues; self-esteem/ self-worth; identity (gender, sexual, cultural, life stage); eating issues; adoption/ foster experiences; bullying; and addictions.  

I am experienced in working with foster and adoptive children and their biological and adoptive families in both child welfare and in a counselling capacity. 
 
I am also passionate about providing support and consulting with caregivers as well as strengthening attachments and relationships in the family system. 

But Who Am I?
Aside from my clinical work, I enjoy salsa dancing (and many other dances!), yoga, nature walks with my dog, gardening, creating artwork, visiting art galleries, festivals, and watching documentaries and movies.