More on Tara

The story.

A love for music led me to touch lives in ways I never imagined.

Born and raised in New England, my journey began with a love for music. I used to bask in the joy of creating mixtapes, burning CDs for friends (remember those??) and meticulously crafting playlists that resonated with people's emotions. You can imagine how ecstatic I was to enter the music industry in 2009. My 11-year experience was full of learning and interacting with people of all backgrounds. It took me everywhere from Chicago to New York City, eventually landing in Austin, Texas.

Even with all of the excitement and success surrounding me, the intuitive knowing that something was missing grew larger. I started to dream of a profession that could give me a more profound sense of purpose and meaning, where I could impact other people’s lives with my heart and empathy. I’ve always been driven by a passion to heal, help, and grow personally. What I didn’t realize was how that was pulling me to an entirely different career path. 

Feeling stuck in my previous career triggered a mix of emotions. I was frustrated and dissatisfied with my job, anxious about the uncertainty of the future, and fearful of making the wrong decision. The ongoing stress and occasional regret took a toll on me. With the benefit of hindsight, I now know that I lacked what I have come to understand as psychological insight; something that can be gained from the guidance of a great therapist. I needed someone to ground me with coping skills, challenge my negative core beliefs, and teach me to give myself compassion. 

Through my own therapeutic journey, I started to feel a glimmer of hope and motivation as I contemplated a more fulfilling career path. Taking action and seeking support from career experts helped me navigate those emotions and make informed decisions about my future. Through my dedicated work in my personal therapy practice, I discovered a sense of purpose and fulfillment in being of service to others. 

That was the moment I embarked on a transformative journey that ended my then-established career to become a therapist. Through working with adolescents and adults experiencing similar anxieties and uncertainties about the future, worried that it’s “too late” to make a change, I learned just how much I love exploring the human experience, intimacy, and consciousness. I also enjoy less intense things like puzzles, snacks, and being outside. 

Being a therapist is so much more than a job for me. Being a good therapist involves a lifelong commitment to doing your work, staying humble, and staying curious, which I can’t wait to bring to anyone who enters my office.

My training.

I have a Masters in Clinical Social Work from the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston. I’ve cut my teeth during my year-long experience working with adults and adolescents at Cypress Creek Hospital, an acute care psychiatric treatment center, where I worked alongside a patient population with a wide variety of psychiatric disorders through episodes of crises.

I continued my clinical training during my time at Ethos Wellness Behavioral Health group where I provided individual and family therapy, as well as DBT-focused intensive outpatient groups with adolescents, adults, aiming to re-stabilize and regulate their emotions, mood and behaviors, improve functioning in work, school or relationships, and replace harmful coping mechanisms with healthier behaviors.

My training helps me approach clients from a holistic point of view, taking into account their inherent capacity for self-healing. I operate with a creative, client-centered approach guided by empathy and respect. I focus on creating a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel honored and understood.

My commitment.

My commitment is to approach my clients and their concerns comprehensively and interconnectedly, considering all aspects of their well-being. You are not just a collection of isolated problems but rather complex beings with various dimensions. I focus on building our relationship and getting to know who you are as a unique individual. Wherever you’re starting from and whatever you’re starting with, I look forward to meeting you there.