- Client-centered care
- Skills-based methods
- Trauma-aware support
About Tara
Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois who draws on nine years of combined clinical and counseling experience. She centers sessions on practical conversation and collaborative planning. Tara aims to help people manage stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, and issues with addiction and mood.
Tara uses clear, down-to-earth language in sessions. She blends client-centered care with cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior approaches to shape goals and skills work. Mindfulness and existential ideas also inform how she helps people rethink meaning and cope with life changes.
Her background includes clinical work plus two years as a substance abuse counselor. That experience informs treatment for addiction and related concerns such as relapse prevention and coping skills. She has also worked with people recovering from physical trauma and emotional abuse.
In the room, she focuses on listening and building plans that fit each person. Therapy may include skill practice, problem-solving, and attention to thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of daily life. She avoids stigmatizing labels and emphasizes respect and compassion.
Tara helps with a wide range of concerns beyond mood and addiction. Those include parenting strain, intimacy-related issues, grief, caregiver stress, blended family questions, communication struggles, and coping after separation or loss. She supports clients as they take steps toward clearer goals and healthier routines.
Tara uses clear, down-to-earth language in sessions. She blends client-centered care with cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior approaches to shape goals and skills work. Mindfulness and existential ideas also inform how she helps people rethink meaning and cope with life changes.
Her background includes clinical work plus two years as a substance abuse counselor. That experience informs treatment for addiction and related concerns such as relapse prevention and coping skills. She has also worked with people recovering from physical trauma and emotional abuse.
In the room, she focuses on listening and building plans that fit each person. Therapy may include skill practice, problem-solving, and attention to thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of daily life. She avoids stigmatizing labels and emphasizes respect and compassion.
Tara helps with a wide range of concerns beyond mood and addiction. Those include parenting strain, intimacy-related issues, grief, caregiver stress, blended family questions, communication struggles, and coping after separation or loss. She supports clients as they take steps toward clearer goals and healthier routines.
How chosen approaches shape online therapy
The therapist commonly draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to guide online sessions. CBT focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that contribute to stress and mood problems and teaching practical strategies to change them. DBT emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills that help in high-stress moments or intense relationships.Client-centered therapy is also a foundation, which means the therapist prioritizes listening, reflects what the person says, and collaborates on goals. Together the therapist and client decide which approaches fit best based on the client's needs, goals, and personal preferences. This is a shared process and can shift over time as goals change.
If you are considering online care, confirm available session options before booking since formats were not specified in the profile. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so therapy fits around work, caregiving, or other obligations. Licensed professionals can help you pick a structure that meets your schedule and treatment goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
9+ years
Credentials
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Tara address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, and related challenges.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Sessions are warm and interactive, emphasizing respectful conversation and tailored plans. She mixes client-centered dialogue with cognitive and skills-based techniques.
What is her clinical background?
She has nine years of experience including two years as a substance abuse counselor and several years working with people affected by trauma.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in Illinois.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin therapy?
Click the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments according to the therapist's availability.