Tara McGowan

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with several years of experience working with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, substance use, and major life transitions. My background includes both crisis work and long-term therapy, which allows me to support clients through intense moments while also helping them build sustainable change.

I believe therapy should feel like a collaborative, supportive space where you can be honest about what you’re going through without fear of judgment. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are, help you better understand yourself, and work together to create meaningful progress in your life.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, practical, and strengths-based. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care while tailoring the work to each individual’s needs and goals.

I believe that therapy should not be one-size-fits-all. Some sessions focus on developing concrete coping skills, while others create space to process emotions, past experiences, or patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Throughout the process, I aim to help clients build insight, resilience, and tools they can use outside of session

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and start building a comfortable therapeutic relationship. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what challenges you’re currently facing, and what you hope to get out of the process.

I’ll ask some questions about your background, mental health history, and current stressors so I can better understand the full picture. There’s no pressure to share everything right away—this is simply a starting point. By the end of the session, we’ll begin identifying goals and discuss what ongoing therapy might look like for you.