Serving Kids + Teens
Des Moines + Waukee
In-Person + Virtual
Every person has a story worth understanding. Tara believes therapy begins with genuine curiosity, authentic connection, and creating a space where clients feel accepted, supported, and free to be fully themselves. With more than 17 years of experience in behavioral health, Tara has worked alongside adolescents, young adults, adults, and families in a variety of mental health settings, including residential treatment, inpatient hospitalization, and partial hospitalization programs. Throughout her career, she has supported individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, life transitions, and moments of crisis.
Tara believes healing begins with connection. Her approach is warm, collaborative, strengths-based, and grounded in curiosity, creating a space where clients can show up exactly as they are while feeling both supported and empowered. She integrates trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to help clients build practical skills and lasting resilience. She also believes that laughter and humor can be powerful parts of the healing process when the moment is right.
Tara earned bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Music from Simpson College and is currently completing her Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration at the University of Iowa. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they rediscover their strengths, build resilience, and create meaningful change.
Outside of the therapy room, Tara enjoys strength training, singing karaoke, reading just one more chapter, and spending time with her husband, family, friends, and beloved beagle, Rainy
Therapy Focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- LGBTQIA+
- Emotional regulation
- Self-Esteem
- Life Transitions
Clients
- Children
- Teens
- Young Adults
Modalities
- Internal Family Systems
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Somatic Approaches
- Trauma-Informed Care
Insurance
- Sliding-Fee Private Pay
