Bio

Nice to meet you!

Tara O’Brien

She /Her Registered Social Worker, MSW Psychotherapist

Making the decision to begin therapy can be difficult. It takes a lot of courage and strength to recognize that you would like to make some changes and that you may need some help to do so. I work hard to create a safe, non-judgemental and comfortable space for you to share your experiences. I do my best to make sessions engaging and fun while using the appropriate interventions for your experience. I will work with you to identify your goals and help create a plan for achieving these goals, while assisting you with overcoming any barriers that may arise or exist. I understand the ways in which one’s mental health and well-being can affect various relationships in their lives, and I can help you improve and strengthen these important relationships. Therapy is an investment in yourself and you are worth it!

Tara is a Registered Social Worker committed to helping children, adolescents, and young adults who are going through a challenging time and who are hoping to make meaningful changes in their lives. She works with people with a wide range of diagnoses and challenges, including, Mood and Anxiety Disorders (Social Anxiety and Generalized Anxiety, Depression), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, gender dysphoria, interpersonal/relationship difficulties, and sleep difficulties. She uses various evidence-based therapeutic interventions depending on your unique situation.

Tara has over 8 years of experience of working in an outpatient mental health hospital setting with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the Credit Valley Hospital. In this role, she provides individual and group therapy, as well family support and educational groups for parents and caregivers.

Tara has completed the following certificates and trainings:

  • CBT - Level 1 & 2 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Certificate through University of Toronto

  • Crisis Intervention Training Certificate

  • Certificate in Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST)

  • Completed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and selective mutism training

  • Completed various DBT trainings

  • Motivational Interviewing training

  • Substance Use and Concurrent Disorder Training

“I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. It is an opportunity for you to grow, learn more about yourself and make meaningful changes in your life. I would love to get to know you and be part of your journey”.

Associations / Professional Designation

Education

  • Master’s of Social Work, Specialization in Mental Health and Health, from University of Toronto

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Ryerson University

  • Community and Justice Services Diploma from Humber College

Specialties

  • Depression / Social Anxiety/ Generalized Anxiety / OCD / Borderline Personality Disorder / Emotion Dysregulation / Interpersonal/Relationship difficulties / Suicidal thinking and self-harm / Parenting challenges / School avoidance / Parenting your anxious child / Youth involved in the criminal justice system/ Self-esteem issues/ Stress and Burnout / LGBTQ stressors

Offers

  • individual sessions (child, youth and adult), family sessions, parenting consultation sessions

Therapies

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy

Fees

  • Virtual sessions: $180 no HST

  • In-person sessions: $180 no HST (Burlington)

  • Family sessions: $200 no HST

More than just my work:

Favourite Quote

  • “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”- John Lennon

  • “Fall down 7 times, get up 8” – Japanese Proverb

Quick Facts

  • I have a rescue dog from Korea who loves going on hikes

  • I love thriller books and movies. The scarier the better!

  • I love playing board games and I own many!

Book a therapy session with Tara