Tara Hartley , LCSW

Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with nine years of combined experience, including two years working specifically as a substance abuse counselor. She has completed training as part of a TF-CBT cohort, gaining focused experience in trauma-focused work and supporting people who have experienced physical injury or emotional abuse.

Her clinical background includes helping individuals and couples with depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, career transitions, OCD, and a range of other mental health issues. Tara draws on a mix of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and dialectical behavioral approaches to shape a plan that fits each person she works with. She values a warm, interactive counseling style and emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while avoiding stigmatizing labels.

Tara customizes conversations and treatment strategies to meet unique needs, balancing practical skills with attention to personal meaning and emotional safety. She sees seeking change as an act of courage and aims to support and empower people as they pursue a more fulfilling life.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Tara Hartley

Tara Hartley integrates several evidence-informed methods to address a range of concerns. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and a trusting therapeutic relationship - a foundation that supports personal growth and is well suited to issues around self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical skills to manage symptoms like anxiety and depression. This approach offers structured strategies for change and problem solving.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and tolerating distress, making it helpful for mood instability and relationship challenges. She works with clients collaboratively to determine which approach or combination of approaches best matches their goals and preferences, treating the selection of methods as a shared process rather than a one-size-fits-all decision.

Online therapy with Tara is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for scheduling and for fitting care into a busy life. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access licensed professionals and therapists from different locations when in-person sessions are not practical.