- Relationship focus
- Sleep and rest
- Mindful approach
About Tara
Tara McBrearty is a California licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, sleep problems, grief, depression, and relationship or intimacy struggles. She speaks plainly with clients about what feels stuck and what practical steps might help. Tara aims to support someone's sense of self while they work through life changes and career concerns.
Her approach in session is cooperative and tolerant. Clients can expect a calm tone that invites honest conversation and experimentation with new ways of coping. She encourages people to name barriers to intimacy, rebuild trust, and reclaim energy for work and daily life.
Tara draws on several methods to fit each person's needs, including client-centered work, cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy. These methods are used to identify patterns, shift unhelpful thoughts, and strengthen daily habits that improve sleep and mood.
She places value on curiosity and creativity during sessions. Rather than follow a single formula, Tara adjusts her style to what each person brings and the goals they set together. This includes talking through painful family history, addressing feelings of emptiness or shame, and practicing new communication skills.
People who choose Tara can expect a steady presence and practical attention to what happens between sessions. She invites clients to take the small, courageous steps that move them toward clearer purpose and more restful days.
How Tara’s approaches translate to online work
Tara uses client-centered therapy to follow what matters most to each person, focusing on understanding, empathy, and the client’s own goals. This helps when sorting relationship patterns, feelings of abandonment, or low self esteem.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at thoughts and habits that keep problems alive and introduces simple experiments to change them. CBT techniques can support better sleep, reduce anxiety, and shift unhelpful behaviors.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Tara will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit best for their goals and preferences. That collaboration happens over time as goals become clearer and sessions progress.
Session format options are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session formats before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Many people find remote visits help them stick with regular sessions and practice new skills between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Tara commonly address?
Tara works with people around relationship and intimacy issues, self esteem, career stress, grief, depression, anxiety, addictions, and sleeping problems.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is cooperative and tolerant with a calm tone. Sessions focus on clear talk, practical steps, and experimenting with new habits.
What kind of professional background does she bring?
She has 30 years of clinical experience helping people navigate life transitions and rebuild trust in themselves and relationships.
What credential and location information should I know?
She is a California LCSW, which stands for licensed clinical social worker, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Tara?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.