Tara Marie Neavins,, LCP — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Tara!

I love working with clients because I want to help folks achieve their full potential, whatever that may look like for you.

My focus

I enjoy working with folks who continue to face oppression, including the LGBTQIA+, Transgender, and BIPOC communities. I also am committed to helping folks learn more effective tools (rather than substance use) for managing their anger and stopping from being violent. Finally, I am committed to helping individuals cope with trauma and PTSD.

My approach

I see my role as a coach. Having a good therapist "fit" is essential. Using Motivational Interviewing, I try to tap into your resiliency so that you may have a more peaceful and meaningful life. While I try to guide clients, I vacillate between being direct and following, depending on the situation. I use metaphors and humor to facilitate change.

My communication style

I am collaborative and try to provide timely and accurate feedback to clients, rather than just having individuals and couples "vent." I focus on specific CBT skills that have been shown through research to work. If they do not work for you, I am more than happy to switch gears. I want to work with you to find the best approach.

My journey to mental healthcare

Living in the USA, I never cease to be struck by the level of violence that we endure. Women, for instance, are more apt to die at home, at the hands of a relationship partner, than by any other means. I have fought for decades to reduce violence in our society and to help folks heal from addictions and trauma.

My goals for you

SMART goals really help. Let's talk about where you are now and where you would like your life to be. Then, let's go for it and get there together.

Our first session

I look forward to meeting you to see what you would like to get out of therapy. In addition to doing a normal "intake," my goal is to offer you 1-2 practical tips that you can implement immediately to make your life a bit better. You then decide whether it is a good fit. Your call.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Unitarian Universalism

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Behavioral Activation

Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)

+ 9 more

Focus populations

LGBTQIA+

Military/Veterans

Transgender

BIPOC

Blind

Gay

HIV/AIDS

Immune-Disorders

Intersex

Lesbian

Non-Binary

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Police/Fire/First Responders

Queer

Racial Justice

Single Mother

+ 16 more

Therapy types

Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 41 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in Human Services Psychology / Clinical Psychology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Master of Science (MS) in Experimental Psychology/Major: Social Psychology/Minor: Developmental Psychology from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Tara Marie Neavins,