Tara Hartley, LCSW - Therapist in Illinois

Warm interactive style
Goal focused work
Trauma informed care

About Tara

Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who approaches therapy with warmth and respect. She uses a straightforward, interactive style to help people facing anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addiction, grief, and other life challenges. Tara practices in Illinois and brings nine years of combined experience in therapy and substance use counseling to her work.

She centers sessions on what matters most to each person. Conversations are tailored to individual needs, with attention to emotions, behavior patterns, and practical next steps. Tara avoids stigmatizing labels and focuses on clear, manageable goals that clients can notice in daily life.

Tara draws on several approaches to shape treatment. She uses client-centered listening to hear concerns, cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thinking and behavior, and dialectical skills to regulate strong emotions. Mindfulness and existential ideas are woven in when they fit the person's goals.

Her background includes work with people impacted by trauma, emotional or physical abuse, and substance use issues. She has supported those dealing with parenting stress, relationship problems, work-related strain, and grief. Tara also lists coping with natural or human-caused disaster among her focus areas.

Sessions aim to be collaborative and practical. Tara helps people identify small, realistic changes and builds on strengths they already have. She encourages hope and steady progress rather than quick fixes.

How her approaches shape online therapy

Tara integrates client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral strategies, and dialectical behavior techniques in her work. Client-centered Therapy emphasizes attentive listening and collaboration, helping people feel heard and steering sessions by their priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can ease anxiety, depression, and patterns that keep problems stuck. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides practical skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal communication.

Choosing the right approach is a joint process. Tara will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and then suggest methods that fit those aims. She adapts tools over time so sessions stay useful and relevant as needs change.

Online therapy can make attending sessions easier to fit into a busy life. Confirm the specific session formats before booking, as this profile does not list exact options. In general, virtual work can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and help people maintain momentum between appointments. Licensed professionals can use these methods to focus on concrete skills, emotional regulation, and problem solving across sessions.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problems Coping with natural or human-caused disaster DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shame Hospice and end-of-life counseling Isolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purpose Mood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

9+ years

Credentials

Illinois

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Tara help with?

Tara works with people coping with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addictions, grief, and related concerns. She also lists issues such as parenting struggles, caregiving stress, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster.

What is her general therapy style?

Her style is described as warm and interactive, focused on respectful listening and practical steps. Sessions combine supportive conversation with targeted techniques to address thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

How much clinical experience does she have?

The profile reports nine years of experience, including time working as a substance abuse counselor and as a therapist. That background includes work with people affected by trauma and abuse.

What credential does Tara hold and where is she based?

She is an LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and she practices in Illinois.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees and billing 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?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions according to her availability.