Tara Gallagher
Please make note that I am only seeing clients part-time, primarily MWFS mornings and one evening a week. I am unable to provide care to those in crisis due to my limited availability outside of scheduled sessions. I ask that you please complete the intake paperwork prior to our first session so that I may accurately assess whether I can effectively meet your needs. Should I determine from your intake paperwork that your needs fall outside of my current scope of practice, I will gladly assist you in the referral process. I have been providing outpatient therapy to individuals, couples, and families since 2019; prior to that, I worked as an intensive in-home counselor and ABA therapist for ten years while I obtained my master's degree and completed my residency.
I am just as comfortable having a relaxed conversation about your issues and concerns as I am reviewing psycho-educational materials and assigning homework, if that's what you prefer!
As much as I enjoy seeing my clients in person, I have strengthened my ability to provide therapy virtually, applying various resources and maintaining a strong rapport through my non-judgmental and open-minded approach. I have an extensive background in working with people who have a history of trauma as well as those struggling with grief. I have a strong cognitive behavioral background, but also employ facets of ACT, mindfulness, reality, developmental psychology, solution-focused, grief, and family systems approaches as appropriate to meet the needs of my clients. I strive to understand your unique worldview and adapt my approach to best address your particular circumstances. I absolutely love the work that I do; empowering my clients to achieve wellness and balance in their lives fulfills me in a way no other career path could. I am just as comfortable having a relaxed conversation about your issues and concerns as I am reviewing psycho-educational materials and assigning homework, if that's what you prefer.
First session
During the intake, clients can expect a candid, open discussion about what they are hoping to gain from therapy, including setting 1-2 client-centered, strength-based goals. We may also discuss scheduling of sessions, cancellations/no-show expectations, and how to best communicate outside of sessions if need be. I will happily answer any questions you may have during the first session and going forward. Throughout services, I will check in with my clients as to whether they feel the format and structure of our sessions are helping them achieve their goals, and adjust accordingly.
Strengths
I believe that my biggest strength is my ability to approach your issues and concerns realistically. Sometimes life is just hard and there is no silver lining. Humans are a resilient species; part of what makes us so resilient is our ability to face and overcome obstacles. I use my emotional strength to bare the weight that my clients bestow on me and I create and maintain a safe and open environment for the truth to be explored, no matter how hard it might be to confront. I am genuine and adaptable in my desire to help my clients and I believe that can be seen as early as our very first session.
Ideal clients
Adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and/or relationship or familial issues. Adults who are goal-oriented, receptive to the gentle challenging that is often required to identify and confront negative thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions about the world in which we live, and who are willing and ready to make the effort to accept what we cannot change and change what we can.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Understanding the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; learning ways to identify, challenge, and replace negative thought processes to improve feelings and behaviors; understanding the development of our internal thought processes that influence and shape our feelings and behaviors
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Taking an observational approach to our challenging thoughts and emotions; working toward a level of acceptance as opposed to trying to change or avoid our thoughts and emotions; improving flexibility and understanding of the self and of others
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
White
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Family Conflict
Grief
Other specialties
ADHD
Depression
Postpartum
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Individual Therapy
Doesn't specialize in
Addiction
Addiction / Substance Use
Eating Disorders
Licensed in
VirginiaLicense 0701010947