Tara Wiker
Are overwhelming emotions, past trauma, or painful experiences making it hard to move forward? Do you find yourself stuck in patterns of anxiety, intense emotions, or memories that feel impossible to shake? You don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing trauma therapy for teens and adults across Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Florida through secure virtual sessions. With 15+ years of clinical experience, I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and rebuild a sense of safety and confidence in their lives.
I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing trauma therapy for teens and adults across Pennsylvania through secure virtual sessions.
First session
In therapy, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive space where you feel truly heard. Together we’ll work to understand your story, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop skills that help you feel more grounded, resilient, and empowered. Using DBT skills, we can strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier coping strategies. Through EMDR therapy, we can help your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer carry the same emotional weight.
Strengths
I believe that clients already hold many of the answers within themselves, and my role is to support and guide that process. Through a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and compassion, I work with clients to help them recognize their strengths and move toward growth and lasting change.
Ideal clients
Clients often come to me when they are experiencing: *Trauma or PTSD *Anxiety and chronic stress *Emotional dysregulation *Borderline Personality Disorder *Dissociation *Self-harm or suicidal thoughts *Depression *Insomnia and chronic health conditions *Relationship difficulties *Substance use concerns *Life transitions or identity challenges Healing is possible, and reaching out for support is a powerful first step. If you're ready to begin your therapy journey or want to see if we're a good fit, I invite you to schedule a session today. I would be honored to support you in creating the life you want and deserve.
Treatment methods
Feminist
I believe that your personal struggles cannot be separated from the systemic realities you live in daily. My therapeutic practice is deeply rooted in Feminist Therapy Theory, a framework built on the core principle that "the personal is political". Rather than pathologizing your emotional pain or treating your symptoms in a vacuum, I work collaboratively with you to examine how societal expectations, rigid gender roles, power imbalances, and cultural stereotypes impact your mental well-being. Together, we will shift the narrative from "What is wrong with you?" to "What systems and environments have impacted you?"
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Sometimes unhelpful thinking patterns can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress. CBT helps clients identify these patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life’s challenges. In therapy, we work together to build practical skills that support emotional regulation, problem-solving, and more balanced thinking. CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that can be helpful for concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life stressors. Over time, clients often develop tools that help them manage difficult situations with greater confidence and resilience. *I have specific training in CBT for Insomnia, Trauma-Focused CBT, CBT for Nightmares and CBT for Chronic Pain.*
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps individuals learn practical skills to manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve relationships. DBT focuses on building four key skill areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. In therapy, we work together to better understand emotional patterns and develop tools for coping with overwhelming feelings in healthier ways. DBT can be especially helpful for individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Over time, clients learn skills that help them feel more balanced, resilient, and in control of their lives. *I have special training in DBT for Adolescents, DBT for Substance Use Disorders, DBT Prolonged Exposure and Radically Open DBT. *
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences. Sometimes difficult memories can become “stuck” in the brain, continuing to affect how we think, feel, and respond to situations long after the event has passed. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they become less overwhelming and no longer carry the same emotional intensity. Through guided bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), clients can safely process past experiences while building healthier beliefs about themselves. EMDR can be especially helpful for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other distressing life experiences, allowing them to move forward with greater emotional relief and resilience. *I have gone through additional supervision and training in order to be an EMDR Certified™ Therapist.*
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy helps individuals safely process and reduce the impact of traumatic experiences. Trauma can make memories and situations feel overwhelming, leading to anxiety, avoidance, or distress. In PE, we work together to gradually face these memories and triggers in a structured way, helping you process trauma, reduce fear, and regain confidence. PE is especially effective for PTSD, trauma-related anxiety, and distress from past events, allowing clients to feel safer, more in control, and better able to move forward in their lives.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- FloridaLicense TPSW7156
- MassachusettsLicense LICSW1144243
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW018734