- Relationships
- Career change
- Mindfulness
About Tara
Tara McBrearty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 30 years of experience. She works with people facing relationship and intimacy challenges, career uncertainty, stress and anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, sleep problems, and the practical strain of life changes. Her practice also addresses issues connected to attachment, abandonment, family of origin, caregiving stress, commitment and communication difficulties, and feelings of emptiness or isolation.
She uses a cooperative, tolerant style in sessions and aims to help people strengthen their sense of self. Conversations focus on practical ways to manage change, reduce conflict, and move toward clearer priorities rather than abstract theory. Sessions often include exploring patterns in relationships and identifying small behavioral steps that support goals at work and in personal life.
Tara integrates client-centered approaches with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness practices to notice thoughts, feelings, and habits that keep people stuck. Narrative methods are used to reframe limiting stories, and motivational interviewing helps when people want to change addictive or avoidant behaviors. Her work combines talking, reflective exercises, and simple behavioral experiments.
She draws on a broad reading of psychological thinkers and clinical teachers to inform her perspective. That reading shapes how she asks questions and offers observations during sessions. People who look for clear, steady guidance about next steps often find this practical, idea-focused style helpful.
Sessions are conducted in English and are based in California. Anyone considering therapy is encouraged to confirm the current session options before booking so arrangements match their needs.
Approaches in online sessions and practical fit
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps clarify values and builds a trusting working relationship so practical decisions feel more connected to what matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress because it suggests specific experiments and small behavior changes.Choosing an approach is collaborative. Tara will help identify which methods fit a person's goals, preferences, and the particular problems they bring. That may mean combining listening-focused client-centered work with CBT exercises or narrative techniques to change how someone talks to themselves.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking to match what works for day-to-day life. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work or caregiving by removing travel time. Phone or shorter check-in options can be useful when bandwidth or camera use is difficult, while longer video conversations can support deeper dialogue and guided mindfulness practice. These practical choices are discussed and adjusted as part of the collaborative plan.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work with?
She works with relationship and intimacy problems, self-esteem, career questions, grief, depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, sleep issues, and life changes.
How does she approach a feeling of being stuck?
She uses a cooperative, tolerant approach that blends client-centered conversation with practical steps from CBT and mindfulness to notice patterns and try small changes.
What is her experience background?
Tara has 30 years of clinical experience and draws on a range of psychological thinkers and clinical teachers to shape her practice.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW, practicing in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.