Tara Read M.Ed., RCC

My greatest passion is assisting individuals to remember and reclaim who they truly are – their unique strengths, knowledge, abilities, potential, and purpose in this life. In fact, it is my mission. I serve as a catalyst or activator to help “wake you up” and disrupt the false beliefs that have held you back.

You may be feeling stuck, frustrated, overwhelmed, exhausted, and perhaps even a little hopeless. Life may feel endlessly centered around suffering or like a daily exercise in the art of survival. Deep within however, you know there is much more for you. Do not be discouraged! As someone who has walked this path, I am well equipped to show you how to navigate it.

Together, we will explore the context and origins of the problem. We will identify your goals and the specifics of what you would like to see change. We will take an inventory of your coping skills, supports, and resources and expand where necessary. We will explore your abilities to manage and process difficult emotions and I will help you add to your skill set. We will identify your core beliefs about yourself and the nature of the world and I will show you how to challenge and replace unhelpful thoughts. I will also help you improve your connection to your body and tap into the wisdom it holds. If you have a spiritual belief system that enriches your life, we will incorporate that into our work as well. I believe a comprehensive and holistic approach best lends itself to significant and long-lasting change.

My work draws on training and studies in:

• Narrative Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Focusing-Oriented/Somatic Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Therapy
• Holistic, mind-body-spirit approaches to healing
• Mindfulness
• Feminist, Inter-sectional, and Anti-Oppressive theoretical frameworks

Over the past 10+ years, I have worked for government, non-profit, and private organizations assisting individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges. I have also volunteered my time and skills with local organizations such as Battered Women’s Support Services, Qmunity, and Beauty Night Society.

I welcome clients of all backgrounds and have special interest in working with:

• Anxiety and Depression
• Recovery from trauma and abuse
• Relationship concerns
• Life transitions
• Restoring confidence/self-worth
• Overcoming pervasive negative thinking
• Expanding emotional intelligence/competency
• LGBTQIA+ issues (note: I am a queer-identified therapist)
• Spiritual or existential explorations

I am a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.