} Ottawa West Professional Services
Offering Psychological Services for Children, Youth, Adults, Families, and Couples
} (Under the supervision of Heidi Hanson-Thompson, MA, CCC, Registered Psychotherapist)
Tel: (343)341-8019
Email: tara@newheightspsychotherapy.com
Location of office: 1956 Robertson Rd, suite 202, and virtual
For as long as I can remember, I have had an interest in helping people. For over 17 years, I have been working with individuals, couples, and families, walking beside them through challenging times and assisting them to make positive changes in their lives. I believe strongly in supporting clients to identify and build upon their already-existing strengths, and I focus on empowering my clients as I help them heal their wounds as well as to achieve their therapy goals.
Areas of PracticeI work collaboratively with individuals (ages 7+), couples, and families.
Areas of Practice:
Coming to therapy can be difficult for many people, but you are not alone! With my empathetic and nonjudgmental approach, I will support you along the way. The relationship between client and therapist is one that I place high value on, and you can expect that you will be treated respectfully and as an equal during our sessions.
The following is a list of some of the therapeutic modalities that I utilize in my practice. The approach I take with each client is determined in collaboration with my client based upon their own specific needs and goals in therapy.
Professional BiographyFor 16 years, I was employed in the child welfare field, working with children and adult survivors and perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and trauma. This experience has helped build a strong foundation for my psychotherapy work with both children and adults. I focus on building a foundation of trust with my clients and work with them at their own individual pace to help them move forward in managing life’s hardships as well as creating meaningful changes in their life. I tailor my services to each client’s unique needs.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. I am also a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
I have been an active community member for many years, as a former director on the board of directors for a sexual assault counselling clinic, as well as a representative on a community network against domestic violence. I was a representative at the Situation Table in Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry in previous years, where I worked with various local mental health services, assessing risk to vulnerable community members, and assisting in accessing community services to bring forth increased safety for these individuals. Through these opportunities, I gained many insights and a deeper understanding of a variety of mental health community resources, which I now share with my clients in therapy.
I am also an accredited practitioner of Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). Triple P is a parenting intervention for parents of children who have or are at risk of developing behavioural concerns. It focuses on promoting positive relationships between children and their caregivers, and helps parents develop effective strategies to manage childhood behavioural concerns and common developmental issues. I am trained in multiple areas of Triple P, including for ages 0-12, teenagers, children who are transitioning through their parents’ separation or divorce, and families with children who have a disability. I bring the experience and knowledge that I have gained through this program into my therapy practice to best support my clients.
To learn more about my services or to set up a free 15-minute telephone consultation, please email me or visit my website at www.newheightspsychotherapy.com.