Educational and Professional Background:
Tara McDonald is licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Washington. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication at the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO) in 1977 and her Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Antioch University (Yellow Springs, OH) in 1995. She has worked in private practice; in an inpatient hospital for substance abuse and acute mental illness; in a residential treatment home for adolescents; with women and children at a domestic violence shelter; and as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselor. Tara has also taught at a spiritual community rooted in Buddhist thought, at two universities, and in various workplace settings. Her enduring passions include working deeply with people, lifelong learning and growth, and being surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.
Areas of Special Interest:
Tara specializes in working with adults and couples, drawing from psychodynamic, attachment-based, solution-focused, cognitive/behavioral, and Internal Family Systems (working with internal parts) approaches. Her areas of interest and specialization include:
- Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, inner criticism
- Couples’ issues, including affairs
- Substance abuse and addictive behaviors
- PTSD and wounding from neglect or abuse
- Working with families with loved ones struggling with addiction
- Highly sensitive persons
- ADD and ADHD
- Body image and overeating issues
- Boundary work and relationship concerns
- Career, work, and life direction concerns
- Spirituality and accessing inner resources
- Grief, sorrow, and loss