01
- CBT methods
- DBT strategies
- Mindfulness practice
About Tara
Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois with nine years of clinical experience. She works with people on stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, depression, addiction, and other life changes using the approaches she describes in her practice.
Hartley uses client-centered work alongside cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior strategies. She blends these methods with existential and mindfulness perspectives to help people manage symptoms, improve communication, and make concrete changes. Sessions focus on practical skills and straightforward conversation rather than jargon.
Her background includes several years supporting people with substance use concerns and work with trauma survivors. That experience informs how she addresses dissociation, grief, and effects of emotional or physical abuse. She also lists additional focus areas such as caregiving stress, blended family issues, cancer-related concerns, and aging and geriatric matters.
In sessions she emphasizes active collaboration and direct problem solving. Therapy often includes skill practice, thought-behavior work, and mindfulness exercises to reduce reactivity and build distress tolerance. She also addresses intimacy-related issues, parenting stresses, and communication problems.
Hartley notes she does not use stigmatizing labels and aims to treat people with respect and sensitivity. People can expect a conversational style that moves from identifying immediate struggles to learning skills for coping and longer-term change. To begin, clients complete an initial matching process and schedule a first session.
02
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building a collaborative relationship. In practice this means the therapist follows the client's lead, asks clarifying questions, and centers the client's goals in each session.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves identifying patterns in thoughts and behavior and practicing new skills to change them. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes through structured exercises and between-session practice.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills help with high reactivity, relationship conflict, and difficulties managing impulses.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and decide together which methods fit the client's needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process helps shape what is practiced in sessions.
Confirm current session options before booking because session formats were not specified in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a day, shorten commute time, and allow for flexible check-ins that match work or caregiving schedules. Ask about session length and scheduling during the matching questionnaire and first appointment.
03
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
04
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
Hartley works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, parenting concerns, and related areas listed in her specialties.
What therapeutic approaches does she use?
She uses client-centered therapy alongside cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, with existential and mindfulness elements.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has nine years of experience, including prior work as a substance abuse counselor and clinical therapy roles.
Is she licensed in Illinois?
Yes. She holds an Illinois LCSW license.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions billed?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988.