Tara Simpson, M.Ed.

I obtained my Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta in 2003. Since that time I have worked in a variety of diverse settings in both British Columbia and Alberta. My counselling training and experience includes assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have worked with all ages, and have spent much of my career with a focus on children, youth, and their families.

As a therapist, I assist people in their journey by drawing upon a variety of methods and ideas that I have discovered throughout my training and experience. Particular approaches that have proven to be effective and have been incorporated into my therapeutic approach, include Positive Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). When working with Couples, I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with the Gottman Method and the work of Stan Tatkin on the neurobiology of love.When working with children, youth and their families, I find that my training in Play Therapy is highly beneficial.

As an assessor, I utilize a strengths-based approach that addresses the needs of the client and/or the referring party. For every assessment case, I endeavor to illuminate the questions and concerns and ultimately create a viable solution. I have experience in psycheducational, personality, and career assessments.

Through all that I do, my guiding principle is rooted in humanistic psychology and the vision that all people are holistic and intrinsically capable of healing themselves. Human growth, change and healing occur when people are viewed as whole and unique persons. My intention in the therapeutic relationship is to support and compassionately recognize people for who they are and where in their life journey they currently find themselves. Therapy then becomes a collaboration to create movement in one’s life by feeling accepted and empowered. Ultimately, in addition to moving beyond painful problems and repetitive disappointing patterns, therapy can allow the emergence of something new that connects and unifies one’s sense of self.