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 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.
Tara Simpson Reaches
Red Deer AB