Tara Hartley, LCSW

Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with nine years of experience, which includes seven years working as a therapist and two years as a substance abuse counselor. As an LCSW she is trained to provide clinical social work and psychotherapy services to individuals facing a range of emotional and behavioral challenges.

She is a member of a TF-CBT cohort and has received extensive training in working with clients who have experienced trauma. Her clinical background includes helping people with depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship struggles, parenting difficulties, career stressors, obsessive-compulsive concerns, couples therapy, and other mental health conditions. She has also supported many individuals recovering from physical trauma and emotional abuse.

Hartley’s counseling style is described as warm and interactive. She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in treatment and avoids stigmatizing labels. Her method blends cognitive-behavioral strategies, humanistic perspectives, psychodynamic insights, and dialectical behavioral techniques to shape a tailored plan for each person. Dialogue and treatment goals are adapted to meet the unique needs of each client.

Recognizing the courage it takes to seek change, Tara Hartley offers supportive, empowering care for those ready to pursue a more fulfilling life. She welcomes opportunities to work with new clients and to help guide them through therapeutic change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Tara Hartley

Tara Hartley draws on client-centered therapy to create a respectful, collaborative space where the client’s perspective guides the work - this approach emphasizes empathy and supports personal growth and stronger relationships. She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; CBT is practical and often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. In addition, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques are available to build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, which can be especially useful for intense emotions and relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Tara works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so treatment remains relevant and effective for the individual.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for accessing care from home or work. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, clients can schedule sessions that fit busy lives, maintain continuity of care during life transitions, and connect with licensed professionals and therapists without geographic constraints.