Tara Tuohy, Graduate Intern

Kids (5-10), Adolescents (10-18), College (18-21), Young Adults (20-30)

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief, Self-Esteem Concerns, Parental Divorce, Life Transitions, Body Image, Friendship & Relationship Challenges, Dancer/Sports Counseling, Performance Anxiety, Group Therapy.

As an alumna of Lake Forest High School, I understand life as a teenager in the North Shore. During my time at LFHS, I was an athlete, competing in track & field, as well as the diving team. I was involved in the school choir, and a board member of CROYA as well. I enjoy working with high school students, and helping them navigate any difficulties that may come with the pressures of upholding a high standard, and navigating the vicissitudes of adolescence.

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University, Chico. I’m currently in the process of obtaining my Master’s degree at Touro University, a nationally accredited program for Marriage and Family Therapy. Our program implements modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Attachment Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to name a few. I also received a Master’s degree abroad from the University of Limerick. I attended the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, where I studied Irish Dance and Music Performance, touring Ireland, the UK, and other parts of Europe.

Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Approach:

Mental health is multifaceted, so I believe the treatment process should be as well. I consider my client’s physical health, psychological health, social health, and spiritual health to be all connected, as they repeatedly influence one another. I take a holistic approach to mental wellness, examining how one’s lifestyle factors, subconscious beliefs, and quality of relationships all influence their overall mental wellness. Studies have shown that physical activity is positively correlated with individual mental resilience and subjective well-being after traumatic events, and negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, tension and PTSD (Wang et al., 2023).

Sports Counseling:

Succeeding as an athlete requires grit, determination, and focus. As a former collegiate athlete and professional Irish dancer, I understand the hard work and dedication that goes into developing your craft. I utilize CBT to help my clients reframe their limiting beliefs, set attainable goals, visualize for success, improve body image, manage performance anxiety, and improve their self esteem and self confidence!

For Fun…

When I’m not counseling, I spend my time either teaching dance or performing on stage! I spend my downtime reading, playing fiddle, or hanging out with family and friends. My favorite pastime is snuggling my dog, Kipp.

To schedule an appointment, Call or TEXT (847) 919-9096 or [email protected]