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Tara McBrearty

LCSW

Tara McBrearty , LCSW

Therapist in California

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About Tara

Tara McBrearty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 30 years of experience supporting people through difficult life transitions. She helps individuals explore their emotional landscape, strengthen their sense of self, and develop practical capacities to manage change so they can move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

Over the course of her career she has assisted people in sorting through relationship conflicts, addressing barriers to intimacy, renewing enthusiasm for life, rebuilding trust in themselves and others, and overcoming obstacles to career growth and accomplishment. Her work often addresses stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, sleep difficulties, and challenges related to self-esteem and identity.

Her approach emphasizes cooperation, tolerance, and a tone of acceptance in the therapeutic relationship - qualities she seeks to model in sessions to create space for freedom and creativity. She recognizes the courage required to take pivotal steps toward purpose and fulfillment and aims to support and empower that process.

Her thinking has been shaped by a wide range of writers and trainers, including Carl Jung, Abraham Maslow, Piaget, Carl Rogers, and Adi Da Samraj, as well as the trainings of Virginia Satire, Michael White, Gabor Mate, Ellyn Bader, John and Julie Gottman, William R. Miller, and David Whyte.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client’s own experience as the starting point for change. In this approach Tara creates a respectful, nonjudgmental atmosphere that helps people explore values, relationships, and identity, which can be especially useful for issues like relationship conflicts, intimacy concerns, and self-esteem challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep difficulties; it offers practical tools for coping and problem solving. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-focused awareness and stress-management techniques that can reduce reactivity and support better emotion regulation, helpful for anxiety, grief, and addiction-related cravings.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Tara collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time to fit what works in practice. This collaborative stance helps ensure therapy remains relevant and responsive.

Online sessions via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer practical flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited local options. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access licensed professionals from home, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable while working toward personal and relational goals.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Tara McBrearty have?

Tara McBrearty has 30 years of experience in clinical social work and psychotherapy.

Is Tara McBrearty a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: CA LCSW 27798.

In which languages does Tara McBrearty provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Tara McBrearty located?

She is located in California.

How can I work with Tara McBrearty as my therapist?

You can work with Tara McBrearty through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Tara McBrearty work with international clients?

Tara McBrearty does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Tara McBrearty cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSleeping disordersDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

30+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English

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