TARA KESSEL, MSW, LICSW
EMDR Therapist in Olympia, WA
SERVING ALL OF WASHINGTON STATE ONLINE
Do you wonder what it would be like to relax and experience joy?
Hi, I’m Tara (she/her/hers).
I work with adults who want to work through their past experiences so they can enjoy the present and build authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
I specialize in working with people who are neurodivergent, empaths, highly sensitive, vegan, or who seem to experience the world differently than others around them. I enjoy working with adults of all genders and am LGBTQIA+ affirming.
My approach to helping you move forward involves using a blend of evidence-based approaches and practical strategies, while acknowledging how we’re impacted by the world around us - and how we function in it.
What it’s like to work with me
After 15+ years working in various capacities with survivors of physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse, I have a deep understanding of how traumatic, overwhelming, or stressful experiences can affect every part of your life. For neurodiverent and other highly sensitive people, the impacts can be even greater - and traditional therapy approaches aren’t always helpful.
As a high-masking, later-in-life-diagnosed neurodiverent person, I know what it’s like to move through life wondering why things that seem to work for others just don’t work for you. When we work together, we’ll talk about what has and hasn’t worked, what’s important to you, and what you want your life to look and feel like. We’ll focus on what works for you, so you can start building the life you want to have.
Clients might describe me as…
…warm, curious, open, and accepting. Others have described me as a good listener. I’ll also jump in if it feels like the conversation is getting away from us, so we can use your time in sessions the way you want to. After working with trauma survivors for many years, I’m comfortable talking about difficult topics, and I aim to create an environment in which you feel safe and supported doing so. I ask questions when I have them - which tends to be often.
I enjoy working with people and am genuinely curious about what makes you you, how your experiences have shaped you, and what your biggest challenges are. I’m honored to support you as you work through your experiences, find meaning, and build a fulfilling life that works for you.
What to Expect in Sessions
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I won’t tell you what to do, but will help you clarify your goals, values and options, so you feel confident in your decisions. I’ll support your ability to intentionally build a life you enjoy.
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Nothing happens in isolation. Looking at the big picture - including things like family history, generational patterns, and social systems - can lead to valuable insight and understanding.
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Many clients have said this helps them better understand their experiences.
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Whether you’re needing a soft place to land or help accessing your strength, I’ll meet you where you are and support you there.
MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES
EQUITY
I advocate for equity and operate from an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. I am queer-affirming, trans-affirming, neurodivergent-affirming, and enjoy working with adults of all genders, cultures, races, and orientations.
INTEGRITY
Living our lives in a way that aligns with our values can help us feel more confident and fulfilled. I’ll support your ability to identify, define, and make decisions based on your values, so you feel good about yourself and your life.
CONNECTION
We’re not meant to do this alone. Relationships and community are often vital parts of our growth and healing. I’ll support you as you build healthy connections with others that support your ongoing health and wellbeing.
AUTHENTICITY
How boring would life be if we were all the same? There is so much value in who you are and what you have to offer as you. I’m honored to support you as you explore who you are and how you want to show up in the world.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
I’m committed to ongoing training & education to best support your growth & healing.
Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Women Studies, University of Washington
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Washington State DOH License LW61301547
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Certified
The Flash Technique, trained
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trained
Promoting First Relationships (PFR), trained