Tara Hartley, LCSW

Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois with nine years of clinical experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship strains, trauma and abuse, and other life changes. She also lists blended family issues among her focus areas and supports people facing parenting and communication challenges.

Her background includes clinical social work and two years in substance abuse counseling. That experience informs how she talks about addiction, relapse prevention, and motivation to change. She has worked with people coping with grief, caregiver stress, and the emotional effects of illness or cancer.

Tara uses several practical approaches in sessions. She draws on client-centered principles to keep conversations focused on what matters to each person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques help with emotion regulation and distress tolerance when feelings become overwhelming.

Her style is interactive and direct. Sessions often involve clear skill-building, reflection on patterns, and setting small, doable goals between meetings. She avoids stigmatizing labels and focuses on respectful, straightforward problem-solving.

People who choose her can expect a combination of talk and active skills practice. She helps with communication problems, commitment and relationship concerns, attachment-related questions, and practical steps for navigating blended household dynamics. Language of service is English and practice location is Illinois.