Bio
Nice to meet you!
Tara O’Brien
She /Her Registered Social Worker, MSW Psychotherapist
Reaching out for therapy takes immense courage, especially when navigating life's most challenging transitions. Whether I am working with children, teenagers, or adults, I create a warm, comfortable space where you can put down the pressure and just be yourself. My approach is completely adaptable: whether you need a space to vent and gain perspective, concrete tools and coping skills, or a fluid mix of both, I am here for you. Having navigated my own share of life's challenges, I bring deep empathy, genuine understanding, and a natural touch of humor to our sessions. Together, we will overcome the barriers holding you back and build a meaningful path forward—because investing in your mental health is a powerful choice, and you are entirely worth it. I believe therapy is an opportunity for you to grow, learn more about yourself, and make meaningful changes in your life. I would love to get to know you and be a part of your journey.
Tara is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist who holds a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health and Health from the University of Toronto. She draws from over 10 years of specialized clinical experience within hospital settings, including supporting adults in a partial hospitalization program and providing outpatient care in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
Throughout her career, she has delivered comprehensive individual therapy and facilitated specialized youth and parent groups, equipping both young people and their families with tools to navigate complex mental health challenges. Guided by this deep expertise, Tara uses tailored modalities to support clients across the lifespan (ages 8+).
She has a dedicated passion for supporting women navigating the complexities of fertility challenges, reproductive journeys, and postpartum mental health difficulties.
Tara is highly experienced in treating a broad spectrum of clinical concerns, including Mood and Anxiety Disorders, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, trauma, and family or interpersonal relationship struggles.
“I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. It is an opportunity for you to grow, learn more about yourself and make meaningful changes in your life. I would love to get to know you and be part of your journey”.
Associations / Professional Designation
Registered Social Worker with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Member of Ontario Association of Social Workers
Education
Master’s of Social Work, Specialization in Mental Health and Health, from University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Toronto Metropolitan University
Community and Justice Services Diploma from Humber College
Specialties
Depression / Social Anxiety / Generalized Anxiety / Stress and Burnout / OCD / Borderline Personality Disorder / Emotion Regulation / Interpersonal & Relationship Difficulties / Family Struggles / Fertility & Reproductive Challenges / Postpartum Mental Health / Suicidal Thinking & Self-Harm/ ADHD / School avoidance / Parenting your anxious child / Youth involved in the criminal justice system/ Self-esteem issues / Stress and Burnout / 2SLGBTQIA+ Stressors
Offers
individual sessions (child, youth and adult), family sessions, parenting consultation sessions
Therapies
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Intervention
Fees
Virtual sessions: $180 no HST
In-person sessions: $180 no HST (Burlington)
Family sessions: $200 no HST
More than just my work:
Favourite Quote
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do." - Brené Brown
Quick Facts
I share my home with my husband, our two wonderful boys, and our rescue dog, Bono, from Korea who is always ready for a family hike.
I am an absolute thriller and horror buff—the more suspenseful and terrifying the movie or book, the better
I love playing board games and own a large collection. Ask me for a recommendation if you ever need a break from screens!