TARA KESSEL, MSW, LICSW

EMDR Certified 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), and I help folks just like you: those who are ready to heal after stressful, overwhelming, or traumatic experiences, but just need some support getting there.

I help my clients find relief and fulfillment by equipping them with the tools they need to work through their past experiences and start building a life they truly enjoy.

Many of today’s solutions for difficult experiences involve talking about what happened over a long period of time. While this can sometimes be helpful, it can be more painful and time-consuming than it needs to be. It isn’t always enough to help you feel like you’re truly healing or moving forward in the way that you want to.

My approach to treating these challenges is grounded in gentle support, neuroscience, and the belief that healing is possible. We’ll use information about how your mind and body work to help you understand your experiences, find relief, and start building a life you love.

 

What it’s like to work with me

My training in trauma, abuse, stress, and effective treatment means I have the expertise you need and deserve when healing from your past. But at the end of the day, you want to know you’re working with someone who understands what it means to be struggling with your past experiences, right?

I’ve spent more than a decade working in numerous capacities with survivors of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, relationship violence, and other trauma. I’ve had to work through my own healing. I know how profoundly these experiences impact your ability to trust others, relax, and experience things like hope and joy. So when we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist. You’ll get someone who understands what you’re going through.

I became a therapist because I believe deeply in the power of healing to help us build a better future for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

What to expect

 

  • Your participation and input are vital parts of our work together. 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.

  • We’ll look at context. 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.

  • If you’re interested, we’ll talk about how stressful or overwhelming experiences impact your brain, nervous system, and overall functioning. Many clients have said this helps them better understand their experiences.

  • We’ll move at a pace that works for you. 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

INTEGRITY

I’ll support your ability to identify, define, and make decisions based on your values.

EQUITY

I advocate for equity and operate from an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. I am allied with LGBTQIA+ communities and honored to work with folks whose identities differ from my own.

CONNECTION

Relationships and community are often vital parts of our growth and healing. I’ll support you as you build healthy connections and relationships with others.

SUSTAINABILITY

Therapy shouldn’t be forever. I’ll help you develop skills for long-term success, so you feel confident about investing in yourself through therapy.

 

EDUCATION & TRAINING

I’m committed to ongoing training & education to best support your growth & your 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