Tara McSweeney
Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Registered Clinical Counsellor
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) providing individual counselling services across British Columbia. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria. In addition, I am currently pursuing my PhD in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia.
With over a decade of experience supporting individuals with diverse care needs, my work has included supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexualized trauma, providing gender-affirming care, and working with adults with disabilities. These experiences, alongside my interdisciplinary training in counselling, deeply inform my approach with clients. I strive to offer a supportive, collaborative, and affirming space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their healing and growth.
My Approach
My work in the mental health field has instilled in me a deep belief in the power of connection for healing. I approach counselling from a trauma-informed, feminist, and client-centred perspective, prioritizing your safety, autonomy, and lived experience throughout our work together.
A trauma-informed lens helps me stay attuned to how painful experiences can shape the nervous system, relationships, and sense of self. I strive to create a space that feels grounded, compassionate, and responsive to your pace and needs. Through a feminist approach, I’m mindful of the ways systems of power and oppression can influence our mental health. This also means working collaboratively and transparently towards your goals, as well as honouring your wisdom and agency in the process. Whether you’re coming to therapy with a clear concern or a more general sense that something needs to shift, I aim to meet you with warmth, curiosity, and care.
My work is integrative, incorporating multiple therapeutic modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). These modalities support us in gently exploring emotional and relational patterns, strengthening self-compassion, and reconnecting with our innate capacity for healing.
At its core, my counselling style is deeply relational. I believe meaningful change happens in the context of a caring, attuned relationship.
Areas Of Focus
Relationship Counselling
Communication issues
Conflict management
Life transitions
Infidelity or trust issues
Disconnection
Sexuality & Sexual Health Counselling
Desire discrepancies
Shame & embarrassment
BDSM & kink
Sex work
2SLGBTQIA+
Gender-affirming care
Identity exploration
Non-Monogamy & Polyamory Counselling
Jealousy & insecurity
Social stigma & judgement
Unclear agreements/boundaries
Betrayal or trust issues
Communication Issues
Disability and Neurodivergence
Social stigma
Chronic pain
Non-traditional Relationship Counselling
Open Relationships
Unclear agreements/boundaries
Betrayal or trust issues
Communication Issues
Trauma Counselling
Relational trauma
Childhood trauma
Developmental trauma
Sexual Assault
Traumatic loss