Tara Tresslar, APC, NCC
She/her/hers
Hey there—I’m Tara!
I’m an easygoing, supportive therapist who’s here to help you breathe a little easier. If anxiety has you overthinking everything or if your relationship feels more like roommates than romance, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
As a mom of three, a military spouse, and someone who believes in singing way too loudly, and rarely saying no to a theme party, I get how chaotic and beautiful life can be. I work with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, and relationship stress, and fellow military families facing the challenge of starting over, learning a new place, and finding support in unfamiliar spaces.
As an inclusive clinician, I offer a supportive space for anyone feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or out of sync—including those navigating unique challenges related to identity, relationships, or life transitions. I know life can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re carrying anxiety, navigating relationship stress, or just trying to hold everything together. My job isn’t to “fix” you, because you’re not broken. My role is to walk alongside you, helping you untangle the hard stuff and find your way back to balance, clarity, and self-compassion!
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Therapy with me is about pressing pause, tuning into what’s going on beneath the surface, and giving yourself some room to breathe. You might be here because:
You feel like you’re in overdrive or juggling a million tabs
You’re burned out or feeling numb—like you’ve lost your spark
You’re grieving a loss or navigating a major life change
Your relationship is under stress, and you want support to reconnect or heal
You’ve been lugging around emotions like a backpack full of bricks and are overdue for setting it down
You’re a military spouse trying to find balance and support through transitions or isolation
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Therapy with me is relaxed, collaborative, and tailored to you. No pressure to be perfect, no need to censor yourself, and definitely no stuffy therapist vibes. I believe in showing up as your real self—flaws, weirdness, and all (I’ll go first!). I use a person-centered approach, drawing from CBT, ACT, DBT, and Gottman techniques depending on your needs. Together, we’ll build practical tools to handle life’s stress while reconnecting with your spark—and maybe even share a laugh or two along the way!
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2025:
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training Level 1 (CCTP):
Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training Level 2 (CCTP-II):
Treatment of Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders
2024:
Grief Counseling and Treatment Certification Training: Assessments and Interventions to Support Healthy Grieving and Adaptation to Death and Loss
Book a consultation with me:
Are you and your partner arguing more than connecting? Do small disagreements snowball into big fights? Maybe you’re feeling unseen, misunderstood, or like the spark has dimmed. If trust has been broken, you might be wondering if it’s even possible to find your way back to each other.
If you’re stuck in the same painful patterns or just going through the motions, I’m here to help you reconnect! Every couple faces challenges—but with the right support, you can rebuild trust, improve communication, and start enjoying each other again.
As a visual thinker, I love using Gottman’s Sound Relationship House to help couples spot the cracks in their foundation—those overlooked areas where resentment builds or needs go unmet. We’ll work together to understand what’s not working, repair old wounds, and rebuild something stronger.
You don’t have to stay stuck. With compassion and practical tools, I’ll help you break the cycle and create a more secure, fulfilling relationship—one rooted in trust, emotional safety, and real connection.
Couples + Relationship Support
Life can get overwhelming fast! Between juggling responsibilities, showing up for others, and just trying to hold it together, it’s easy to put your own needs last. And before you know it, you’re running on fumes, wondering when you’re supposed to catch your breath.
Anxiety, depression, and burnout are human responses to chronic stress and often just signs that you’ve been carrying too much for too long. What you might need is space to slow down, sort through the noise, and feel what you’re feeling without being judged or rushed.
In therapy, we’ll explore what’s weighing on you and figure out ways to make things more manageable—without adding more pressure. Whether you’re navigating big emotions or just feeling kind of stuck, I focus on things like emotional regulation, self-compassion, and tuning back in to what you need.
When Life Feels like Too Much
Deployments, frequent moves, and holding down the fort alone can feel overwhelming—especially when your support system is scattered or left behind at your last duty station. As a fellow military spouse, I totally get the challenge of learning a whole new area while rebuilding your support system from scratch. It can feel like starting over again and again, and somehow taking care of yourself in the middle of all that? Not easy.
Military life can bring a unique kind of stress—one that’s hard to explain to people outside this world. Maybe you're feeling isolated, disconnected from your partner, or unsure of your own identity beyond the roles you’re filling.
Together we’ll tackle PCS stress, identity shifts, parenting overload, relationship strain, and carve out time for you. You deserve steadiness, community and a space for your own needs during this chapter of your life!
Military Spouses and Parents
Centered on You: Therapy That Honors Your Story
One thing to know about working with me: you set the tone. Our sessions aren’t about me telling you what to do or trying to fix things. Instead, it’s about holding a space where you can be exactly as you are—even if it’s hard to put your story into words.
I’ve been there myself—shutting down, masking the pain, easily triggered and slipping into those dark places that feel impossible to escape. I get how tough it can be, and I know how important it is to just have someone listen and understand. My job is simply to be here with you, without judgment, as you navigate whatever brought you in.
My Specialties
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At the heart of my approach is you—your experiences, your emotions, and your unique journey. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel truly seen and heard.
With unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuine support, I meet you where you are, helping you explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace. There’s no pressure, no “one-size-fits-all” approach—just a collaborative, compassionate process focused on your growth, healing, and self-discovery.
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You deserve to be heard, respected, and in control of your own story. I focus on helping you reclaim your autonomy, set healthy boundaries, and advocate for yourself in ways that feel safe and authentic. Whether you’re navigating difficult relationships, systemic barriers, or self-doubt, I provide a supportive space to challenge limiting beliefs and build self-trust.
As an affirming, culturally inclusive therapist, I don’t just listen—I help you step into your power. You are capable, worthy, and stronger than you know, and I’m here to help you see that too.
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You deserve a space where you can show up as your full, authentic self—without fear, judgment, or the need to explain who you are. My approach to therapy is fully affirming, inclusive, and rooted in respect for your identity, experiences, and journey.
Whether you’re exploring your identity, navigating relationships, facing discrimination, or just needing a space where you feel truly seen, I’m here to support you. I provide a safe, validating environment where you can process, heal, and grow at your own pace. You are worthy of care, respect, and joy exactly as you are, and I’m honored to walk alongside you on this journey.
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Relationships take work, and sometimes, even the strongest couples need help finding their way back to connection, trust, and understanding. Using Gottman-informed techniques, I help couples strengthen their bond by improving communication, deepening intimacy, and navigating conflict in a healthier way.
Together, we’ll focus on building friendship, enhancing emotional connection, and creating shared meaning in your relationship. Whether you’re struggling with recurring arguments, feeling disconnected, or simply want to strengthen your partnership, I provide a supportive space where both of you feel heard and valued.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone—I’m here to guide you with practical tools and insights so you can repair, reconnect, and build a relationship that feels fulfilling and secure.
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Our thoughts have a powerful impact on how we feel and navigate the world. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or self-doubt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that keep you stuck.
In our work together, we’ll explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. I’ll help you recognize negative thought loops, reframe self-defeating beliefs, and develop practical coping strategies to manage stress and emotional overwhelm. My approach is collaborative and supportive—I won’t just hand you a list of coping skills; we’ll work together to find what truly helps you feel more in control and at peace.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with small, intentional shifts, you can start to see real progress. You are not your thoughts, and you are capable of rewriting the narrative. I’m here to help you do just that.
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I know that trauma can make the world feel unsafe, relationships feel complicated, and emotions feel overwhelming. That’s why my approach is gentle, compassionate, and always led by your comfort and needs. You are in control of your healing, and I’m here to support you—never to push or rush the process.
With trauma-informed care, I create a space where you feel safe, heard, and empowered. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, using approaches like mindfulness, grounding techniques, and body awareness to help you regulate emotions and reconnect with yourself. If and when you’re ready, we can gently explore past wounds, not to relive them, but to help you process, heal, and regain a sense of safety and control.
Your trauma does not define you. You deserve healing, and I’m here to help you find it—in a way that feels safe, validating, and empowering.
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Struggling against your thoughts and emotions can feel exhausting—like you’re fighting a battle you can’t win. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you break free from that struggle by learning to accept what’s outside of your control and take meaningful action toward what truly matters to you.
In our work together, we’ll focus on mindfulness, self-compassion, and values-based living. Instead of getting stuck in negative thoughts or emotions, I’ll help you learn how to acknowledge them without letting them define you. We’ll practice techniques to create distance from unhelpful thoughts, so they no longer have power over your choices.
This is about more than just coping—it’s about embracing your full, authentic self and taking steps toward a life that aligns with your values. You don’t have to be “perfect” to move forward. You just have to be willing to take that first step, and I’m here to walk with you.
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The stories we tell ourselves shape how we see the world, our relationships, and our own self-worth. Sometimes, those stories come from past experiences, societal expectations, or the words of others—and they don’t always serve us. Narrative therapy helps you step back, challenge those old narratives, and rewrite your story in a way that reflects your resilience, values, and truth.
In our work together, I’ll help you separate yourself from the problem and explore the bigger picture of your experiences. We’ll identify the themes in your story, challenge limiting beliefs, and highlight your strengths, growth, and the choices you have moving forward. You are not defined by your past or by what has happened to you—you have the power to reclaim your story and shape it in a way that empowers you.
Your voice matters. Your story matters. And together, we’ll work toward a version that feels authentic, hopeful, and true to who you are—not just who the world has told you to be.
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Grief is messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal—there’s no “right” way to go through it. Whether you’re mourning a loved one, a relationship, a life transition, or even a version of yourself you’ve lost, your pain is real, and it deserves space to be felt and processed.
In grief therapy, I provide a safe, compassionate space where you can express your emotions without judgment or pressure to “move on.” Together, we’ll explore what your loss means to you, navigate the waves of grief, and find ways to honor both your pain and your healing. This isn’t about forgetting or forcing closure—it’s about learning to carry your grief in a way that allows you to keep moving forward while still holding love for what was.
You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering support, understanding, and gentle guidance as you find your way through the loss—at your own pace, in your own way.
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Life can feel overwhelming when your mind is constantly racing—rehashing the past, worrying about the future, or feeling stuck in negative thought loops. Mindfulness-based therapy helps you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and find peace in the present moment.
In our work together, we’ll focus on practical mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and self-compassion practices to help you manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. This isn’t about “clearing your mind” or forcing yourself to feel calm—it’s about learning to notice your thoughts and emotions without letting them take over.
Through mindfulness, I’ll help you cultivate greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and a sense of inner calm—so you can respond to life’s challenges with more clarity and self-compassion. You don’t have to have it all figured out; you just have to start where you are. And I’ll be right there with you.
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Emotions can feel like a storm—sometimes calm, sometimes overwhelming, and at times completely out of control. If you find yourself getting stuck in emotional highs and lows, feeling reactive, or struggling to manage stress, you’re not alone. Emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing feelings—it’s about learning how to understand, process, and respond to them in a way that serves you.
Together, we’ll explore what triggers your emotional responses and work on practical strategies to help you navigate them with more balance. This might include grounding techniques, mindfulness, breathwork, cognitive reframing, and self-soothing skills—all tailored to what works best for you.
The goal isn’t to avoid emotions, but to build the skills to ride the waves rather than feeling like you’re drowning in them. You have the ability to find calm in the chaos, and I’m here to help you get there.
My approach and what a session with me looks like:
It’s important for me to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment that respects your background, identity, and unique perspectives. I want you to feel heard and understood, and therefore I take an empathic approach to ensure you that I truly care about your concerns and experiences. While always supportive, I do like to challenge when necessary, which helps confront difficult truths or behaviors to foster growth and lasting change. I like to keep it real and also be real! I will be the first to say I am not perfect and I do not have all of the answers! It’s truly a pleasure to connect with clients by recognizing that we’re all human, constantly learning and growing. We’re all a work in progress, and I’m right here with you on that journey!
I like to take an eclectic approach to therapy, meaning I tailor each session to your unique needs by drawing from various techniques and theories. If you just need to vent, I’m here to listen. If you’re looking for guidance, I can offer insight. If interactive activities help you process things better, I’ve got those too. Whatever you need to move forward, I’ll do my best to support you on that journey!
With a background in health coaching and wellness, my perspective has evolved over time—I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We don’t have to fit into societal standards or compare ourselves to people who seem to have it all together. There’s something incredibly freeing about embracing who we are, loving ourselves as we are, and living life in a way that feels right for us. And I’m here to help you achieve that!
Badges, Certifications, & Directories
Openings available
I accept:
Self-pay
Sliding scale
Open Path
Out-of-network benefits
FSA/HSA
In network with:
Aetna
Credentialing in progress for:
BCBS
Ambetter
For clients wishing to use out-of-network benefits:
We've partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.
See if you qualify: https://mentaya.co/checkbenefits/counselingzebra
Mentaya is perfect if you:
• Have out-of-network benefits
• Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance
• Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement
• Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!
You can also use the tool below to check your out-of-network benefits:
Working with me
Use the calendar below to schedule a free 15 minute consultation phone call with me or contact me to schedule a video-chat consultation using the contact form!
Book a consultation with me:
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