Tara Luhtanen

About me

Hi, I'm glad you’re here! Counselling is about the whole you, because problems do not exist alone, but always within the greater context of life. As a dedicated mental health professional, I am passionate about fostering growth, healing and resilience, and compassionately meeting you where you're at without judgement. I can help to support you through challenging times, with understanding emotions, problem-solving, finding motivation, the voice of perfection, suffering under 'the shoulds', with changing patterns, self-discovery, procrastination, seeking healing, the voice of guilt, loneliness, discrimination, trauma, improving or figuring out relationships, negotiating boundaries, grief and loss, life transitions, finding self-compassion, and more. I work alongside you to find your voice and live by your own values, because when we get clearer about what we want for ourselves, it can become easier to live by those intentions (and harder not to!). By asking questions of the problem, it can start to lose its power; we can do that together in non-pathologizing ways. The problem is the problem - you are not the problem. And remember that you also possess strengths and responses that have gotten you to where you’re at today (we'll notice those too!). So bring all that you've been up against and we'll be full of curiosity about what has been getting in the way of the kind of day you actually want to have. I offer a welcoming, attentive, and purposeful session, centred around your unique experiences, and never one-size-fits-all. Let's focus on what you want to talk about. I’m a registered social worker with a Master’s degree in clinical practice. My approach is conversational and grounded in Narrative therapy practices. Anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC affirming. We'll start with a free consultation to determine fit for working together, connect with me and we'll find a time to meet. Please be located within your province of residence of Alberta or Ontario. I look forward to talking with you, Tara