Tamara’s Journey to Becoming a Counselor
I was born and raised in Colorado, and nature has always been my refuge. When life feels overwhelming or disconnected, I return to the outdoors; it’s where I find grounding, peace, and renewal.
From an early age, I was a listener. Even as a child, I heard both amazing and heartbreaking stories from people I had just met. I was drawn to the deep emotional worlds of others, as well as the fascinating neuroscience of the mind. My love for the body/mind/spirit connection increased during high school, sparked by a psychology course and a life-changing teacher who supported me through the loss of my mother to cancer during my senior year.
Over the years, my passion for helping others grew through experiences such as running programs for at-risk children, tutoring, coaching, and training individuals in my previous career. Life brought me my own challenges and seasons of growth, some longer than others, and through them, I felt a clear calling to step fully into the work I was meant to do: counseling.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Organizational Behavior before realizing my heart was not in the corporate sphere. I returned to school to complete my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University, where my path toward becoming a counselor truly took root and blossomed.
Tamara’s Approach to Counseling
Today, I work with individuals of all ages, drawing from a nature-based and somatic foundation. My approach branches into equine and animal-assisted therapy, play therapy, and expressive therapies. I believe healing happens in connection – with nature, with movement, with ourselves, and with others. Some of the most profound breakthroughs I’ve witnessed have come without words, which is why I value experiential and non-verbal approaches like equine and play therapies.
At the heart of my work is the belief that I am here to walk alongside you on your journey – to offer support, compassion, encouragement, and nonjudgment as you uncover your whole, authentic self. I embrace both the healing power of laughter and the deep truth in tears and pain, and I am not afraid to gently go there with you.
My Areas of Desired Specialties
I work within the modalities of play therapy, nature based therapy, equine therapy, animal assisted therapy, emotional freedom tapping technique, talk therapy, and experiential therapy. I am interested in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults who have experienced or are experiencing:
- Trauma
- Grief/Loss
- Attachment Wounds
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life Adjustment
- Hormonal Changes
- Chronic Pain
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Self-confidence
- Personal Growth
I am also passionate about working with Veterans/military and first-responders, as I feel this is a largely missed population. Whether you’re navigating a challenging season or stepping into a new chapter, I’m here to create a safe, grounded space for growth and healing.
Memberships, Certificates, and Trainings
- M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling- Grand Canyon University
- Member of the Colorado Counseling Association
- Clinical Emotional Freedom Technique Certification (EFT/Tapping)
- Certified Veteran and Military Mental Health Professional (in progress)
- Level 3 Accreditation for Radiation Response Unit, Behavioral Health Lead, Colorado Mobile Volunteers
- Psychology First-Aid
- B.A., Psychology, Organizational Behavior Focus – Colorado Technical University
- Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies trained (in progress)