Tara McCaffery, Counsellor, MA, RCC

I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria. I have over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through a variety of life challenges. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Meditation Instructor, EMDR Basic Practitioner, and OCD specialist, I take a holistic approach to counselling and wellness, drawing from a range of evidence-based modalities to meet each client's unique needs. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of counselling settings, including private practice, school districts, provincial correctional facilities, First Nations communities, and the BC Schizophrenia Society. I support clients experiencing OCD, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and everyday life stressors. Clients often describe me as having a calming and supportive presence. My primary areas of specialization include EMDR, OCD treatment, and couples counselling. Professional Associations I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I am also a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). Counselling Modalities My training and certifications include: - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - Mindfulness-Based Approaches - Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) - Meditation Instruction - Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies - San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Completing my education while raising my young son was very challenging but also rewarding. Growing up I experienced anxiety and I was surprised how much speaking with a therapist allowed me to develop self-awareness and agency over my life. This sparked an interest for me in this work and a passion for creating safe spaces for people to explore their personal journeys. When I am not in the office, I can be found enjoying time at the gym, hiking, playing soccer, traveling, and watching my son play hockey and lacrosse. Clinician competencies: • ADHD • Alcohol Abuse • Anger Management • Anxiety/Generalized Anxiety Disorder • Bipolar Disorder • Body image/Body Dysmorphia • Burnout • Chronic Disease Management • Depression/Dysthymia/Major Depressive Disorder • Emotion Regulation • Encopresis/Enuresis • Erectile Dysfunction • Excoriation/Dermatillomania (Skin picking) • Gender Dysphoria • Health Anxiety • Insomnia • Internet addiction • Misophonia • Motor Vehicle Accidents • Non-substance/behavioural addictions • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder • Pain Management • Panic Disorder • Parental support/coaching • Perfectionism • Performance Anxiety • Phobias • Relationship issues • Return to Work/WSIB • Seasonal Affective Disorder • Self-esteem • Self-harm • Social Anxiety • Stress • Substance Use • Suicidality • Test Anxiety • Trauma/PTSD • Trichotillomania (Hair pulling) • Vocational interests/Coaching • Anxiety/Mood Med Withdrawal • Women's health Populations served: • Adolescents • Adults • BlueCross clients • Caregivers • Couples • Families • Family Health Teams • First Responders • Groups • Health care professionals • Return to Work/WSIB Clients • Seniors (65+) Treatment modalities: • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy • Cognitive Processing Therapy • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy • Emotion Focused Therapy • Exposure and Response Prevention • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing • Internal Family Systems • Meditation Instruction • Mindfulness Therapy • Narrative Therapy • Psychoanalytic therapy • Solutions focused treatment • Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies • Trauma Informed Treatment Please note that our associates work with many presenting issues, some of which are not listed in this biography. Please speak to our intake team at 416-363-4228 for more information.