Tara Sanders, MSW, LSW | Therapist (Denver, CO)

Tara is a licensed social worker who strives to approach children, youth, families, and adults with empathy, patience, compassion, and creativity. She believes in using a collaborative and person-centered framework to highlight strengths as a foundation for self-exploration and growth. Through evidence-based and experiential modalities such as child-centered play therapy, DBT, narrative therapy, and art-based techniques, Tara hopes to support each client and family in navigating life's challenges.

Tara has a background in supporting children and adolescents with ADHD, ASD, anxiety, trauma-related presentations, and other emotional or behavioral needs. She takes a strengths-based approach, using each child's interests, abilities, and passions to help develop goals, build skills, and foster success at home, school, and in relationships. Tara works collaboratively with families to highlight their existing strengths and to build practical and realistic strategies for facilitating communication, emotional regulation, and overall family connection.

Tara also has experience in supporting adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. She is committed to creating an affirming, inclusive, and supportive space for LGBTQ+ clients where they can feel safe and respected.

Before pursuing her graduate degree, Tara spent 12 years as an elementary educator. She worked closely with diverse populations, including newcomer and refugee families, children experiencing housing and food insecurity, children navigating mental health challenges, and twice-exceptional populations. These experiences have deepened her understanding of child development, the unique strengths and needs of neurodivergent children, and the importance of family engagement and advocacy.

Tara is passionate about building warm and authentic therapeutic relationships, and creating safe, supportive spaces. As a parent herself, she understands how difficult it can be to ask for help, whether for oneself, a child, or for one's family. Her goal is to collaborate with each client so that they can feel understood, seen, and empowered in their therapeutic journey.