PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

TM Portrait of Tara McClain
Online therapist

Tara McClain

Practical, person-led counseling for everyday life

Credentials
LPC
Experience
3 years
Licensed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Tara

Tara McClain is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in New Jersey. She focuses on building a trusting relationship where people feel heard and supported. Tara aims to help clients find more satisfaction and meaning in daily life while addressing practical concerns they bring to therapy.

She uses a few different approaches based on each person's goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. Solution-Focused work helps clients set small, concrete steps to move forward.

Background and approach

Narrative and Client-Centered approaches make space for personal stories and for the client to lead the conversation. Tara asks what a person wants from therapy and adapts sessions accordingly. Some people come wanting a listening ear.

Others want a clear plan or tools they can use between meetings. Sessions are collaborative so decisions are made together based on what seems most useful. Her practice addresses stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting and family concerns, self-esteem, career questions, ADHD, and related topics like life purpose and self-love.

She also works with social anxiety, phobia, and young adult issues. Tara has practiced in a personal setting for three years. She communicates in English and works with clients located in New Jersey.

She aims to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space while helping people move toward their goals.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead to create a supportive space where people can talk through what matters most. This approach helps when someone needs acceptance and a chance to clarify what they want from life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete skills to change patterns that cause distress. It is useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and practical problems where step-by-step strategies help.

Finding the best approach is a team effort. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, then try methods that match those needs. Adjustments are made as therapy progresses so the plan stays relevant and practical for the client.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options let people fit sessions into busy days, use shorter check-ins when needed, and continue care from home. For many, remote sessions make it easier to keep consistent momentum and try tools between meetings.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she help with?
She addresses stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family and parenting concerns, self-esteem, career questions, ADHD, and related topics such as life purpose and young adult issues.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is collaborative and person-led. She blends client-centered listening with practical tools so sessions can be either reflective or action-focused depending on needs.
What experience does she bring?
She has three years of practice in a personal setting working with a range of concerns and helping people develop coping strategies and plans for change.
Where is she licensed and located?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, licensed in New Jersey with license number NJ LPC 37PC00706000 and practices in New Jersey.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and preferences.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience
3 years
Licensed
New Jersey
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Tara

  • Takes a few minutes to look through
  • Nothing to set up just to read
  • Stop at any point