Tara Amanna, M.Ed., LPC

Tara's experience includes having worked in private practice since 2012 counseling both adults and adolescents.  Tara has counseled families in their homes in addition to working in both middle school and high school settings. Being certified as a New Jersey School Counselor, a New Jersey SAC, and Licensed Professional Counselor, helps enable her to provide even more knowledge and expertise to all of her adolescent clients.

There are many different approaches that a counselor can take with individuals and families.  She looks at a client's entire life i.e. social, family, personal beliefs, environment, and genetics.  Counselors are based on the Wellness Model, meaning that she takes into consideration the stage of life you are in and where you are developmentally.

Furthermore, Tara views mental health as a continuum, where clients should be continuing to the next stage and reaching their highest quality of life.  She believes in and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  The basis of this orientation is around the concept of peoples' thoughts affecting their actions and if their thoughts change, their actions can change, even if the situation stays the same.  She uses many different strategies and techniques in this school of thought, along with borrowing from others if she believes it will be beneficial for her client.  

Tara's ability to connect with each individual client and form a warm, trusting relationship has helped her clients enjoy and take full advantage of the therapeutic process.

Degrees and Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology (William Paterson University, 2006)
Masters of Education in Counseling (William Paterson University, 2009)
Licensed Professional Counselor (NJ)
School Counselor (NJ)
Student Awareness Coordinator (NJ)
Director of Guidance (NJ)
National Certified Counselor
Approved Clinical Supervisor

Affiliations:
American Counseling Association
National Board for Certified Counselors
Bergen County Traumatic Loss Coalition
Bergen County Association of Student Assistance Counselors