Tavia received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and is licensed in the state of Illinois. She has been working with individuals, couples and groups, in a variety of clinical settings, including student health centers, community counseling centers, and private practice, for over 20 years. Among Tavia’s professional interests are women’s issues, life transitions (relationships, having children/parenting, education and career changes, loss), shame, family systems, trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. While her background in psychodynamic therapy greatly informs her work, Tavia uses a collaborative, compassionate approach, integrating cognitive-behavioral and strength-based interventions when appropriate. In addition, Tavia has received training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and will utilize it in therapy when clinically indicated.
“I believe that therapy can play an important role in enhancing one’s overall well-being in order to live a richer, more satisfying life. Above all, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where my clients can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, without fear of being judged or rejected. I encourage my clients to have compassion for themselves, to reduce shame-based behaviors, and explore areas for personal growth. With gentle guidance, I work with clients’ existing strengths to find pathways through ‘stuck’ places, and make positive changes in their lives.”
