Tara Ufer

Bio

I practice a strengths-based approach to treatment and utilize evidence-based therapies including Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I value authenticity and cultivating self-awareness in session while assisting clients to empower themselves to live intentionally and create meaning in their lives.

Experience in substance use Intensive Outpatient programs at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, as well as Inpatient Behavioral Health settings at AMITA Saint Joseph Chicago Hospital, have equipped me with tools in solution-based therapy, skill-building, and stress management. I specialize in working with adults with mood, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. I listen with the intent to truly understand, process, and navigate life and career transition, relationship issues, self-esteem, sadness, stress, grief, loss/bereavement, and self-care. I am trained in a variety of modalities to ensure I provide the most personalized treatment to each client.

I am a state of Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Addiction & Drug Counselor. I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where I concentrated on the treatment of Substance Use Disorders and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Communications from Ithaca College.

Strong communication skills and balance were fundamental while growing up in a household with five sisters. Today, I value the continuum of engaging in active listening as well as teamwork and self-reflection to be critical components in establishing healthy relationships with self and others.

In-network insurances

Blue Cross Blue Shield • Self pay • Aetna • Cigna • United •

Specialties

Addiction/Substance Abuse • Adjustment Disorder • Alcoholism • Anger Management • Anxiety • DBT/CBT • Depression • Grief and Loss/Bereavement • Life Coaching • Life Transition • Major Depressive Disorder • Mindfulness • Mood Disorders • Occupational Difficulties • Relationship Issues • Sadness • Self Esteem • Social Anxiety • Stress/Worry • Suicidal Thoughts

Hospital affiliations

• AMITA Saint Joseph Chicago

Education and training

• Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Professional memberships

• American Psychological Association
• American Counseling Association
• Women in Sports and Events

Languages spoken

• English