About me
My name is Tara, and I am a fully qualified psychotherapist and counsellor.
I specialise in supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, childhood trauma, body dysmorphia, self-esteem difficulties, and attachment issues. Alongside this, I have broad experience working with many other challenges.
My practice is rooted in a humanistic and integrative approach, meaning I tailor therapy to each individual, because I believe no single method works for everyone. Depending on your needs, sessions may include talking therapy, reframing techniques, somatic and grounding exercises, or experiential work such as the empty chair technique.
You may have found yourself here for many reasons, perhaps you’re struggling with a recent life event, seeking understanding or acceptance of past experiences, or simply sensing that something feels “off.” Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to face it alone.
My own journey with personal therapy has shaped the way I work, therefore I understand how daunting it can feel to take that first step. I offer a supportive, respectful space where you can explore your feelings without judgement and begin to make sense of your experiences. At the same time, I provide direction and challenge where it can help you grow, overcome obstacles, and work through the more difficult areas of life.
At the heart of my practice is the belief that each of us is unique, capable of change, and deserving of a relationship where we feel truly heard, understood, and valued. Together, we can create a reparative experience that empowers you to make meaningful changes and move towards your goals.
Therapy with me is open-ended, you decide the pace and duration, whether a few weeks, months, or longer-term support feels right for you.
Because finding the right therapist is so important, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation for new clients. This gives you a chance to ask questions and see if we’re a good fit before committing.
Please feel free to get in touch via email, or message. If I’m unable to answer straight away, I will always get back to you as soon as I can, usually the same day.
I look forward to the possibility of working with you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training & Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) in Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy – Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute (SPTI), including 200 clinical hours, 110 hours of personal therapy, and 70 hours of professional supervision.
- ABC Level 1 & 2 in Counselling Concepts – Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute (SPTI)
- Certificate in Trauma and the Body: Dissociation & Somatisation – Carolyn Spring
- Family & Relationship Dynamics – Hayley Rose Psychotherapy
- CPD in Working with Shame – Counselling Tutor
- Trauma Recovery Training – Welldoing CPD
- Therapy for Addiction – CPD via Counselling Tutor
- Counseling ADHD – CPD via Counselling Tutor
- Supporting Clients with Body Dysmorphia and Body Image Difficulties – CPD via Counselling Tutor
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) - CPD via Counselling Tutor
Experience
I work in private practice at Tara Leigh Psychotherapy & Counselling, supporting clients with a wide range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, childhood abuse, grief, infidelity, and dissociation.
My experience includes:
- Sue Young Cancer Support – working with clients affected by cancer, whether as patients, carers, relatives or bereaved loved ones
- HMP Service – two years as a prison counsellor, supporting male inmates with complex trauma, personality disorders, and long-standing psychological issues
- Kettering Mind – counselling clients facing mental health challenges, poverty, and racial inequality
- SAIL – providing remote therapy to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and incest
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Individual Session - £65
Student / Trainee Therapist Rate - £55
Low Income Subsidised Rate - POA
When I work
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Further information
I specialise in working with women, supporting them through the unique challenges and transitions they may face across different stages of life. As women, we can often carry the weight of societal expectations alongside our personal struggles, which can leave us feeling unheard or unseen. My role is to provide a compassionate and empowering space where you can explore these experiences, reconnect with your sense of self, and develop the tools to create meaningful change.
