About Tara

I’m Tara Macdonald, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker providing individual therapy to adults, with a particular clinical interest in grief, bereavement, significant loss and life transitions.

My approach to therapy recognises that difficult experiences rarely affect just one part of our lives. Grief, trauma and mental health difficulties can influence our relationships, identity, physical wellbeing, work, daily functioning and our sense of what the future was supposed to look like.

I aim to provide a therapeutic space where you can speak openly about your experiences without feeling judged, rushed or expected to have everything figured out. Therapy is collaborative and tailored to what is important to you, recognising that each person's experiences, circumstances and reasons for seeking support are different.

My Approach to Therapy

Connection, trust and transparency are central to the way I work.

I believe effective therapy involves more than applying a particular technique. It begins with understanding you as a person — your experiences, relationships, strengths, challenges, values and the broader circumstances influencing your life.

My practice is person-centred, trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based approaches. Depending on your individual needs, therapy may draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing and other therapeutic approaches.

Rather than expecting you to fit within one particular model of therapy, I draw on different approaches to support the work we are doing together.

Professional Background

My approach has been shaped by years of experience working across community mental health, psychosocial disability and private clinical practice.

Working alongside people experiencing complex mental health concerns has reinforced the importance of looking beyond symptoms alone. Mental health is influenced by our relationships, experiences, environment, physical health, social circumstances and sense of identity and belonging.

My professional experience is complemented by lived experience, which contributes to the compassionate, practical and grounded way I approach therapeutic work while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

Qualifications & Professional Development

I hold a Master of Social Work (2018) and a Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling) from the University of the Sunshine Coast and am accredited as a Mental Health Social Worker and registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Ongoing professional development is an important part of my practice. I regularly engage with current research, clinical education and professional learning to ensure my work remains contemporary, evidence-informed and consistent with professional social work standards.

Working Together

I work with adults aged 18 years and over experiencing grief, loss, trauma and a range of mental health and emotional difficulties.

You do not need to know exactly what you want from therapy before making contact. Sometimes the starting point is simply recognising that something has changed, feels difficult to carry, or is affecting the way you are living your life.

Therapy provides an opportunity for us to understand that together and determine what may be helpful for you.