Meet Tamara
WELCOME!
Hello, I'm Tamara, a former flight attendant turned public school teacher who transitioned into school counseling and now private practice. With a deep understanding of the inevitable nature of change, I support both my clients and students through counseling, coaching, consultation, and psycho-educational training to help them navigate life's transitions.
At The Wellness Playground, my goal is to take an open and tailored approach to your wellness, offering services that align with your unique personality, goals, and needs. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience, I’m intentional about providing high-quality personalized wellness. I hold a Masters in Counseling, which enhances my ability to serve adolescents, young adults and adults, drawing on my extensive experience in schools, churches, and group practices throughout the DFW area.
I intentionally maintain a small practice of about 12 clients per week to ensure that I can be fully present with each client, offering the attention and personalized treatment necessary for meaningful progress. My own experiences of both failure and success allow me to serve with integrity, humility, and empathy. While I have over ten years of experience in the counseling field and am trained in various counseling techniques, I recognize that you are the expert on your own life. I honor each individual's unique lived experience and intersecting identities. I am committed to being a partner in your journey toward becoming your best, healthiest self.
When I’m not serving others, you’ll find me spending time with my family, working out, relaxing with a good book, enjoying the beach with my feet in the sand, or sipping on my favorite green tea. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation—I’d love to connect and discuss how we can work together to support your growth and wellness!
"...and when they became fully awake, they saw His glory..." -
Luke Nine: Thirty-Two
Licensed Professional Counselor, (License #90985), Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
Professional Counselor of Mental Health, (License #MI-0000204), Delaware DELPROS
Certified School Counselor, (Grades EC - 12). TX State Board for Ed. Certification
Certified Grief Counselor Specialist (CAGCS), Evergreen |PESI Inc #280206
Prepare Enrich Certified Facilitator, Prepare Enrich (Couples)
Licensed Professional Counselor, The Wellness Playground
School Based Mental Health Counselor/LPC, Texas Public Schools
Certified Life Coach, Transformation Academy
Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga & Ayurveda Center
Certified Texas Educator, (Grades EC-8) TX State Board for Ed. Certification
Master of Education (M.Ed.), Amberton University
Certified Mental Health Counselor, Lamar University
Master of Art School Counseling (M.A.), Amberton University
Clinical Counselor, (2020 - 2024), ONE Community Church
Clinical Counselor, (2023), Conscious Freedom, LLC
Member, American Counseling Association, American School Counselor Association
"The best way out is always through." - Robert Frost
What's The Difference?
Coach vs. Therapist
The major difference between therapy and life coaching is the focus of the work: therapy focuses on mental health and emotional healing, while coaching focuses on setting and achieving goals. Three questions to be mindful of:
Are my behaviors or emotions getting in the way of my daily life (therapy), or are they getting in the way of me achieving my goals (coaching)?
Are they at a level where intervention is necessary (therapy), or am I looking to ensure my thoughts and emotions stay under my control (coaching)?
Am I looking to get to a level of daily, functional behavior (therapy), or am I looking to get to a level of optimal functioning to achieve all the personal, academic and professional goals I’ve been thinking about for months or years (coaching)?
Counseling Therapy focuses on mental health and explores deep emotional trauma rooted in the past and present. Sessions vary based on the treatment modality and are not usually time-limited. Services are paid for out-of-pocket, covered by insurance or eligible for reimbursement. Coaching focuses on goals and seeks to empower and practice self discovery rooted in the present and future. Sessions often have clear structures and are often short-term. Services are paid for entirely out-of-pocket; insurance coverage does not apply.
The First Therapy Session: A Guide for New Clients
Starting therapy/counseling can be a significant step towards better mental health and personal growth. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions --- nervousness, hope, curiosity--- about what to expect. This guide will help you understand what typically happens in a first therapy/counseling session and how you can prepare.