Services

Tara Graham, LICSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with decades serving Vermonters.

Tara brings over 25 years of experience working with children, adults, families, groups and organizations to her clinical work. Her work is rooted in anti-oppressive practices – including social justice/human rights, solution-focused work, motivational interviewing and, most specifically, therapeutic narrative approaches. The intent of all of Tara’s services is to help people “re-story” those narratives in their lives that may be limiting their human potential.

Narrative therapy provides opportunities for people to separate from problems they have internalized. This is done through externalizing the problem, which supports the client to develop a new relationship with the problem and approach it with curiosity and compassion. In reality, a person can never “be” the “problem.” The problem is the problem. The basis for intervention in narrative therapy is the stories we have lived, written and imagines about our lives.

Narrative Therapy is a respectful, non-blaming approach that views the client as an expert in their own life. It utilizes a variety of maps/techniques to explore known patterns and believes so that new storylines/possibilities may be realized. Some techniques Tara draws on are:

• Statement of position map
• Re-authoring map
• “Absent but implicit” practices
• Re-authoring conversations
• Remembering conversations
• Scaffolding conversations
• Definitional ceremonies, and
• Externalizing conversations

Tara has been heavily influenced by the work of Michael White and David Epston. She has had the privilege of attending many narrative therapy trainings internationally and locally. Her approach has been made richer through immersion in and exposure to the work of Johnella Bird, Maggie Carey, Shona Russell, Lorraine Hedtke,  David Denborough, Sasha Pilkington and Peggy Sax.

Borrowing from narrative therapist Jodi Aman, Tara sees herself as a “host” and strives to make you (her client/guest) feel welcome. While she will be influential, the client and the stories they bring forth are always at center.

Individual Supportive Counseling

If you are experiencing problems or issues that are getting in the way or patterns that are unhealthy and would like to form a therapeutic alliance to explore new possibilities, please be in contact.

Some of the issues people commonly speak to/about are: managing transitions throughout life, relationship problems or patterns, anxiety, depression, isolation, disconnection.

Narrative Therapy can help to restore a sense of personal agency and autonomy in ones’ life.

*PLEASE NOTE*

NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST, PLEASE REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN INITIAL 15 MINUTE CONVERSATION TO LEARN ABOUT WAITLIST AND TIMING.

Family Support

Because we are social beings by nature, we find ourselves parts of groups — our family of origin, our family we find ourselves in, communities that we belong to. At times, it may be helpful to invite a family member (whomever you identify as “family” to join sessions. In these situations, care will be provided to maintain confidentiality and the integrity of your therapeutic work. Tara will also take great care to explain to your family members the intent and honor of being invited into this therapeutic process.

Narrative approaches support people bearing witness to one another’s experiences, whether that be suffering, pain, wisdom, resilience. and offers transformative processes to support new understandings.

Group Session

Oftentimes, there are other people struggling with the same sorts of issues you are exploring. Sometimes, you may have developed particular knowledge or skills that might benefit another person. Through therapeutic alliances made with clients – an opportunity may emerge to meet in a group with others who have either resolved or struggled with similar issues. Participating in group sessions is always something you make an informed decision about during individual sessions. Tara does ask that people who consult with her remain open to this as a venue that might be transformation to themselves and for others. Standing in solidarity against oppressive thinking tends to be very restorative.

Narrative approaches are rooted in community practices that resist dominant ideologies.

Advance Care Planning

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a serious illness? Would talking with someone outside of the traditional medical setting help you and/or those you love establish goals and expectations as you navigate these new unchartered waters? Would you benefit from coaching as you navigate appointments and make critical decisions?

Tara has many years experience working with people facing serious illness or end of life. She can help you to align your values and family goals with questions for your medical team.

Reflecting Team Consultation

Reflecting Teams are structured interviews where the person being interviewed has identified other people they would like present as they share about something that was difficult for them. – this could be something that caused moral distress or required a debriefing. This could be either something personal or something that happened in relationship to others – either at home or at work or in the community.

Often the subject is something that has altered them in a burdensome way? There may be things that are left unsaid or that the person you are concerned about can’t seem to either believe or hold about themselves. If any of this rings true, consider hosting a Reflecting Team Consultation. During a Reflecting Team – a person is interviewed in the presence of people who “witness” the interview and reflect back new knowledge or understandings to the person who was interviewed. The person who was interviewed then has an opportunity to reflect back what was heard.

This can be illuminating and powerful for all those involved. Generally speaking, a reflecting team process is about 2 hours.

Contact Tara through the Contact page to explore this service.

Organizational Team Consultation

If you are experiencing a culture that is counter-intuitive to your mission and goals – whether that be at work, in a sports-team setting, in a board or advisory committee – consider inviting Tara to work with your group. Tara has many years building and supporting improved team functioning. Through assessment and interventions – she will tailor sessions to meet your unique needs.

Contact Tara through the Contact page to explore this service.

Clinical Supervision

If you are seeking private clinical supervision for your own professional development or towards clinical licensure, consider reaching out and interviewing Tara about philosophies of supervision/clinical support. She has been described as “more of a mentor” and “more like a leader than a boss” in terms of her supporting those who consult with her.

Contact Tara through the Contact page to explore this service.