Tara Motzenbecker is a Licensed School Psychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist and a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. Tara received her Master’s degree at the University of Rhode Island in School Psychology and a second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at National Louis University. Tara has worked in a variety of public, private, charter schools and a juvenile detention center in Rhode Island, Washington DC, Maryland and Florida in various roles including teacher and school psychologist for over 15 years. In addition to many years of experience providing psycho educational evaluations, Tara has received specialized training in the social and emotional needs of the intellectually gifted.

Tara provides individual therapy for children and teens facing a variety of issues using play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral approaches. Tara works closely with parents and with the family as a whole as well. Tara is trained in EMDR and can provide EMDR to children, adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma. Tara is currently working toward her Registered Play Therapist credential. Tara is also experienced in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) working toward PCIT International certification as a PCIT therapist. Tara treats children with anxiety, Selective Mutism, attention difficulties, behavior problems, emotion dysregulation, learning challenges, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, body-focused repetitive behaviors, and trauma.

After working in the Florida public school system for many years, Tara has developed a specific passion for advocacy in the schools for children with diverse needs. She combines her knowledge of the school system requirements and procedures with her knowledge of the mental health needs of children to advocate for families in a way that allows the schools and the family to work together cohesively and in the best interest of the child. Tara is able to provide in school advocacy for families to help them secure effective educational plans. Tara also provides educational counseling services for children who need extra support to reach their full educational potential.

Tara is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists, the Florida Counseling Association, the EMDR International Association, the Selective Mutism Association and the Association for Play Therapy.

Parent and Child Psychological Services
4071 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 204
Sarasota, FL 34233
941-357-4090
www.ChildTherapySRQ.com
TMotzenbecker@ChildTherapySRQ.com