Approach/Specialties
Tara Donatiello is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist™ who specializes in working with children, teens, and parents. Tara is well-versed in the treatment of anxiety and behavioral challenges, as well as life adjustments, including family changes and grief/ loss. Tara has extensive experience working with individuals with ADHD and particularly enjoys working with this population.
Tara comes from a person-centered background, believing a strong relationship is a key component for positive change. Tara utilizes a variety of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, as well as exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD, to create an individualized treatment best suited for each of her clients. Tara also works closely with parents, offering support and helping them build skills to address the challenges their children are facing. Additionally, she offers SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment, including SPACE for ARFID.
Understanding and approachable, Tara provides a safe, caring environment where clients feel comfortable.
Experience and Training
Tara is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey, a Registered Play Therapist (RPT™), National Certified Counselor (NCC), a New Jersey Certified School Counselor. Tara received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Kean University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. Tara completed internships at Main Street Counseling in West Orange, NJ, and in the West Orange Public School District, where she later worked as an Elementary (K-5) School Counselor for over ten years before transitioning to working in private practice. Tara also served as the Coordinator of both the Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) Team and 504 Plan Committee and held the role of Anti-Bullying Specialist.
Tara completed extensive post-graduate training and supervision to earn her credential as a Registered Play Therapist™ from the Association for Play Therapy. Tara has also completed training in EXRP therapy for the treatment of OCD with The Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. Additionally, she is trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment, including SPACE for ARFID.
Meet the Team
