Hello

I'm Tara Hope, a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, a Therapeutic Emotion Regulation Coach/Consultant for Adult ADHD, and a Certified Master Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner. I 've lived and worked in the Comox Valley, BC, since 2000 with my husband and our two (now adult) children. I love helping people find their personal empowerment and unplug from limiting beliefs and draining emotions.

I'm an inclusive, affirming therapist thriving with my neurodivergence (ADHD). I have a sense of humour, I'm very creative and think outside the box as we problem-solve together. You might hear the occasional swear word and a hint of my Nova Scotian accent in our sessions.

My Story

I set out to become an Art Therapist with a PhD in Psychology back in the early 1990s after studying English Literature at Dalhousie University. I went to the University of New Brunswick and completed an Honours Degree in Psychology focusing on Women's Studies and Child Development. I was accepted into their PhD program but life and love took me to Bella Coola where I was able to become an elementary school teacher and earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education. My husband and I had two children before we moved to the Comox Valley in 2000.

As online learning opportunities opened, I was able to complete a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology (2011-2013) with a practicum as a School Counsellor at two SD71 schools. I went on to work full-time at three schools in Nanaimo for a year, deciding it was not the career for me! I opened a private practice specializing in the prevention and early intervention of disordered eating and taught a course I developed at a nutrition college in Victoria. This work was very complex and often involved working with youth and their very worried parents.

For a few years I also worked as part of a wonderful team of counsellors for a non-profit organization serving a very diverse population of clients including couples, parents, clients of all ages with a wide range of presenting problems.

Finally, I have settled back into private practice in the Comox Valley with specializations in ADHD and other life issues which I list on my specializations page. While people tend to seek me out for ADHD, I am often a very good fit for people who seek a mature, down-to-earth, open book kind of therapist who is willing and able to be direct yet always compassionate and empathetic.

I hope to meet you soon.

Sincerely,

Tara