My name is Tamara Anderson and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle. Below is a summary of my education and over thirty years of professional experience.
Education
I hold a Master of Education degree in Counseling (Seattle University, 1995) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Religious Studies minor (Gonzaga University, 1991). Continuing education per licensing requirements includes thirty-six hours every two years, upon which I stay current.
Professional History
I have worked for the University of Washington, Department of Psychology, on a research project called Families and Schools Together. I served as a research assistant and educational consultant conducting student social skills groups, parenting support groups, academic tutoring, in-home family interviews, classroom lessons, and teacher consultation for children at risk for violence and academic failure.
I have also worked as a school counselor, in both public and private school settings, where I conducted observations and student assessments and delivered social and emotional support for children and their families. I provided one-on-one student counseling, as well as small group counseling and classroom guidance lessons to promote overall student well-being. Of particular joy was supporting teachers and parents with the everyday and unique challenges inherent to their roles in children’s lives.
More recently, I served as an adjunct instructor at Seattle University teaching and mentoring emerging school counseling professionals in the graduate program for counseling and school psychology. I have performed supervisory functions both on-site (in the schools), as well as in the university.
Currently
As a licensed mental health counselor in private practice since 2010, I provide psychotherapy for individuals and consultation with parents. While in the past, I’ve enjoyed longstanding success working with people across the entire developmental spectrum, from early childhood to older adults, I am currently focusing my practice on people eighteen years and up.
Additional Certification/Affiliations/Volunteer Work
I have completed additional professional studies in the psychology of Alfred Adler and I am a member of the American Counseling Association. With extensive training in the area of domestic abuse, I have volunteered with the Victim Support Team of the Seattle Police Department. I also provide limited pro bono services through A Home Within, an organization linking foster youth and young adults with long-term counseling services. I have volunteered recently in the Emergency Sanctuary for Amara, a not-for-profit serving children in foster care and the families who care for them and I have provided long-term in-home eldercare.