Tara Bruin, AASW - Therapist in Australia

About Tara

Tara Bruin is an Accredited Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). She combines her social work background with previous experience as a school teacher to support people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief and relationship strain. Tara writes simply and kindly, and aims to make the first steps toward help feel manageable for a worried parent or carer.

She uses practical conversation and clear strategies to help people handle day-to-day pressures.

Book with Tara Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Sessions focus on what is happening now and what small changes might reduce overwhelm. Tara draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to build coping skills and shift unhelpful thinking patterns. Attachment-based ideas guide work on relationships and communication.

Tara helps people understand patterns that affect closeness and trust, and practises new ways of connecting that feel safer and more effective. Client-centred principles shape the pace and focus so people lead the topics that matter most to them. Her work often covers parenting stress, family conflict, bereavement and transitions such as separation or major life changes.

She also supports people facing chronic illness, caregiver strain, addiction concerns, and panic symptoms. Tara believes lived experience of mental illness and grief adds to her empathy and practical perspective. Tara aims to tailor each plan to the person's needs and strengths.

Conversations are straightforward and goal-focused, with realistic steps to try between sessions. The approach is collaborative, respectful and grounded in everyday problem solving.

Approaches that translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts without being ruled by them, and focuses on acting in line with personal values. ACT can suit anxiety, stress and life changes by encouraging small actions that matter. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down patterns of thinking and behaviour, then tests practical alternatives; it is useful for panic, depression and worry where clear strategies can reduce symptoms.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Tara will talk through options and tailor methods to each person's goals, preferences and day-to-day reality. Decisions about which techniques to try are collaborative and reviewed as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to give practical flexibility. Video is useful for longer therapy conversations, phone calls suit people who prefer audio only, and chat or messaging can be used for brief check-ins or when time is limited. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, parenting and caregiving commitments and reduce travel time while keeping regular contact with an appropriately qualified counsellor.

Book with Tara Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Tara specialise in?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, grief, parenting and relationship difficulties, plus issues such as addiction, trauma and coping with life changes.

How would she describe her therapeutic style?

Tara uses a straightforward, collaborative approach that focuses on practical steps and building coping skills. She combines client-centred conversation with goal-oriented strategies.

What is her professional background?

She is an AASW Accredited Social Worker and spent 16 years as a school teacher before moving into counselling work.

Where is she based and what credential does she hold?

She practises in Australia and holds accreditation with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people from other countries work with her?

She is not taking international clients and works with people located in Australia.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How do fees and starting therapy work?

Costs vary with location and session type and are billed via a subscription that can be cancelled at any time; to begin, select Start Therapy, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a session.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Stress, Anxiety
Family conflicts
Grief

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 3 years
Licensed
Languages: English

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