The space you need to get the care you deserve.
Meet the Therapist
Tara Mechlin, LCSW-C
Welcome to Bright Transitions Therapy! I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence based treatment that is tailored to the client’s specific needs. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of good treatment, and my approach is guided by this principle. I respect and value the trust given by clients. With over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, I have treated a broad range of conditions. I specialize in working with individuals and families impacted by trauma, adjustment, grief, anxiety, depression, ADHD and other behavioral challenges.
I received my Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland School of Social Work concentrating in clinical work with children and families. Prior to receiving my MSW, I worked in treatment foster care, and as an early childhood teacher in the public school system. In the mental health field I have worked with children, college students, young adults, parents and families. Working in a hospital-based outpatient clinic I provided individual, family and group therapy along with therapy supervision for child psychiatry fellows completing their clinical training.
My practice is informed by the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with the skills of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness, attachment theory, and solution-focused therapy. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I have also trained in several other models for treating the symptoms of trauma in children and families including Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and the Attachment Regulation and Competency (ARC) framework. I am trained in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). Therapy supervision is another area of speciality, and I enjoy training new clinicians.
My approach to therapy is strengths-based, and I believe in building from a client’s existing skillset to explore ways to grow and help themselves. I am experienced in working with children of all ages, and enjoy being able to work collaboratively with families. I also have a specific interest in helping college students and young adults navigate the stress associated with the transitional phase of life.
I appreciate the accessibility of telehealth. Having a young child myself, I understand the need for flexible scheduling and managing work-life balance. Telehealth allows me to prioritize my family while also providing individualized and comprehensive care to every client and family I work with. I am excited to work with you, and hope to help you find balance in your life.
Trauma & Adjustment
A trauma is any distressing event or experience that causes a significant impact or impairment on functioning. Some of the symptoms of trauma are changes in mood and behavior including depression and anxiety, avoidance, difficulty concentrating or focusing, intrusive thoughts, hyperviglance and re-experiencing the traumatic event. We are here to help individuals and families coping with the symptoms of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will use evidence-based tools to assess for symptoms of PTSD. Together, we will determine the most effective approach to treatment to help you process, heal and move forward with your life.
Life changes may impact an individuals’ emotions and behavior in a significant way. Bright Transitions Therapy also provides support to clients who are struggling to cope with an adjustment or transition. We will help you to identify and process the challenges. Then, we will figure out strategies to communicate and cope with difficult thoughts and feelings surrounding the adjustment.
Anxiety & Depression
The symptoms of anxiety and depression can be debilitating to your life and relationships. This can lead to hopelessness and isolation from others. You may feel that you are being held back from enjoying a happy, fulfilling and productive life. Our goal is to provide a safe space for you to feel seen and heard.
We will use the principles of CBT to help you identify the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviors. You will learn how to express and process your experiences and feelings in a healthy and productive way. Together we will find practical strategies you can use to cope with the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Bright Transitions Therapy will also offer solution-focused strategies to tackle specific life stressors.
We apply the concepts of SPACE treatment to work with parents who are coping with the challenges associated with a child who is diagnosed with anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder. SPACE is also a helpful approach for parents of transitional age youth and young adults who are experiencing challenges related to failure to launch.
ADHD & Behavioral Challenges
Living with ADHD may present challenges to your functioning at home, school and in relationships. This can have a negative impact on your confidence and self-esteem. Bright Transitions Therapy uses a strengths-based approach when treating ADHD. We provide clients and families with useful tools and strategies to manage the symptoms of ADHD and thrive in all areas of life.
Bright Transitions Therapy also works with parents and children coping with challenging behaviors that may disrupt life at home or in other environments. We work together with parents and children to form realistic behavioral goals and attainable strategies to achieve them. Our objective is to help facilitate behavioral compliance while maintaining a safe, supportive and connected parent-child relationship.
Sometimes kids experience emotional or behavioral challenges at school. We are available to work collaboratively with you and your child’s school to help insure that they are getting the appropriate supports to be successful in the school environment.
Social & Communication Skills
You may be having difficulty communicating with others and building meaningful connections in your life. We are available to help you identify patterns or barriers preventing you from communicating effectively at home, school, work or in social settings. Together we will practice the skills of assertive communication in order to foster self confidence and build healthy and fulfilling relationships.
Bright Transitions Therapy is available to run social skills groups for children and adolescents depending on need and interest level. Please contact us to inquire about current opportunities for participation in group therapy.