Taara Clarke, MSW, LLMSW
Professional Specialties:
Children & Adolescents
ADHD & Neurodiversity
Self-Esteem
Trauma
Emotional Regulation
Therapist
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Language(s): English
Location(s): Ann Arbor, Telehealth as needed
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Complete, Meridian, & Washtenaw Health Plan.
As a limited licensed mental health provider, Taara is unable to see clients with Blue Care Network.
Taara’s clinical work is under the supervision of Kavitha Lobo, MSW, LMSW.
Education & Training:
MSW, University of Michigan School of Social Work
Professional Interests: Taara offers individual therapy to children, helping them navigate challenges like low self-esteem, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and other life stressors. She is dedicated to addressing the intergenerational and systemic trauma that children of color and other marginalized children, such as those who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, may experience. Taara's focus on social justice means she approaches therapy in a way that honors each child’s strengths, is centered on their unique needs, and is informed by an understanding of trauma and neurodiversity. She combines these values with play therapy, attachment theory, mindfulness, and other integrative methods to support your child in a caring and effective way.
Approach to Therapy: Taara takes a collaborative and holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where children can openly explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. She understands that a child’s inner world is complex and shaped by the spaces, places, and societies they grow in, and she is dedicated to meeting each child with curiosity, using a validating, non-judgemental, person-in-environment perspective to understand their experiences.
Taara’s practice is centered on your child’s unique strengths and challenges. She takes a person-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming approach. This means she tailors her therapy to the specific needs and goals of your child, utilizing play therapy, mindfulness, sensory techniques for regulation, aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as other integrative methods like art, music, and movement.
Recognizing the vital role caregivers play in a child’s life, Taara also works to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to help your child grow and thrive.
Selected Professional Experience: Taara has over 8 years of experience working with children from ages 2-13 years old, including as a K-2nd grade teacher, a daycare teacher for children from ages 2-4, and, through her practicum at the University of Michigan School of Social work, a clinician-in-training working with children.