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Tamara Spears

Tamara Spears

LMSW

Experienced LMSW focused on trauma-informed care

Continue with Tamara Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.
  • Person-centered approach
  • Practical coping tools
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

About Tamara

Tamara Spears is a licensed social worker with 25 years in human services and clinical work. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, grief, and problems with sleep or eating. Her tone is warm and straightforward and she focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

She began in social services and has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. That background shaped a direct, people-first approach rather than relying on labels. Tamara describes her counseling style as person-centered, interactive, and respectful. She uses conversation to understand what matters most to each person and then builds a plan from there.

Tamara draws on several approaches to meet real-life needs. She uses Trauma-Focused Therapy when trauma is central, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and move toward them, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to change unhelpful thoughts and habits. She also incorporates Attachment-Based and Client-Centered ideas to strengthen relationships and support the person in the room.

Sessions are guided by the client’s goals, with practical tools, supportive coaching, and motivational techniques when helpful. Tamara aims to guide, encourage, and hold people accountable as they try new ways of coping and relating.

Her practice is based in Michigan. Conversations are focused, humane, and aimed at steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Approaches to online therapy and how they help

Tamara uses Trauma-Focused Therapy to help people process and reduce the impact of past trauma through focused, structured work that addresses trauma symptoms and their effects on daily life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is used to clarify personal values and build actions that align with those values, which can ease avoidance and increase meaningful activity. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in close relationships and helps people develop healthier ways of connecting and communicating.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Tamara will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort level. She adapts strategies over time, combining approaches when that best serves the client's progress.

The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so people can attend from home or between commitments. Online work can focus on the same goals as in-person care, with tools and exercises adapted for video or phone conversations.

These summaries are based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp. Listing trauma-focused therapy does not mean a therapist holds a specific certification such as TF-CBT, EMDR or CPT.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

25+ years

Credentials

Michigan

Languages

English

Licenses listed

As listed on the therapist's profile. You can check a license with the state licensing board and an NPI in the national registry.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Tamara help with?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, grief, sleep and eating problems, and related issues like isolation, codependency, and caregiver stress.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is person-centered, warm, and interactive. Conversations focus on practical steps, motivational support, and tailoring methods to each person's needs.

What experience does she bring to sessions?

She has 25 years of experience in human services, including work in inpatient and outpatient settings, which informs a grounded, practical approach to care.

What credentials and location details are available?

She holds an LMSW, identified as MI LMSW, and provides services from Michigan.

Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication; a doctor can talk with you about medical options. This directory is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988.

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