Tara R. John, MSW, LSW

Licensed Social Worker

Under the supervision of Director, Erin Goedegebuure, MA, LPC & Emeritus Director, Dr. Tony Butto, DSW, LCSW to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Tara R. John

I have over a decade of experience working with diverse populations in high-stress environments in the Marine Corps and Army National Guard. Throughout my experience, I’ve had extensive training on stress management, and I hold a certification in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills as well as Master Resilience Training. In my civilian life, I have worked with children and families with complex problems and in various environments.

When I’m not working at Courtyard Counseling Center, I enjoy working as a substitute teacher in Selinsgrove School District. I also enjoy being home with my husband, our two dogs (German Shephard and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), and our chickens. I balance my hobbies of running, lifting, reading, and even the occasional video gaming!

Practice Description

I work with a wide range of demographics including children, adolescents, and adults in partnership with parents, partners, or caregivers. My clinical interests include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression. I take a strengths-based, empowering, and empathetic approach to working with others. We work together to find solutions to problems or cope with thoughts and feelings that come with difficult issues. I work to develop mutual trust with my clients through warmth, understanding, and humor. I assist others in recognizing destructive patterns and behaviors and help them to take actions to achieve their goals in more productive ways.

Therapy should not only be helpful and rewarding, but also fun. People learn best from an experience in which they are engaged and look forward to from session to session.

Qualifications & Training

  • Years in Practice as of January 2025: 4 Years
  • Licensed Social Worker, SW138831, Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified
  • Dialectic Behavioral Therapy Certified (PESI)
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Certification (US Department of Defense)
  • Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Certification (US Department of Defense)
  • Master Resiliency Trainer Certification (US Department of Defense)

Education

  • Master of Social Work, Temple University (2021)
  • Bachelor of Social Work, Slippery Rock University (2016)