Tara Scala, LCSW

Healing from trauma is not about forgetting what happened—it’s about reclaiming your sense of safety, connection, and confidence in yourself and your life.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in helping adults heal from the lasting effects of trauma, including PTSD, childhood trauma, military-related trauma, anxiety, and difficult life experiences that continue to impact daily life.

I understand that many people seeking therapy have spent years feeling stuck in patterns of anxiety, hypervigilance, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or disconnection. Often, these experiences are rooted in past events that the mind and body have not yet had the opportunity to fully process and heal from. My goal is to help clients move beyond simply managing symptoms and toward lasting transformation.

I provide therapy for individuals experiencing:

  • Grief and Loss

  • Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Complex PTSD and Developmental Trauma

  • Childhood Abuse and Neglect

  • Military and Combat-Related Trauma

  • Anxiety and Panic

  • Stress, Burnout, and Emotional Overwhelm

My Approach to Therapy

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based trauma treatment.

I believe healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and respect. Therapy with me is not about judgment or forcing change. It is about creating a safe environment where you can explore your experiences, understand your story, and develop the tools needed to move forward.

Together, we will work at a pace that feels right for you while building resilience, increasing emotional regulation, and helping you reconnect with your strengths.

 

EMDR Therapy

I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences.

EMDR allows the brain to reprocess distressing memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming and no longer feel as though they are happening in the present.

Many clients find that EMDR helps reduce symptoms such as intrusive memories, anxiety, nightmares, emotional triggers, and negative beliefs about themselves.

 

EMDR Intensives

In addition to traditional weekly therapy, I offer EMDR Intensives for clients seeking a focused and accelerated approach to trauma healing.

EMDR Intensives provide extended therapy sessions over one or multiple days, allowing clients to make significant progress without the interruptions that can occur in weekly therapy.

Intensives can be especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, veterans, professionals, and those looking to address a specific traumatic experience in a concentrated format.

 

Veterans: A Safe Space for Healing

Veterans often carry experiences and burdens that others may not fully understand. Whether you are struggling with combat-related trauma, military sexual trauma, survivor's guilt, hypervigilance, difficulties adjusting to civilian life, or challenges in relationships, therapy can provide a safe and confidential space for healing.

I am honored to work with veterans and service members and recognize the courage it takes to seek support.

 

My Approach

I believe healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and respect. Therapy with me is not about judgment or forcing change. It is about creating a safe environment where you can explore your experiences, understand your story, and develop the tools needed to move forward.

Together, we will work at a pace that feels right for you while building resilience, increasing emotional regulation, and helping you reconnect with your strengths.

Education & Credentials:


 
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker #21157 in Arizona by the Board of Behavioral Health & Oregon Social Work Board

  • Arizona Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor

  • EMDR Certified

  • EMDR Approved Consultant in Training

  • Master's Degree in Social Work – Arizona State University

  • Bachelor's Degree in Social Work – Arizona State University

  • Cognitive Behavioral Certification in Depression – Department of Veterans Affairs