Founder

License #- 77232

Tara Brisco, LCSW Psychotherapist

Tara Brisco, LCSW, trauma expert and Founder of Wounded Healers Inc.

“Until you make the unconscious conscious it will direct your life and you will call it fate”

-Carl G Jung

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls”

-Khalil Gibran

My journey to becoming a therapist is profoundly shaped by my own formative life experiences. In my early 20s, while pursuing a career in dance, a serious back injury dramatically altered my path. This unexpected challenge compelled me to explore new passions and ultimately led me to discover my deep desire to support others in ways I had longed for during my own adolescent struggles.

Having navigated traumatizing programs that were meant to provide help, I gained invaluable insight into the effects of inadequate care. These experiences solidified my commitment to offering genuine, empathetic support and effective therapeutic practices. My personal journey has transformed me into a Wounded Healer, dedicated to guiding clients through their healing processes with the wisdom and compassion I sought during my own early experiences.

Now based in Los Angeles, I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in health, mental health, and disabilities. My practice is grounded in social work values, emphasizing social justice, intersectionality, and cultural competence—ensuring that each client’s unique experiences are honored and integrated into their therapeutic journey. With over 15 years of dedicated service since my graduation in 2010, I champion the strengths and resilience of my clients, fostering deep healing and post-traumatic growth.

Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations across various settings—from outreach and counseling with homeless youth to therapeutic field instruction in wilderness programs and nursing homes. My experience spans residential and outpatient treatment programs focused on addiction and trauma, equipping me to provide comprehensive support for adults facing a myriad of challenges. I specialize in trauma, addiction, disordered eating, and chronic illnesses.

Known for my warm and intuitive style, I am sought after for my expertise in helping clients heal from childhood trauma and navigate complex challenges. I prioritize collaboration in my work, building a supportive network that may include psychiatrists, dietitians, coaches, and other therapeutic team members to ensure holistic care tailored to each client’s needs.

I integrate gold-standard, evidence-based techniques such as EMDR therapy, alongside approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE). These practices are complemented by meditation, mindfulness, and spirituality to enhance the therapeutic experience. Additionally, I incorporate innovative healing modalities like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy into my practice.

In the realm of addiction treatment, I employ motivational interviewing and tailor strategies such as harm reduction, abstinence, and 12-step approaches to meet clients where they are.

With personal experience managing chronic illnesses such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, mast cell activation disorder, postural orthostatic tachycardia, ME/CFS and endometriosis, I offer deep empathy and guidance to clients facing similar challenges. My background in social work, with a focus on health and disabilities, equips me to provide unique support and practical advice, empowering those living with chronic conditions to achieve their best and most functional lives. I have also successfully referred clients for evaluations of overlapping symptoms that mimic mental health disorders, leading to appropriate diagnoses and treatments that alleviated their concerns.

My approach to disordered eating and body image integrates seamlessly with other modalities, embracing principles of intuitive eating and Health at Every Size (HAES). I actively challenge diet culture to promote self-acceptance and well-being, collaborating with renowned eating disorder dietitians and nutritional therapists. My extensive supervision under Elyse Resch, co-author of "Intuitive Eating," further enriches my practice.

I invite you to connect with me to explore how I can support your journey toward resilience, recovery, and transformation—a journey that honors the profound interplay of mind, body, and spirit.