Healing Harbor Counseling, PLLC Tamara Woodard

12/15/2025

Healing Harbor Counseling, in Mesa Arizona, is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Best of 2025 Dobson Ranch Award, in the Mental Health Service category. This recognition reflects our commitment to compassionate care and the incredible community we serve. We are deeply grateful to our community for their trust and support.

Healing Harbor Counseling offers individual, family, and group counseling, as well as diagnostic ADHD and autism evaluations for ages 12 months to adults. We help with, not only overcoming the immediate challenges of today, but making changes that will lead to thriving for the future.
www.healing-harbor.com

02/16/2025

10 Tips for helping a child with processing difficulties

1. Allow time, time and more time.

Kids with slow processing speed are not lazy, they just process at a slower pace. This means they need more time to understand lessons, take quizzes and complete work outside of school. Everything from reading a book to following their parents’ instructions can take longer. That’s why it’s important they be given as much time as they need.

2. Repeat instructions and task directions.

Directions are particularly difficult to process as they require understanding and holding multiple pieces of information in working memory, long enough for them to be acted upon. Not only is repetition key, but when possible involve multiple senses to help the child understand what is required. That means reading directions aloud, showing charts and diagrams and even finished examples of work.

3. Provide outlines and summaries of lessons.

Dealing with too many details at once can cause cognitive overload for the child with slow processing speed. Teachers can help by providing summaries that highlight the main ideas and gist of a lesson and allow students to understand the big picture, before tackling the more detailed points.

4. Encourage overlearning.

Some children may feel silly reading the same thing over and over again but this kind of overlearning may be exactly what it takes for the child with slow processing speed to understand a set of directions. The same goes for repeating a lesson until it can be understood. Computers are great tools in this respect as an activity can be taken as many times as the child needs to master the material. This is particularly helpful when it comes to learning spelling and sight words and is one reason why the Touch-type Read and Spell program has proven so effective for learners with processing difficulties.

5. Get them to work it out on paper.

Trying to juggle multiple pieces of information in their head can greatly overwhelm the child with slow processing speed. It can cause him or her to quickly become frustrated with a task. Luckily, many problem solving activities at school, particularly where math skills are concerned, lend themselves to working on paper.

6. One question at a time.

When students are completing a worksheet or taking an exam that presents multiple questions on the same page, cover up all but the question being worked on. The child might to do this with his or her hand or a blank piece of paper that can be moved along as they work. This will make it easier to focus on the information that is being requested and to start a task that can seem overwhelming at first glance.

7. Shorten assignments.

These children may make more mistakes simply because their brains are already strained by having to process the task at hand. Concentrating and reducing their workload can allow them to invest more time in providing quality work. After all, there’s only so much time in the day and kids with slow processing tend to run out of it quickly!

8. Give grades for knowledge vs. performance.

A child with slow processing speed may not be able to complete the same amount of work as his or her peers. For example, it will take him longer to compose open answer items and mental stamina can give way to frustration if he is expected to generate complex responses. That’s why it’s important to evaluate him based on what he has learned vs. how much he can do.

9. Allow assignments to be completed on a computer.

Many similarities have been observed between dysgraphia, which causes difficulty in handwriting, and slow processing. Kids may struggle with understanding the way a letter is written and the necessary spacing. This can really slow a child down given the amount of tasks they are required to handwrite in elementary school. Using a computer and learning to type automatizes the writing process so ideas are translated into words via muscle memory in the hands. This reduces the potential distraction caused by the physical act of forming letters. It also gives kids access to spell-checkers.

10. Minimize background noise at school.

As with children who have ADHD, it may help to place a child with slow processing speed close to the front of the classroom so they can concentrate their attention and focus on what is being said. Visual noise in the form of busy bulletin boards should also be avoided if possible.

Above all, provide plenty of encouragement and support. It may sound like a given, but these kids need patience, understanding and time in order to be successful! (via Read and Spell.com)

Image Integrated Learning Strategies ❤️

02/15/2025

02/15/2025

Internet safety should be a top priority. FYI for parents
Rutland MA Police Department
Barre Police Department
Hubbardston Police Department
Oakham Police Department
Warren Patrolman's Association

02/11/2025

NOW HIRING
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona
Part-Time & Full Time Independently Licensed Therapist
In-Person/Hybrid
Above average compensation with a 50/50 split and increasing to a 60/40 split after a caseload of at least 20 clients per week is consistently obtained.

02/11/2025

NOW HIRING
Part-Time & Full Time Therapists
In-Person/Hybrid
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona

Healing Harbor Counseling is seeking a passionate mental health professional to join our dynamic team in Mesa. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services to a diverse clientele, including children (12 months and up), teens, young adults, families, and couples. Our practice specializes in addressing challenges related to autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, emotional regulation, attention difficulties, motivation enhancement, and self-esteem building.

Our therapeutic approach integrates multiple evidence-based modalities including:
Play and Sand Tray Therapies
• Circle of Security
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Creative Arts-Based Interventions
• CBT
• DBT
• EMDR
• Brainspotting
• Mindfulness and Guided Imagery
• Family Systems Approaches (BFST, BSFT)

What We Offer:
• Above average compensation with a 50/50 split and increasing to a 60/40 split after caseload of at least 20 clients per week is consistently obtained.
• Flexible scheduling and caseload management
• Opportunity to focus on your clinical specialties
• Welcoming, supportive office environment
• Professional growth opportunities
• Work-life balance focus
• Centrally located in Mesa off the US 60 freeway

Core Responsibilities:
• Deliver high-quality therapeutic counseling services across individual, family, and group settings
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain thorough documentation
• Collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to enhance community mental health services
• Maintain timely and accurate session documentation
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Manage personal caseload and schedule independently

Required Qualifications:
• Master's degree or higher in professional mental health counseling.
• Independently licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Demonstrated experience providing counseling and therapy to individuals with diverse mental health concerns and diagnoses.
• Specialized training or certification in specific therapeutic modalities (e.g. trauma-informed care, EMDR, CBT, DBT)
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, empathetic listening skills with clients, co-workers and supervisor.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to cultural competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health practice.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral networks for mental health services.
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills

At Healing Harbor Counseling, we acknowledge the challenges of mental health work and prioritize provider well-being. Our practice values humor, creativity, authenticity, acceptance, determination, and compassion - principles we apply not only to client care but also to supporting our team members.

Join our team and make a meaningful difference in our community while growing professionally in a supportive environment.

Call 480-430-1459
www.healing-harbor.com

02/06/2025

NOW HIRING
Part-Time & Full Time Therapist Positions Available- In-Person/Hybrid
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona

Healing Harbor Counseling is seeking a passionate mental health professional to join our dynamic team. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services to a diverse clientele, including children (12 months and up), teens, young adults, families, and couples. Our practice specializes in addressing challenges related to autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, emotional regulation, attention difficulties, motivation enhancement, and self-esteem building.

Our therapeutic approach integrates multiple evidence-based modalities including:
• Play and Sand Tray Therapies
• Circle of Security
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Creative Arts-Based Interventions
• CBT
• DBT
• EMDR
• Brainspotting
• Mindfulness and Guided Imagery
• Family Systems Approaches (BFST, BSFT)
• Strengthening Families Program
• Motivational Interviewing

Core Responsibilities:
• Deliver high-quality therapeutic counseling services across individual, family, and group settings
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain thorough documentation
• Collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to enhance community mental health services
• Maintain timely and accurate session documentation
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Manage personal caseload and schedule independently

What We Offer:
• Above average pay for all levels of experience with a 50/50 split and increasing to a 60/40 split after caseload of at least 20 clients per week is consistently obtained.
• Flexible scheduling and caseload management
• Opportunity to focus on your clinical specialties
• Welcoming, supportive office environment
• Professional growth opportunities
• Work-life balance focus
• Centrally located in Mesa off the US 60 freeway

Required Qualifications:
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Experience with mental health documentation and insurance billing
• Knowledge of community resources
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills

At Healing Harbor Counseling, we acknowledge the challenges of mental health work and prioritize provider well-being. Our practice values humor, creativity, authenticity, acceptance, determination, and compassion - principles we apply not only to client care but also to supporting our team members.

Join our team and make a meaningful difference in our community while growing professionally in a supportive environment.

Call 480-430-1459
www.healing-harbor.com

02/05/2025

NOW HIRING
Part-Time & Full Time Independently Licensed Therapist
In-Person/Hybrid
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona

Competitive compensation with above average pay for all levels of experience

Call 480-430-1459

02/05/2025

NOW HIRING
Part-Time & Full Time Therapist Positions Available- In-Person/Hybrid
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona

Healing Harbor Counseling is seeking a passionate mental health professional to join our dynamic team. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services to a diverse clientele, including children (12 months and up), teens, young adults, families, and couples. Our practice specializes in addressing challenges related to autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, emotional regulation, attention difficulties, motivation enhancement, and self-esteem building.

Our therapeutic approach integrates multiple evidence-based modalities including:
• Play and Sand Tray Therapies
• Circle of Security
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Creative Arts-Based Interventions
• CBT
• DBT
• EMDR
• Brainspotting
• Mindfulness and Guided Imagery
• Family Systems Approaches (BFST, BSFT)
• Strengthening Families Program
• Motivational Interviewing

Core Responsibilities:
• Deliver high-quality therapeutic counseling services across individual, family, and group settings
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain thorough documentation
• Collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to enhance community mental health services
• Maintain timely and accurate session documentation
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Manage personal caseload and schedule independently

What We Offer:
• Competitive compensation with above average pay for all levels of experience
• Flexible scheduling and caseload management
• Opportunity to focus on your clinical specialties
• Welcoming, supportive office environment
• Professional growth opportunities
• Work-life balance focus
• Centrally located in Mesa off the US 60 freeway

Required Qualifications:
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Experience with mental health documentation and insurance billing
• Knowledge of community resources
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills

At Healing Harbor Counseling, we acknowledge the challenges of mental health work and prioritize provider well-being. Our practice values humor, creativity, authenticity, acceptance, determination, and compassion - principles we apply not only to client care but also to supporting our team members.

Join our team and make a meaningful difference in our community while growing professionally in a supportive environment.

Call 480-430-1459
www.healing-harbor.com

02/04/2025

NOW HIRING
Part-Time & Full Time Therapist Positions- In-Person/Hybrid
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona

Healing Harbor Counseling is seeking a passionate mental health professional to join our dynamic team. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services to a diverse clientele, including children (12 months and up), teens, young adults, families, and couples. Our practice specializes in addressing challenges related to autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, emotional regulation, attention difficulties, motivation enhancement, and self-esteem building.

Our therapeutic approach integrates multiple evidence-based modalities including:
• Play and Sand Tray Therapies
• Circle of Security
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Creative Arts-Based Interventions
• CBT
• DBT
• EMDR
• Brainspotting
• Mindfulness and Guided Imagery
• Family Systems Approaches (BFST, BSFT)
• Strengthening Families Program
• Motivational Interviewing

Core Responsibilities:
• Deliver high-quality therapeutic counseling services across individual, family, and group settings
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain thorough documentation
• Collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to enhance community mental health services
• Maintain timely and accurate session documentation
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Manage personal caseload and schedule independently

What We Offer:
• Competitive compensation with above average pay for all levels of experience
• Flexible scheduling and caseload management
• Opportunity to focus on your clinical specialties
• Welcoming, supportive office environment
• Professional growth opportunities
• Work-life balance focus
• Centrally located in Mesa off the US 60 freeway

Required Qualifications:
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Experience with mental health documentation and insurance billing
• Knowledge of community resources
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills

At Healing Harbor Counseling, we acknowledge the challenges of mental health work and prioritize provider well-being. Our practice values humor, creativity, authenticity, acceptance, determination, and compassion - principles we apply not only to client care but also to supporting our team members.

Join our team and make a meaningful difference in our community while growing professionally in a supportive environment.

Call 480-430-1459
www.healing-harbor.com

02/04/2025

Part-Time & Full Time Therapist Positions- In-Person/Hybrid
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona

Healing Harbor Counseling is seeking a passionate mental health professional to join our dynamic team. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services to a diverse clientele, including children (12 months and up), teens, young adults, families, and couples. Our practice specializes in addressing challenges related to autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, emotional regulation, attention difficulties, motivation enhancement, and self-esteem building.

Our therapeutic approach integrates multiple evidence-based modalities including:
• Play and Sand Tray Therapies
• Circle of Security
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Creative Arts-Based Interventions
• CBT
• DBT
• EMDR
• Brainspotting
• Mindfulness and Guided Imagery
• Family Systems Approaches (BFST, BSFT)
• Strengthening Families Program
• Motivational Interviewing

Core Responsibilities:
• Deliver high-quality therapeutic counseling services across individual, family, and group settings
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain thorough documentation
• Collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to enhance community mental health services
• Maintain timely and accurate session documentation
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Manage personal caseload and schedule independently

What We Offer:
• Competitive compensation with above average pay for all levels of experience
• Flexible scheduling and caseload management
• Opportunity to focus on your clinical specialties
• Welcoming, supportive office environment
• Professional growth opportunities
• Work-life balance focus

Required Qualifications:
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Experience with mental health documentation and insurance billing
• Knowledge of community resources
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills

At Healing Harbor Counseling, we acknowledge the challenges of mental health work and prioritize provider well-being. Our practice values humor, creativity, authenticity, acceptance, determination, and compassion - principles we apply not only to client care but also to supporting our team members.

Join our team and make a meaningful difference in our community while growing professionally in a supportive environment.

Note: While benefits are not currently available, we offer competitive compensation based on your unique qualifications and experience.

Call 480-430-1459

NOW HIRING
Part-Time & Full Time Independently Licensed Therapist
In-Person/Hybrid
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona

Competitive compensation with above average pay for all levels of experience

Call 480-430-1459
www.healing-harbor.com

02/03/2025

NOW HIRING
Part-Time & Full Time Therapist Positions - In-Person/Hybrid
Healing Harbor Counseling, Mesa Arizona

Healing Harbor Counseling is seeking a passionate mental health professional to join our dynamic team. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services to a diverse clientele, including children (12 months and up), teens, young adults, families, and couples. Our practice specializes in addressing challenges related to autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, emotional regulation, attention difficulties, motivation enhancement, and self-esteem building.

Our therapeutic approach integrates multiple evidence-based modalities including:
• Play and Sand Tray Therapies
• Circle of Security
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Creative Arts-Based Interventions
• CBT
• DBT
• EMDR
• Brainspotting
• Mindfulness and Guided Imagery
• Family Systems Approaches (BFST, BSFT)
• Strengthening Families Program
• Motivational Interviewing

Core Responsibilities:
• Deliver high-quality therapeutic counseling services across individual, family, and group settings
• Conduct clinical assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain thorough documentation
• Collaborate with our multidisciplinary team to enhance community mental health services
• Maintain timely and accurate session documentation
• Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Manage personal caseload and schedule independently
What We Offer:
• Competitive compensation with above average pay for all levels of experience
• Flexible scheduling and caseload management
• Opportunity to focus on your clinical specialties
• Welcoming, supportive office environment
• Professional growth opportunities
• Work-life balance focus

Required Qualifications:
• Must be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Experience with mental health documentation and insurance billing
• Knowledge of community resources
• Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills

What We Offer:
• Competitive compensation with above average pay for all levels of experience
• Flexible scheduling and caseload management
• Opportunity to focus on your clinical specialties
• Welcoming, supportive office environment
• Professional growth opportunities
• Work-life balance focus

At Healing Harbor Counseling, we acknowledge the challenges of mental health work and prioritize provider well-being. Our practice values humor, creativity, authenticity, acceptance, determination, and compassion - principles we apply not only to client care but also to supporting our team members.

Join our team and make a meaningful difference in our community while growing professionally in a supportive environment.

Call 480-430-1459
www.healing-harbor.com