Dr. Tara Saia Lewis

EDUCATION University of Florida, Ph.D. in Clinical & Health Psychology, 1993-2001 Louisiana State University, graduate studies in Psychology, 1992-1993 Mississippi State University, B.A. in Psychology, cum laude, 1988-1992 EMPLOYMENT VA North Texas Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1999-2020. Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas Vet Center, & Fort Worth VA Outpatient Clinic THERAPY APPROACHES: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL, PSYCHODYNAMIC, BEHAVIORAL Through decades of experience as a trauma-informed therapist specializing in the treatment of anxiety and PTSD with Veterans, I have learned that a variety of treatment techniques are often needed to be an effective therapist; one size does not fit all. I will use my knowledge of different techniques and skills to develop a treatment plan tailored to meet your personal needs and desired goals. My primary objective is to help patients learn how to identify and alleviate the negative impacts of anxiety and trauma from their lives. I am invested in continually learning new methods to guide patients to move beyond their past so they can embrace their lives and relationships and look forward to the future. TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY My personal and professional experiences have taught me that paths to recovery and self-improvement involve many steps and different phases. I see myself as a partner in the life journey of each of my patients. Our paths may cross only for a season or a particular reason, but the impact and lessons learned remain for a lifetime. Patients who work with me find that, together as a team, we can handle their life challenges. You will no longer be alone fighting against the world. As a therapist, I find myself serving in multiple roles with my patients; in addition to being the expert, I can be a partner, teacher, coach, collaborator, advocate, and guide. Sometimes, I am like a parent or protector; at other times, I am a listener. My efforts are focused on helping my patients achieve peace within themselves and become successful in their lives by learning more effective ways to do and think about things in order to accomplish their goals more easily. Cherished moments are witnessing my patients learn to identify and overcome trauma symptoms so that they can finally become the person they were meant to become - free of the negative impacts of trauma. To see patients succeed at creating a life worth living for themselves - by processing trauma, working through feelings, and changing behaviors (to take back what they lost and/or to gain what was missing), and for me to have been a part of their journey first-hand, has been an unparalleled joy to behold throughout my 20+ year professional career working with military Veterans. In my private practice, it's been a luxury to have continued to do this same thing with both Veterans and civilians. I believe true success as a trauma therapist is having a patient discontinue sessions because they are finding themselves handling life so well on their own they no longer need regularly scheduled therapy sessions for assistance. The most valued compliments I receive are updates from former patients, years later, reporting they are doing well -that they have maintained the gains they achieved for themselves during their time in therapy with me. I have frequently been told by my patients that they can hear my voice in their heads outside of sessions - even months and years later, and that it is comforting for them to know exactly what I might say to guide them in making healthy choices for themselves in the difficult life situations they face on their own. Isn't it time for you to have this kind of partnership with a therapist? There's no need to continue to feel overwhelmed and deal with everything on your own. If I seem like the therapist for whom you have been searching, please give me a call or send an email or text to get a free consultation. I very much look forward to meeting and talking with you to determine if I am the right person to assist you on your life's journey. READY TO BEGIN? CALL OR TEXT 817-944-1224 TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION. STILL UNSURE? KEEP READING FOR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION THAT MAY HELP YOU TO MAKE YOUR DECISION... Do you struggle with anxiety or panic attacks? Have trouble sleeping? Worry about bad things happening? Experience crying spells or anger outbursts? Use alcohol or drugs as an escape to change your mood? Feel suicidal? I often help patients with these symptoms. We can work together to resolve the underlying issues. Diagnosed with PTSD or Complex PTSD? Think past trauma is responsible for the problems you have now? If yes, it is expected that you will benefit from therapy services with me. Treating past trauma and PTSD is my specialty. Reluctant to talk about the trauma? Think this makes it worse? As a trauma-informed therapist, I have training in many techniques that can help you achieve meaningful life improvements - several do not focus on the details of past trauma. If you want to talk about it, we can. But there are effective treatment techniques that do not require this - we can start with those. Searching for a therapist who does more than just look at you and nod? Want someone who really listens? And knows what to do? Is willing to offer opinions and advice? You will get that from me. I strive for active collaboration with all of my patients. I want you to look forward to sessions with me and feel comfortable confiding in me. I'm direct, open, honest, and genuinely interested. I am there when you need me. You will not have to wonder what I am thinking, you will know because I will tell you. Been told by other doctors or therapists there is nothing more they can do? That you need to see a trauma therapist? Or that you have to learn how to live with your symptoms? This is often the case with my patients before they come to see me. No worries! Your life can be transformed by trauma-informed therapy sessions with me. My expertise with a wide variety of evidence-based therapy techniques makes me particularly well-suited to take on the most challenging of patients. My greatest joys are helping patients recover from the burdensome mental health symptoms and trauma experiences they've had interfering with their lives for as long as they can remember. This is what I do best! Are you searching for a therapist who is dedicated and really cares about their patients? Are you looking for a therapist not watching the clock or facing a computer screen? If this is what you need, then I am a match for you because I know of no other way to be a good therapist. My willingness to spend the extra time and go the extra mile translates into positive and long-lasting treatment outcomes. I see my patients as people first and foremost. And I treat them like I want myself or my loved ones to be treated. I recognize the value and importance of working as hard as each of my patients to help them achieve their goals. And I'm convinced I've enjoyed greater success with my patients because of my personal connection with them. You can expect to find your sense of hope restored while working with me. My patients begin to feel better more quickly than they thought possible. They tend to notice small positive changes early on that motivate them to continue with therapy. My patients have often told me that I'm a one of a kind of therapist and that therapy is different with me. Together, we can do this! Wondering if I can really offer you something more? Just ask me. Ready to work hard to achieve wellness? Willing to spend time at home thinking about our sessions and practicing the skills presented? If yes, then you are an ideal patient for me. You will get better. After each visit, I typically assign homework (practice exercises) to help patients achieve results at a faster pace and eventually get to where they don't need a therapist to guide them anymore. Therapy with me is an interactive process. As part of the treatment plan, I will introduce coping skills, tools and techniques; we will practice these in sessions so that you can learn to use these independently to better manage or eliminate symptoms. My goal is for you to be able to maintain the gains you achieve with me long after you have discontinued your engagement in therapy sessions. After all, our ultimate goal is life-long improvement in mental health symptoms and not life-long engagement in therapy sessions! Initial telephone consultation (up to 30-minutes) offered free-of-charge. REACH OUT TODAY! EMAIL OR CALL/TEXT DR. LEWIS AT 817-944-1224.