Dr. TarraBates-Duford (She/Her)
Marriage and Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MPhiL
Online in Florida, New York, Washington
(Online Only)
I am a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s most challenging experiences. My work focuses on trauma, familial relationships, mental health disorders, and personal growth, with a deep commitment to creating a safe and empowering space for each client.
Throughout my career, I have specialized in areas including anxiety, depression, PTSD, personality disorders, relationship challenges, and life transitions, among others. I utilize evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches to help clients process past experiences, build coping skills, and achieve meaningful and sustainable change. I also provide support for complex issues such as abuse recovery, grief, parenting challenges, and navigating identity and relational dynamics.
I am passionate about helping clients cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. My goal is to empower individuals to move beyond patterns that limit their growth, restore connection in their relationships, and develop the tools to thrive in their personal and professional lives. I approach each client with empathy, professionalism, and a focus on individualized care tailored to their unique journey.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Christian, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Object Relations Therapy Focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape current relationships. It aims to improve patterns of attachment and trust.
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Helps parents strengthen their bond with their child while learning effective strategies to manage challenging behaviors. Through live coaching, parents practice positive communication, set clear boundaries, and build a more supportive, nurturing home environment.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychoanalytic Therapy Based on Freud’s theories, it explores unconscious conflicts and past experiences. It seeks to bring hidden issues into awareness.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Helps clients challenge and replace irrational beliefs. It is an action-oriented approach for lasting change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: My approach to treatment begins with a thorough assessment of the client's needs and verbalized concerns, and the identification of action plans to address them. The approach includes comprehensive assessments, individualized treatment planning, trauma processing interventions, and family-focused therapeutic sessions designed to strengthen communication and support systems.
Education & Credentials
Dr. TarraBates-Duford PhD, LMFT, MPhiL
- Female
- License # NY-001735, FL-TPMF308, WA-LF61185678
- Licensed in NY, FL, WA
- Practicing Since 2005
Finances
Insurance
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna, BCBS, HealthFirst, TriCare, MVP, UnitedHealth Care, Cigna, Optum, Carelon, Quest, Regence Blue Shield of Washington
Dr. TarraBates-Duford Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Florida, New York, Washington